How to say "undermine" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 掘り崩すほりくずすgodan verb, transitive verbCovers the literal sense: to dig away at the base of something until it crumbles, as when water undermines a wall. A less common word, and seldom the one you want for figurative undermining.
- 蝕むむしばむgodan verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe common word for the figurative sense: to spoil or ruin something gradually by adversely affecting it, as with health, trust, or confidence. Usually the right choice when 'undermine' is metaphorical.
Use 「掘り崩す」 for the literal sense of digging away at the base of something until it collapses, and 「蝕む」 for the figurative sense of gradually weakening something such as health or trust.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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