Translation guide
The act of deliberately damaging or destroying property, especially public property. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 破壊行為 or the verb 荒らす, but the best choice depends on the context and target.
To refer to the act of deliberately damaging or destroying property, especially public or private property, without specifying the target.
Vandalism in parks is increasing.
Legal term for 'property damage', often used in criminal charges. More specific to damaging objects rather than places.
He was arrested on suspicion of property damage.
Refers to acts of vandalism or trolling, especially online (e.g., defacing websites) or in shared spaces. Can also mean 'devastation'.
The bulletin board was hit by vandals.
Loanword from English, used in academic or artistic contexts (e.g., art vandalism). Not common in everyday speech.
An act of vandalism occurred at the art museum.
To describe the action of deliberately damaging or defacing something.
Common verb meaning 'to vandalize', 'to trash', or 'to ravage'. Used for physical spaces, online spaces, and gardens.
Someone vandalized the school.
The site was vandalized.
Specifically means 'to graffiti' or 'to scribble on'. Used when the vandalism involves writing or drawing.
He graffitied the wall.
Means 'to damage' or 'to scratch'. Used for minor acts like keying a car or scratching surfaces.
Means 'to destroy'. Stronger than 'vandalize', implies breaking something completely. Use with caution.
They destroyed the statue.
To refer to malicious editing or defacement of websites, wikis, or digital content.
荒らす implies messing up or defacing, while 破壊する means complete destruction. For typical vandalism (graffiti, breaking windows), 荒らす is more natural. Use 破壊する for total demolition.
The park was vandalized (trashed).
The building was destroyed.
The loanword ヴァンダリズム is rarely used outside academic or art contexts. In everyday Japanese, use 破壊行為 or 荒らし.
My car was vandalized (scratched).
Vandalism is prohibited.