Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing a 'personal attack' depends heavily on context. Direct translations exist but are often too strong or formal. This guide covers natural ways to describe, warn against, or accuse someone of a personal attack.
To state that someone's remark is a personal attack, often in an argument or debate.
The most direct and common translation. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to make a personal attack'.
それは個人攻撃だ。
That's a personal attack.
議論中に個人攻撃をするのはやめてください。
Please stop making personal attacks during the discussion.
Similar to 個人攻撃 but emphasizes attacking someone's character or personality. Slightly more formal and often used in legal or ethical contexts.
人格攻撃は議論の本質から外れている。
Personal attacks are beside the point of the argument.
Literally 'attack on the person', this term is used in formal or legal contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
人身攻撃は許されない。
Personal attacks are unforgivable.
To characterize a statement as attacking someone personally rather than addressing the issue.
Pattern to specify the target of the attack. Replace ～ with the person or group.
彼の発言は私に対する個人攻撃だった。
His remark was a personal attack against me.
Verb phrase meaning 'to attack an individual'. More general than 個人攻撃 and can be used in various contexts.
彼はいつも個人を攻撃するような言い方をする。
He always speaks in a way that attacks individuals.
To caution someone not to engage in personal attacks, often in rules or moderation.
Common phrase in online forums or community guidelines. Means 'personal attacks are prohibited'.
当掲示板では個人攻撃は禁止です。
Personal attacks are prohibited on this bulletin board.
Polite request to refrain from personal attacks. Suitable for formal announcements or moderation.
コメント欄での個人攻撃はお控えください。
Please refrain from personal attacks in the comment section.
To refer to the specific logical fallacy of attacking the person instead of the argument.
Technical term for 'ad hominem fallacy'. Used in academic or philosophical discussions.
それは人身攻撃の誤謬にあたる。
That constitutes an ad hominem fallacy.
Loanword from Latin 'ad hominem'. Understood in academic or debate contexts but not common in everyday speech.
アドホミネムな議論は避けるべきだ。
Ad hominem arguments should be avoided.
The English word 'personal' can be translated as 個人的な (こじんてきな), but 個人的な攻撃 sounds unnatural. Stick to 個人攻撃 or 人格攻撃.
個人攻撃 is the general term for attacking an individual. 人格攻撃 specifically targets someone's character or personality. In most everyday situations, 個人攻撃 is sufficient.