Translation guide
The practice of avoiding language or actions that could exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people, especially those defined by race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. In Japanese, the concept is often discussed using borrowed terms or descriptive phrases, and the approach to PC culture differs from Western contexts.
Referring to the broad idea of avoiding offensive language or behavior toward marginalized groups.
The direct loanword from English, commonly used in media and academic contexts. Often abbreviated as ポリコレ.
ポリティカル・コレクトネスは現代社会で重要な概念だ。
Political correctness is an important concept in modern society.
Abbreviation of ポリティカル・コレクトネス, widely used in casual conversation and online.
最近ポリコレが厳しすぎるという意見もある。
Some say political correctness has become too strict lately.
Literally 'consideration for language use', this phrase captures the essence of PC without using loanwords.
職場では言葉遣いへの配慮が求められる。
Consideration for language use is required in the workplace.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'avoiding discriminatory expressions'. Used in formal explanations.
このガイドラインは差別的な表現を避けることを目的としている。
This guideline aims to avoid discriminatory expressions.
Describing a person, statement, or action that aligns with PC principles.
Means 'PC-considerate' or 'mindful of political correctness'. Used to describe language or behavior.
彼はいつもポリコレに配慮した発言をする。
He always makes PC-conscious remarks.
Simply 'not discriminatory'. A straightforward way to say something is PC in the sense of being inoffensive.
その表現は差別的でないか確認してください。
Please check if that expression is non-discriminatory.
Means 'respecting diversity'. Often used in corporate or educational contexts to describe PC-aligned attitudes.
多様性を尊重した職場環境を作ることが大切だ。
It's important to create a workplace environment that respects diversity.
Expressing the idea that political correctness goes too far or restricts free speech.
Literally 'PC fatigue', a term used to describe weariness with excessive political correctness.
ポリコレ疲れで本音が言えない人もいる。
Some people can't speak their true feelings due to PC fatigue.
Means 'excessive political correctness' or 'PC gone too far'. Common in debates.
ポリコレの行き過ぎは表現の自由を脅かす。
Excessive political correctness threatens freedom of expression.
Literally 'word hunting', a term for overly zealous policing of language, often used critically.
Referring to politically correct terms for particular groups or topics.
Instead of a single word for PC, Japanese often adopts specific neutral replacements, e.g., 障がい者 (instead of 障害者) for 'disabled person', or 性的少数者 for 'sexual minority'.
「障害者」の代わりに「障がい者」と表記する企業が増えている。
More companies are writing 'shougaisha' with hiragana instead of the kanji for 'harm'.
Means 'inclusive language', often used in diversity training.
インクルーシブな言葉を使うよう心がけています。
I try to use inclusive language.
The term 'political correctness' is often associated with Western social movements. In Japan, while the loanword ポリコレ is understood, the concept is sometimes viewed through a different lens, with less emphasis on individual identity politics and more on group harmony (和). Be aware that the intensity of PC debates may differ.
In many situations, instead of saying something is 'politically correct', Japanese speakers might say it shows 配慮 (consideration) or is 思いやりがある (thoughtful). This frames PC as a matter of empathy rather than a political stance.
言葉狩りが激しくなると、何も言えなくなる。
When word hunting becomes intense, you can't say anything.