中傷

• Reading: ちゅうしょう
• Romaji: chuushou
• Kanji breakdown: 中 (chuu) — hit, strike; 傷 (shou) — wound, injury
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.ɕoː/

Meaning

Slander; defamation; malicious verbal attacks intended to damage reputation.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (中傷する). Often appears in the compound 誹謗中傷 (hibou chuushou, slander and defamation). Has become increasingly relevant with the rise of internet bullying and online harassment. A serious legal and social issue in contemporary Japan.

Examples

1. ネット上での中傷が社会問題になっている。 Online slander has become a serious social issue.
2. 根拠のない中傷で彼女の評判が傷ついた。 Her reputation was damaged by baseless defamation.
3. 誹謗中傷は法律で罰せられる可能性がある。 Slander and defamation can be punishable by law.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, social media, news, ethics

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 中 (chuu, to hit/strike at) + 傷 (shou, wound/injury). Literally 'to strike and wound,' referring to the act of injuring someone's reputation through malicious speech.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal