迫害を受ける

• Reading: はくがいをうける
• Romaji: hakugai wo ukeru
• Kanji breakdown: 迫 (haku) — press upon; 害 (gai) — harm; 受 (u) — receive, undergo
• Pronunciation: /ha.kɯ.ɡai.o.ɯ.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be persecuted; to suffer oppression or cruel treatment at the hands of others.

A compound expression combining 迫害 (persecution) with を受ける (to receive/undergo). This is the standard way to express being on the receiving end of persecution. 受ける is a Group 2 (ichidan) verb. The expression is common in historical and human rights discussions.

Examples

1. 彼らは政治的な理由で迫害を受けた。 They were persecuted for political reasons.
2. 信仰を理由に迫害を受ける人々が今もいる。 There are still people who are persecuted because of their faith.
3. 迫害を受けた人々は難民として保護されるべきだ。 People who have been persecuted should be protected as refugees.

Usage Guide

Context: history, human rights, religion, politics

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Combination of 迫害 (persecution) and を受ける (to undergo/receive). 受ける originally meant 'to catch' or 'to receive,' and in this context conveys being subjected to mistreatment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated