Translation guide
The act of deliberately damaging or destroying property, especially public property. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 破壊行為 or the verb 荒らす, but the best choice depends on the context and target.
To refer to the act of deliberately damaging or destroying property, especially public or private property, without specifying the target.
The most direct and formal term for 'vandalism' as a criminal act of destruction. Suitable for news, legal contexts, and formal writing.
公園での破壊行為が増えている。
Vandalism in parks is increasing.
Legal term for 'property damage', often used in criminal charges. More specific to damaging objects rather than places.
器物損壊の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of property damage.
Refers to acts of vandalism or trolling, especially online (e.g., defacing websites) or in shared spaces. Can also mean 'devastation'.
掲示板が荒らしに遭った。
The bulletin board was hit by vandals.
Loanword from English, used in academic or artistic contexts (e.g., art vandalism). Not common in everyday speech.
美術館でヴァンダリズムが発生した。
An act of vandalism occurred at the art museum.
To describe the action of deliberately damaging or defacing something.
Common verb meaning 'to vandalize', 'to trash', or 'to ravage'. Used for physical spaces, online spaces, and gardens.
誰かが学校を荒らした。
Someone vandalized the school.
サイトが荒らされた。
The site was vandalized.
Specifically means 'to graffiti' or 'to scribble on'. Used when the vandalism involves writing or drawing.
壁に落書きをした。
He graffitied the wall.
Means 'to damage' or 'to scratch'. Used for minor acts like keying a car or scratching surfaces.
Means 'to destroy'. Stronger than 'vandalize', implies breaking something completely. Use with caution.
像を破壊した。
They destroyed the statue.
To refer to malicious editing or defacement of websites, wikis, or digital content.
The most common term for online vandalism or trolling. Can refer to the act or the person.
Wikiが荒らしに遭った。
The wiki was vandalized.
More formal compound meaning 'vandalism acts', often used in guidelines or reports.
荒らし行為は禁止されています。
Vandalism is prohibited.
荒らす implies messing up or defacing, while 破壊する means complete destruction. For typical vandalism (graffiti, breaking windows), 荒らす is more natural. Use 破壊する for total demolition.
The loanword ヴァンダリズム is rarely used outside academic or art contexts. In everyday Japanese, use 破壊行為 or 荒らし.
車を傷つけられた。
My car was vandalized (scratched).