Translation guide
The English verb "undermine" has several distinct meanings, from physically digging under something to weakening authority or confidence. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
To gradually make something less effective, powerful, or successful, often in an indirect or subtle way.
A versatile verb meaning to harm, damage, or impair something abstract like trust, health, or reputation. Often used in compound verbs (e.g., 傷つけ損なう).
彼の行動はチームの信頼を損なった。
His actions undermined the team's trust.
Transitive verb meaning to weaken or lessen. Commonly used for influence, power, or resolve.
スキャンダルが彼の権威を弱めた。
The scandal undermined his authority.
Literally 'to eat into' or 'to erode'. Used figuratively for something that gradually weakens or destroys from within, like corruption or doubt.
汚職が政府への信頼を蝕んでいる。
Corruption is undermining trust in the government.
To shake or destabilize something firmly established, like confidence, a system, or a foundation.
その不祥事は会社の基盤を揺るがした。
The scandal undermined the company's foundation.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to pull someone's leg', i.e., to hinder or sabotage someone's efforts, often used in team or workplace contexts.
彼はいつも同僚の足を引っ張っている。
He's always undermining his colleagues.
To physically dig or wear away the ground beneath something, causing it to collapse or become unstable.
To dig and cause to collapse; used for undermining a structure or cliff.
波が崖を掘り崩した。
The waves undermined the cliff.
To erode; often used for natural forces like water or wind wearing away land.
川の流れが土手を侵食している。
The river's flow is undermining the embankment.
Literally 'to dig underneath'. A straightforward description, but less idiomatic than 掘り崩す.
犬が塀の下を掘って穴を開けた。
The dog undermined the fence by digging a hole.
To make someone feel less confident, valued, or capable, often through criticism or subtle actions.
A direct phrase meaning 'to damage confidence'. Combines 自信 (confidence) with 損なう.
彼の批判が彼女の自信を損なった。
His criticism undermined her confidence.
To dampen someone's motivation or enthusiasm. そぐ means to chip away or reduce.
上司の無関心が社員のやる気をそいだ。
The boss's indifference undermined the employees' motivation.
Do not use 下を掘る or similar literal digging expressions for abstract meanings like 'undermine trust'. Use 損なう or 弱める instead.
信頼を損なう
undermine trust
損なう implies harming or impairing the quality of something, while 弱める focuses on reducing strength or power. 損なう is often used for abstract nouns like 信頼 (trust) or 健康 (health), whereas 弱める is common with 影響力 (influence) or 勢い (momentum).