Translation guide
In Japanese, workplace bullying is commonly referred to as パワハラ (power harassment) or 職場いじめ. The concept is widely recognized, and there are specific terms for different types of harassment. The most natural way to express this depends on the nature of the bullying.
To refer to bullying or harassment in a workplace setting in general.
Abbreviation of 'power harassment'. This is the most common and widely understood term for workplace bullying, especially when it involves abuse of authority.
I'm suffering from workplace bullying by my boss.
Literally 'workplace bullying'. This is a more general term that covers all forms of bullying, not just from superiors.
I quit my job because of workplace bullying.
Abbreviation of 'moral harassment'. Refers to psychological bullying or emotional abuse, often in the workplace.
I'm yelled at every day by a boss who engages in moral harassment.
To specifically refer to bullying or harassment by someone in a position of authority.
To refer to bullying by coworkers or peers, rather than by a superior.
To refer specifically to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Abbreviation of 'sexual harassment'. The most common term.
I attended a training session on preventing sexual harassment.
To refer to harassment or bullying related to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare leave.
Abbreviation of 'maternity harassment'. A common term in Japan.
I was forced to quit due to maternity harassment.
The full term, used in formal discussions.
Maternity harassment is an unacceptable act.
パワハラ specifically refers to harassment by a superior, while 職場いじめ can include bullying by colleagues or even subordinates. Use パワハラ when the bully is in a position of power, and 職場いじめ for general workplace bullying.
Power harassment is bullying from a superior to a subordinate.
Workplace bullying can also occur among colleagues.
Terms like パワハラ, セクハラ, and マタハラ are widely used in everyday conversation and media. The full forms (パワーハラスメント, etc.) are more common in legal or formal documents.
あの部長、パワハラで訴えられたらしいよ。
I heard that department head got sued for power harassment.
Bullying in the workplace is unacceptable.
The full term, used in formal or legal contexts.
Sexual harassment is prohibited by law.