Translation guide
The English word "violence" covers physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill, as well as intense or destructive force in non-physical contexts. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 暴力 (bōryoku), but other words and expressions are used depending on the type of violence, context, and nuance.
Physical force used to harm people, animals, or property.
The standard, general term for physical violence. Used in legal, news, and everyday contexts.
Violence is never acceptable.
He used violence.
Refers to assault or physical attack, often used in legal contexts. More specific than 暴力.
He was arrested for assault.
Rough, violent behavior; can imply disorderly conduct or physical roughness. Often used as a suru-verb (乱暴する).
He got drunk and became violent.
violent language
Armed force, military power. Used in contexts of war, conflict, or state violence.
We should avoid resolving this through violence (armed force).
Violence occurring within the home or between intimate partners.
Domestic violence, often abbreviated as DV (ディーブイ). Refers to violence within the family, including spousal and child abuse.
Domestic violence is increasing.
Common abbreviation for domestic violence, widely understood in Japan.
domestic violence victim support center
Harsh, abusive language or psychological harm.
The strength or destructive effect of something non-physical, like emotions, natural phenomena, or actions.
Intensity, fierceness, violence (of wind, emotion, etc.). Used for natural force or strong emotions.
I was surprised by the violence of the storm.
the violence of his anger
Fierceness, intensity; often used for extreme natural forces or vigorous actions.
the violence of the typhoon
The violent nature or character of something, often used in critical or analytical contexts.
The violence of the movie became an issue.
The loanword バイオレンス (baiorensu) is sometimes used in Japanese, but it mainly refers to a genre of entertainment (violence in movies, games) or is used in compound terms like バイオレンスゲーム. It is not the natural word for real-world physical violence. Use 暴力 instead.
暴力 is the general term for violence as a concept or act. 乱暴 emphasizes rough, disorderly behavior and can also be used as an adjective (乱暴な) meaning 'rough' or 'violent' in manner. 乱暴する means 'to act violently' or 'to rough someone up'.
Moral harassment, a loanword often used for psychological bullying or emotional abuse, especially in workplace contexts.
I'm suffering from moral harassment at work.