Translation guide
The English verb 'inflict' means to cause something unpleasant or harmful to happen to someone or something. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent. Instead, learners should use verbs that match the specific type of harm or imposition, often with passive or causative constructions.
To cause bodily harm, wounds, or physical damage to someone.
Literally 'to make someone bear/carry (an injury, burden)'. Commonly used for inflicting wounds or injuries.
彼は相手に重傷を負わせた。
He inflicted serious injuries on his opponent.
General verb meaning 'to give'. When used with words like 損害 (damage) or 苦痛 (pain), it can mean 'inflict'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
台風は大きな被害を与えた。
The typhoon inflicted great damage.
Means 'to add' or 'to apply'. Used for inflicting harm, violence, or pressure. Often in the pattern ～に危害を加える.
彼は動物に危害を加えた。
He inflicted harm on the animal.
To cause mental anguish, distress, or emotional wounds.
Used with nouns like 苦痛 (pain), 悲しみ (sorrow), トラウマ (trauma).
その言葉は彼女に深い悲しみを与えた。
Those words inflicted deep sorrow on her.
Can be used metaphorically for emotional burdens, like 心の傷を負わせる (inflict emotional scars).
その経験は彼に深い心の傷を負わせた。
That experience inflicted deep emotional scars on him.
To force someone to undergo something undesirable, such as a penalty, fine, or difficult task.
Specifically used for imposing penalties, fines, taxes, or duties. Often in the pattern ～に～を科す.
裁判所は彼に罰金を科した。
The court inflicted a fine on him.
Similar to 科す, but more common for taxes, assignments, or obligations. Often used in official contexts.
政府は国民に重税を課した。
The government inflicted heavy taxes on the people.
Broadly used for imposing damage, punishment, or influence. Less formal than 科す/課す.
To force one's company or presence on someone in an unwelcome way.
Means to go somewhere uninvited or to impose oneself. Often used for visiting without notice.
彼は突然私の家に押しかけてきた。
He inflicted himself on me by showing up at my house unannounced.
General phrase meaning 'to cause trouble/inconvenience'. Can be used when someone imposes their presence or problems on others.
彼はいつも他人に迷惑をかける。
He always inflicts himself on others.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'inflict'. The best choice depends on what is being inflicted (harm, pain, punishment, etc.) and the context. Using 与える is a safe general option, but more specific verbs like 負わせる or 科す are often more natural.
Japanese often uses passive or causative forms to express the idea of having something inflicted upon someone. For example, 被害を受ける (to suffer damage) or 罰を受けさせる (to make someone receive punishment).
彼はチームに迷惑を与えた。
He inflicted trouble on the team.