セクハラ

• Reading: セクハラ
• Romaji: sekuhara
• Kanji breakdown: Abbreviation of セクシャルハラスメント (sekusharu harasumento), from English 'sexual harassment'
• Pronunciation: /se.kɯ.ha.ɾa/

Meaning

Sexual harassment — unwanted sexual comments, advances, or behaviour in the workplace or social settings.

One of the earliest -ハラ (harassment) terms adopted in Japan, セクハラ covers everything from inappropriate remarks about appearance to unwanted physical contact and coerced relationships. It was Japan's buzzword of the year in 1989, reflecting a watershed moment in recognising workplace sexual harassment. Despite increased legal protections, セクハラ remains a significant issue, especially in traditional corporate and social drinking (飲み会) cultures.

Examples

1. 飲み会でセクハラ発言する上司、まだいるんだよね。 There are still bosses who make sexually harassing remarks at after-work drinks.
2. セクハラは冗談じゃ済まないよ。 Sexual harassment isn't something you can brush off as a joke.
3. あの教授、セクハラで訴えられたらしい。 Apparently that professor got sued for sexual harassment.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, news, casual conversation

Tone: serious, accusatory

Do Say

• セクハラされたら、証拠を残してすぐ相談して。 (If you experience sexual harassment, keep evidence and consult someone immediately.)
• それはセクハラだから、笑って流しちゃダメだよ。 (That's sexual harassment — don't just laugh it off.)

Don't Say

• 「セクハラのつもりじゃなかった」は言い訳にならない ('I didn't mean it as sexual harassment' is not an excuse)

Common Mistakes

• Thinking セクハラ only means physical contact — verbal comments about appearance or sexuality also count
• Assuming セクハラ only applies in the workplace — it can happen in any social setting

Origin & History

Abbreviation of セクシャルハラスメント (sexual harassment), borrowed from English. Won the buzzword of the year award in 1989, marking a turning point in public awareness of workplace sexual harassment in Japan.

Cultural Context

Era: 1989 buzzword of the year, ongoing social issue

Generation: All ages (universally recognised)

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used nationwide. One of the oldest and most established -ハラ terms in Japanese.