嫌がらせ

• Reading: いやがらせ
• Romaji: iyagarase
• Kanji breakdown: 嫌 (iya/ken) — dislike, unpleasant
• Pronunciation: /i.ja.ɡa.ɾa.se/

Meaning

Harassment; pestering; bullying; deliberate annoyance.

Derived from the verb 嫌がる (iyagaru, to dislike/be reluctant). Refers to deliberate acts meant to annoy, intimidate, or cause distress. Covers a wide range from petty workplace annoyances to serious harassment. Common in discussions of workplace issues (パワハラ), school bullying, and neighbour disputes.

Examples

1. 職場での嫌がらせに悩んでいる人は相談窓口に連絡してほしい。 People who are struggling with harassment at work should contact the consultation helpline.
2. 隣人からの嫌がらせがひどくなってきた。 The harassment from my neighbor has been getting worse.
3. インターネット上の嫌がらせは法律で罰せられることがある。 Online harassment can sometimes be punishable by law.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, legal, social issues

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Nominalised form of 嫌がらせる, a causative derived from 嫌がる (to show dislike). Literally means 'causing someone to feel dislike' — making someone uncomfortable on purpose.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal