Translation guide
Defamation refers to damaging someone's reputation through false statements. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific legal terms and everyday expressions for slander or libel.
To refer to the act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements, in a general sense.
The standard legal and general term for defamation, covering both libel and slander. It literally means 'damage to honor/reputation'.
彼は名誉毀損で訴えられた。
He was sued for defamation.
その記事は名誉毀損にあたる可能性がある。
That article could constitute defamation.
Refers to slander or malicious defamation, often used in compounds like 誹謗中傷 (ひぼうちゅうしょう). It emphasizes the act of speaking ill of someone.
To specifically refer to spoken defamation, as opposed to written.
Literally 'oral defamation', used in legal contexts to distinguish slander from libel.
口頭による名誉毀損も罪になる。
Oral defamation is also a crime.
To specifically refer to defamation in written or published form.
Literally 'documentary defamation', used in legal contexts to refer to libel.
文書による名誉毀損で告訴された。
He was charged with libel.
To describe the action of speaking ill of someone, often in casual contexts.
Common word for 'badmouthing' or 'speaking ill'. Not a legal term, but used in everyday situations.
彼はいつも人の悪口を言っている。
He's always badmouthing people.
Refers to 'backbiting' or talking behind someone's back, a form of defamation in social contexts.
A verb meaning 'to slander' or 'to defame', often used in literary or formal contexts.
名誉毀損 (めいよきそん) is the formal legal term for defamation, while 誹謗中傷 (ひぼうちゅうしょう) is a broader, more colloquial term for slander and malicious gossip, often used in media reports about online harassment.
English 'defamation' is often translated directly as 名誉毀損, but in casual conversation, Japanese speakers are more likely to use 悪口 (わるぐち) or 陰口 (かげぐち) for everyday badmouthing. Using 名誉毀損 in casual contexts can sound overly formal or legalistic.
彼は名誉毀損で非難された。
He was accused of defamation.
偽りの噂を広めることは名誉毀損の一種だ。
Spreading false rumors is a form of defamation.
ネット上の中傷が問題になっている。
Online defamation has become a problem.
A common compound meaning 'slander and defamation', often used for malicious online comments or gossip.
誹謗中傷は許されない。
Defamation and slander are unforgivable.
陰口を言うのはやめなさい。
Stop talking behind people's backs.
He said things that slandered his colleague.