Japanese Conversation · Level 125
60 words
Japanese word
虐待
Pronunciation
Romajigyakutai
Meaning
- nounabuse
Example
動物への虐待は禁止されています。dō butsu e no gyaku tai wa kin shi sa re te i ma su
Animal abuse is prohibited.
More examples
困っている人がいたら、虐待の可能性を身近な大人に相談してください。koma tte i ru hito ga i ta ra gyaku tai no ka nō sei o mi jika na otona ni sō dan shi te ku da sa i
If someone seems to be in trouble, talk to a trusted adult about the possibility of abuse.
Core concept
Describes cruel treatment or neglect imposed on a person or animal by someone in a position of power.
Common phrases
虐待を受けるgyaku tai o u ke ru
suffer abuse
虐待を防ぐgyaku tai o fuse gu
prevent abuse
虐待を通報するgyaku tai o tsū hō su ru
report abuse
Similar words
いじめijime: Harming or frightening a person through repeated exclusion, insults, threats, or similar acts.
酷使kokushi: Forcing a person or animal to work excessively while ignoring health, safety, or limits.
Definition in Japanese
人や動物に対し、立場の強さを利用して苦痛を与えたり、必要な世話を怠ったりすること。hito ya dō butsu ni tai shi tachi ba no tsuyo sa o ri yō shi te ku tsū o ata e ta ri hitsu yō na se wa o okota tta ri su ru ko to
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound combines 虐 (gyaku, "oppress") and 待 (tai, "treat"), giving the sense of cruel treatment.
Usage tips
- In English, abuse can describe harmful misuse as well as mistreatment of people or animals, so substance abuse and abuse of power do not refer to 虐待 (gyakutai).