How to say "harass" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 悩ますなやますgodan verb, transitive verbCovers the sense of harass as repeated, persistent torment or plaguing — keeping someone troubled or distressed over time, as in being pestered or afflicted continuously rather than hurt in a single incident.
- 苦しめるくるしめるichidan verb, transitive verbMatches harass in the sense of causing suffering or distress; the nuance centers on making someone experience emotional pain, so it fits ongoing persecution or torment that weighs on the victim.
Both verbs describe causing ongoing suffering; use 「悩ます」 for persistently tormenting or plaguing someone, and 「苦しめる」 when the emphasis is on making a person suffer emotionally or mentally.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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