Translation guide
The English verb 'persecute' refers to subjecting someone to hostility or ill-treatment, especially because of their identity or beliefs. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several verbs and phrases that differ in nuance, from formal legal terms to everyday expressions of bullying or harassment.
To subject a group or individual to ongoing, often institutionalized, hostility or ill-treatment because of race, religion, political views, etc.
The most direct and common translation for 'persecute' in the sense of systematic oppression. Used for religious, political, or ethnic persecution.
その少数民族は長年迫害されてきた。
That ethnic minority has been persecuted for many years.
They fled from religious persecution.
Implies suppression or oppression, often by authorities. Used for political persecution, crackdowns on dissent, or suppression of groups.
政府は反対派を弾圧した。
The government persecuted the opposition.
A literary term meaning to oppress or tyrannize. Conveys a sense of cruel, prolonged mistreatment. Less common in everyday speech.
弱い者を虐げてはいけない。
You must not persecute the weak.
To subject someone to persistent harassment, bullying, or torment, often on a personal level rather than institutional.
The most common word for bullying or tormenting someone. Covers a wide range of harassment, from school bullying to workplace harassment.
彼は学校でいじめられている。
He is being persecuted (bullied) at school.
彼女は同僚にいじめられて会社を辞めた。
She was persecuted (harassed) by her colleagues and quit her job.
Means 'to harass' or 'to do spiteful things'. Focuses on the act of causing annoyance or distress, often repeatedly.
隣人から嫌がらせを受けている。
I am being persecuted (harassed) by my neighbor.
Means to cause trouble or worry, to pester. Can be used for persistent annoyance that feels like persecution.
To subject someone to legal action or punishment in a way that is unjust or oppressive.
A formal legal term meaning to prosecute or indict. Often used when someone is unfairly targeted by the legal system.
彼は政治的な理由で訴追された。
He was persecuted (prosecuted) for political reasons.
Means 'to treat unjustly'. A broader phrase that can cover legal or institutional unfair treatment.
彼は裁判所で不当に扱われた。
He was persecuted (treated unjustly) in court.
迫害 (persecution) is used for large-scale, often systematic oppression based on identity. いじめ (bullying) is used for personal, often school or workplace harassment. Using 迫害 for a personal bullying situation would sound overly dramatic.
Do not translate 'persecute' directly as 迫害する in all contexts. For personal harassment or bullying, use いじめる or 嫌がらせをする. Using 迫害する for minor harassment sounds unnatural and overly severe.
彼はしつこく私を悩ます。
He persistently persecutes (pesters) me.