Translation guide
The English word "libel" refers to a false and defamatory written statement. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, various terms cover defamation, slander, and legal concepts. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context.
To refer to the act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements, without strict legal distinction between written and spoken.
The most common and general term for defamation, covering both libel and slander. Used in legal and everyday contexts.
彼は名誉毀損で訴えられた。
He was sued for defamation.
Refers to slander or defamatory remarks, often used for online or verbal attacks. Implies malicious intent.
ネット上での誹謗中傷が問題になっている。
Online defamation has become a problem.
A shorter term for slander or defamation, often used in compounds. Less formal than 名誉毀損.
それは単なる中傷だ。
That's just slander.
To specifically refer to libel as a written or published false statement, often in legal settings.
Literally 'defamation by document', used to distinguish written libel from spoken slander in legal contexts.
文書による名誉毀損は刑事罰の対象となる。
Written defamation is subject to criminal penalties.
A legal term specifically for libel (written defamation). Rarely used outside legal documents.
文書誹毀罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for libel.
To refer to spoken defamation, as opposed to written libel. Useful for contrast.
Literally 'oral defamation', used to specify slander in legal contexts.
口頭による名誉毀損も罪になる。
Oral defamation is also a crime.
A legal term for slander. Rarely used outside legal documents.
口頭誹毀は立証が難しい。
Slander is difficult to prove.
To express the action of making a libelous statement.
The standard verb phrase meaning 'to defame'. Can be used for both libel and slander.
彼は新聞で私の名誉を毀損した。
He libeled me in the newspaper.
To slander or make defamatory remarks, often with a nuance of malicious attack.
彼女は同僚を誹謗中傷した。
She slandered her colleague.
A shorter verb meaning 'to slander' or 'to defame'.
彼は私を中傷するようなことを言った。
He said things that slandered me.
名誉毀損 (meiyokison) is the formal legal term for defamation, covering both libel and slander. 誹謗中傷 (hibōchūshō) is more colloquial and often used for malicious online comments or verbal attacks. In everyday conversation, 誹謗中傷 is common, but in legal contexts, 名誉毀損 is preferred.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'libel' in all contexts. Using 名誉毀損 is generally safe, but be aware that it covers both written and spoken defamation. If you need to specify written form, use 文書による名誉毀損.
その記事は名誉毀損に満ちていた。
The article was full of libel.
彼は新聞社を名誉毀損で訴えた。
He sued the newspaper for libel.