迫害

• Reading: はくがい
• Romaji: hakugai
• Kanji breakdown: 迫 (haku) — press upon, approach; 害 (gai) — harm, injury
• Pronunciation: /ha.kɯ.ɡai/

Meaning

Persecution; oppression directed at a person or group based on their beliefs, ethnicity, or identity.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (迫害する, to persecute). A strong, weighty word used in historical, religious, and human rights contexts. Often associated with 宗教 (religion), 民族 (ethnicity), and 少数派 (minorities). The related expression 迫害を受ける (to be persecuted) is very common.

Examples

1. 歴史上、宗教的な理由で迫害を受けた人々は多い。 Throughout history, many people have been persecuted for religious reasons.
2. 少数民族への迫害は国際社会から非難されている。 The persecution of ethnic minorities is condemned by the international community.
3. 迫害から逃れるために故郷を離れた人もいる。 Some people have left their homeland to escape persecution.

Usage Guide

Context: history, human rights, religion, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 迫 (haku, to press upon/approach threateningly) + 害 (gai, harm/injury). Literally 'to press upon and harm,' describing the sustained mistreatment of targeted groups.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated