Translation guide
The English word 'bribe' can be a noun (the money or favor given) or a verb (the act of giving it). Japanese has distinct words for each, and the most common expressions are 賄賂 (わいろ) for the noun and 賄賂を贈る (わいろをおくる) for the verb. This guide covers natural ways to talk about bribery in Japanese.
Referring to the thing given to influence someone's actions, especially in business or politics.
The standard, neutral word for a bribe. Used in news, legal contexts, and everyday conversation.
彼は賄賂を受け取った。
He took a bribe.
賄賂が発覚した。
The bribe was discovered.
A colloquial, slightly old-fashioned term for a bribe, literally 'under the sleeve'. Implies a secret, underhanded payment.
役人に袖の下を渡す。
Slip a bribe to an official.
A gift given to curry favor, often in business or social settings. Not always illegal, but can function as a bribe. Common in traditional gift-giving culture.
お中元やお歳暮は付け届けの一種だ。
Mid-year and year-end gifts are a kind of bribe/gift.
The act of giving a bribe to influence someone.
The most common way to say 'to bribe'. Literally 'to send a bribe'. Used in formal and informal contexts.
彼は警察官に賄賂を贈った。
He bribed a police officer.
賄賂を贈って契約を取った。
He got the contract by bribing them.
Literally 'to hand over a bribe'. Slightly more casual than 贈る, emphasizing the physical act of giving.
こっそり賄賂を渡した。
He secretly handed over a bribe.
Means 'to buy off' or 'to bribe' in a more systematic way, often used for corrupting officials or companies. Implies a larger scale.
その政治家は企業に買収された。
The politician was bribed by the company.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to use a bribe'. Similar to 'grease someone's palm'.
あの店はいつも袖の下を使っている。
That shop always uses bribes.
The act of receiving a bribe.
Standard phrase for 'to accept a bribe'.
彼は賄賂を受け取ったことを認めた。
He admitted taking a bribe.
More casual way to say 'to receive a bribe'. もらう implies getting something from someone.
あの役人は平気で賄賂をもらう。
That official takes bribes without hesitation.
Describing a person or system that can be bribed.
Means 'corruption' (noun). Often used in compounds like 汚職事件 (corruption scandal).
汚職事件で逮捕された。
He was arrested in a corruption scandal.
Means 'corrupt' (adjective), often describing a system or organization.
腐敗した政府を改革する。
Reform a corrupt government.
The English loanword ブライブ is not used in Japanese. Always use 賄賂 or other native terms.
賄賂 is the standard, formal term used in news and legal contexts. 袖の下 is a colloquial, slightly dated expression that adds a nuance of secrecy and underhandedness. Use 袖の下 in casual conversation or to sound colorful, but stick to 賄賂 in serious discussions.
彼は賄賂を受け取っているところを見つかった。
He was caught taking bribes.