Translation guide
The English word 'trolling' refers to the act of deliberately provoking or upsetting others online for amusement. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and phrases capture specific aspects of trolling behavior, from mild mischief to malicious harassment.
He is trolling the forum.
Don't feed the troll.
To describe the general act of posting inflammatory, off-topic, or disruptive messages to get a reaction.
The most common term for online trolling or disruptive behavior. It can refer to both the act and the person (a troll). Often used as a noun or with する to mean 'to troll'.
The forum is being trolled.
He often trolls forums.
Literally 'fishing', this refers to baiting people into responding, often by posting deliberately provocative or false statements. It emphasizes the act of luring someone into an argument.
Means 'incitement' or 'provocation'. It can be used for trolling that aims to stir up anger or conflict, often in comment sections or social media.
A more formal term for 'trolling behavior', often used in rules or reports.
Trolling is prohibited.
A direct loanword from English, sometimes used in gaming or online communities, but less common than native terms.
When trolling involves spreading fake news or hoaxes to deceive others for fun.
Again, 'fishing' is the go-to term for baiting people with false information. It implies the poster knows it's not true and is waiting for reactions.
That news is just trolling, so don't spread it.
Loanword for 'fake news'. While not exclusively trolling, it can describe the content used in trolling.
Means 'false rumor' or 'hoax'. It can be used for trolling that involves spreading baseless rumors.
When trolling crosses into targeted harassment, cyberbullying, or stalking.
Literally 'net bullying'. This is the standard term for cyberbullying, which can include severe trolling.
He was sued for online harassment (trolling).
General term for 'harassment'. When modified with ネット or オンライン, it specifies online harassment.
Refers to stalking behavior, which can include persistent trolling or following someone across platforms.
His persistent messages are stalking (trolling).
荒らし is a broader term for any disruptive online behavior, including spamming or vandalism. 釣り specifically refers to baiting people into reacting, often with false or provocative statements. If someone is posting nonsense to ruin a discussion, it's 荒らし. If they're trying to trick people into an argument, it's 釣り.
The troll post was deleted immediately.
Don't fall for that trolling.
The English word 'trolling' is sometimes used as-is in Japanese (トロール), but it's not widely understood outside of certain online communities. Using 荒らし or 釣り is much more natural and clear.
That's just trolling. Don't take it seriously.
He's famous for his trolling posts.
彼のコメントはただの煽りだ。
His comment is just trolling.
あの人はただのトロールだ。
That person is just a troll.
He often enjoys spreading fake news as trolling.
That's a hoax (trolling). Don't believe it.
His actions are online harassment (trolling).