Translation guide
In Japanese, workplace bullying is commonly referred to as パワハラ (power harassment) or 職場いじめ. The concept is widely recognized, and there are specific terms for different types of harassment. The most natural way to express this depends on the nature of the bullying.
To refer to bullying or harassment in a workplace setting in general.
Abbreviation of 'power harassment'. This is the most common and widely understood term for workplace bullying, especially when it involves abuse of authority.
上司からのパワハラに悩んでいます。
I'm suffering from workplace bullying by my boss.
Literally 'workplace bullying'. This is a more general term that covers all forms of bullying, not just from superiors.
職場いじめが原因で会社を辞めました。
I quit my job because of workplace bullying.
Abbreviation of 'moral harassment'. Refers to psychological bullying or emotional abuse, often in the workplace.
モラハラ上司に毎日怒鳴られています。
I'm yelled at every day by a boss who engages in moral harassment.
To specifically refer to bullying or harassment by someone in a position of authority.
The full term for 'power harassment'. Often used in formal contexts or when explaining the concept.
パワーハラスメントは深刻な社会問題です。
Power harassment is a serious social issue.
The abbreviated form, used in everyday conversation.
To refer to bullying by coworkers or peers, rather than by a superior.
This term covers bullying by anyone in the workplace, including colleagues.
同僚からの職場いじめで精神を病みました。
I developed mental health issues due to workplace bullying from colleagues.
General term for bullying. When context is clear, it can refer to workplace bullying.
職場でのいじめは許されません。
Bullying in the workplace is unacceptable.
To refer specifically to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Abbreviation of 'sexual harassment'. The most common term.
セクハラ防止の研修を受けました。
I attended a training session on preventing sexual harassment.
To refer to harassment or bullying related to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare leave.
Abbreviation of 'maternity harassment'. A common term in Japan.
マタハラで退職に追い込まれました。
I was forced to quit due to maternity harassment.
The full term, used in formal discussions.
マタニティハラスメントは許されない行為です。
Maternity harassment is an unacceptable act.
パワハラ specifically refers to harassment by a superior, while 職場いじめ can include bullying by colleagues or even subordinates. Use パワハラ when the bully is in a position of power, and 職場いじめ for general workplace bullying.
パワハラは上司から部下へのいじめです。
Power harassment is bullying from a superior to a subordinate.
職場いじめは同僚間でも起こります。
Workplace bullying can also occur among colleagues.
Terms like パワハラ, セクハラ, and マタハラ are widely used in everyday conversation and media. The full forms (パワーハラスメント, etc.) are more common in legal or formal documents.
あの部長、パワハラで訴えられたらしいよ。
I heard that department head got sued for power harassment.
The full term, used in formal or legal contexts.
セクシュアルハラスメントは法律で禁止されています。
Sexual harassment is prohibited by law.