モラハラ

• Reading: モラハラ
• Romaji: morahara
• Kanji breakdown: Abbreviation of モラルハラスメント (moraru harasumento), from English/French 'moral harassment'
• Pronunciation: /mo.ɾa.ha.ɾa/

Meaning

Moral harassment — emotional or psychological abuse, often in romantic relationships or family settings.

While パワハラ focuses on workplace power dynamics, モラハラ describes psychological manipulation and emotional abuse in personal relationships. It includes gaslighting, constant criticism, silent treatment, controlling behaviour, and making a partner feel worthless. The term gained significant attention in Japan as awareness of domestic emotional abuse grew, and it's now commonly cited in divorce proceedings.

Examples

1. 彼氏のモラハラがエスカレートしてきて怖い。 My boyfriend's emotional abuse has been escalating and it's scary.
2. モラハラって外からは分かりにくいから厄介だよね。 Moral harassment is hard to spot from the outside, which makes it tricky.
3. あの夫婦、モラハラで離婚したらしいよ。 Apparently that couple got divorced because of emotional abuse.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, social media, casual conversation

Tone: serious, empathetic

Do Say

• モラハラに気づいたら、まず誰かに相談して。 (If you notice moral harassment, talk to someone first.)
• あれはモラハラだよ、自分を責めないで。 (That's emotional abuse — don't blame yourself.)

Don't Say

• ちょっとした喧嘩で「モラハラ」は言いすぎ (Calling a small argument 'moral harassment' is an overstatement)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing モラハラ with パワハラ — モラハラ is about emotional abuse in personal relationships, while パワハラ is workplace bullying
• Not recognising subtle モラハラ such as persistent silent treatment or constant belittling disguised as jokes

Origin & History

Abbreviation of モラルハラスメント (moral harassment), adapted from French psychiatrist Marie-France Hirigoyen's concept. Became widely discussed in Japan in the 2000s-2010s, especially in the context of domestic relationships.

Cultural Context

Era: 2000s-2010s rising awareness

Generation: All adults

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used nationwide. Increasingly cited in divorce cases and domestic abuse awareness campaigns.