虐待 — meaning in English: Abuse

gyakutai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for abuse

ストローク

sutorōku

舗装

hosō

教室

kyōshitsu

虐待

gyakutai

消費

shōhi

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 虐待 in serious discussions surrounding child welfare, domestic violence, or animal rights. For example, you might hear it in news reports about abuse cases or in legal contexts where protection orders are being discussed.

Synonyms & nuances

While 虐待 specifically denotes a more severe form of abuse, such as physical or psychological mistreatment, the word いじめ (ijime), meaning bullying, refers to harassment in a school or social context. You would use 虐待 when discussing legal matters or serious cases, whereas いじめ might come up in conversations about youth interactions.

Culture

The term 虐待 has its roots in the kanji 虐, which conveys the idea of oppression or cruelty, and 待, meaning to wait or treat. This word has gained significant attention in Japan, particularly in recent years, as society has become more aware of issues surrounding domestic violence and child abuse, prompting shifts in legal and social support systems.

FAQ

Q.What does the Japanese word 虐待 mean in English?

The word 虐待 (gyakutai) translates to 'abuse' in English, referring to the mistreatment of individuals, often in a context of power imbalance.

Q.How do you use 虐待 in a sentence?

You can use 虐待 in sentences such as, '子供の虐待は社会問題です' (Child abuse is a social issue) to illustrate its meaning in a relevant context.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 虐待?

A common mistake is to confuse 虐待 with lighter terms like いじめ (ijime). Remember that 虐待 implies a more serious level of harm and should be used in more severe contexts.

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