賄賂 em 30 segundos
- Wairo means 'bribe' and refers to illegal payments or gifts given to influence people in power, especially public officials or business leaders.
- It is a noun and is commonly used with verbs like 'watasu' (hand over), 'okuru' (give), and 'uketoru' (receive) in news and dramas.
- The word is strictly for illegal corruption and should never be used to describe social gifts like Omiyage or tips, which are different.
- Legally, it is split into 'Zōwai' (giving) and 'Shūwai' (receiving), and scandals involving these are frequent topics in Japanese media and history.
The Japanese word 賄賂 (Wairo) is a noun that translates directly to 'bribe' in English. At its core, it represents an illicit exchange where value—be it money, goods, or services—is provided to an individual in a position of authority to influence their professional judgment or actions. In the Japanese legal and social context, wairo is a heavy term, deeply associated with corruption (汚職 - oshoku) and criminal activity. It is not a word used lightly in daily conversation, as it implies a serious breach of ethics and law.
- Legal Definition
- Under the Japanese Penal Code, it specifically refers to benefits given to public officials. This includes not just cash, but also 'entertainment' (接待 - settai) or even promises of future employment.
- Social Nuance
- Unlike a 'gift' (贈り物 - okurimono), a bribe is transactional and hidden. It undermines the 'fairness' (公平性 - kōheisei) that is highly valued in Japanese institutional culture.
- Forms of Wairo
- While cash in envelopes is the stereotypical image, modern wairo can take the form of high-end golf memberships, luxury watches, or covering the costs of a lavish dinner party.
「彼は政治家に賄賂を渡した疑いで逮捕された。」 (He was arrested on suspicion of giving a bribe to a politician.)
To understand wairo, one must understand the distinction between 贈賄 (Zōwai), the act of giving a bribe, and 収賄 (Shūwai), the act of receiving one. Both are punishable offenses. In Japanese media, these terms are often paired together as 'Zōshūwai' (贈収賄) to describe a bribery scandal. The word carries a strong sense of 'dirty money' (汚い金 - kitanai kane) and is often visualized in popular culture as a 'manjuu' box filled with gold coins, a trope from historical dramas (Jidaigeki).
「賄賂は社会の公平性を損なう行為です。」 (Bribery is an act that damages the fairness of society.)
- Historical Context
- In the Edo period, 'under-the-table' dealings were often romanticized or satirized, but in modern Japan, the 'Political Funds Control Act' makes such actions strictly illegal.
Using 賄賂 (Wairo) correctly requires an understanding of the specific verbs that accompany it. Because it is a noun, it functions as the object of an action. The most common verb pairings are 渡す (watasu - to hand over), 贈る (okuru - to give/present), and 受け取る (uketoru - to receive). In more formal or legal contexts, you might see 要求する (yōkyū suru - to demand) or 供与する (kyōyu suru - to provide/offer).
「彼は公務員に賄賂を贈ったとして起訴された。」 (He was indicted for giving a bribe to a public official.)
When discussing the impact of bribery, you might use the verb 通じる (tsūjiru) in the sense of 'making things work through bribes' (wairo de koto o hakaru). However, the most frequent usage is found in passive constructions when reporting on scandals: wairo ga watasareta (a bribe was given). It is also important to note the grammatical particles; を (o) is used for the object, while で (de) is used to indicate the means (e.g., 'influencing the result with a bribe').
- Common Verb Pairings
- 賄賂を包む (Wairo o tsutumu): Literally 'to wrap a bribe,' implying a discreet cash payment.
- 賄賂を回す (Wairo o mawasu): To pass a bribe around or circulate illicit funds.
- 賄賂に手を染める (Wairo ni te o someru): To get one's hands dirty with bribery.
In a professional setting, you will rarely use this word directly to someone's face unless you are making a serious accusation. Instead, euphemisms like ura-gane (back-money) or reikin (gratitude money - though this has other legitimate meanings) might be used in shady dealings, but wairo remains the standard term for the illegal act itself. When writing about it, ensure the context is clearly one of corruption to avoid confusion with legitimate business gifts (Seibo/Chūgen).
The word 賄賂 (Wairo) is a staple of Japanese news media, legal dramas, and historical fiction. You are most likely to encounter it in the following contexts:
- 1
News Broadcasts (ニュース): Reports on political scandals (政治不信) often feature the word when an official is suspected of taking money from a corporation in exchange for building permits or deregulation.
- 2
Police & Legal Dramas (刑事ドラマ): Detectives often shout about 'wairo' when confronting a corrupt villain. It provides a clear moral line between the hero and the antagonist.
- 3
Historical Dramas (時代劇): Set in the Edo period, these shows frequently depict corrupt merchants giving 'wairo' to local magistrates (Daikan). The classic line is 'Echigoya, omae mo akunoyo' (Echigoya, you are a wicked man too).
「ニュース：建設会社が市長に多額の賄賂を贈った疑いがあります。」 (News: There is a suspicion that a construction company gave a large bribe to the mayor.)
In daily life, Japanese people might use wairo jokingly when asking a friend for a small favor in exchange for a snack (e.g., 'Here is a bribe, help me with my homework'), but this is clearly hyperbolic. In any serious context, the word carries the weight of a felony. You will also see it in literature discussing the 'Bubble Economy' era, where corporate bribery was a major social issue. Understanding this word is essential for following Japanese current events and high-level social discourse.
For learners of Japanese, the most common mistake with 賄賂 (Wairo) is confusing it with legitimate forms of gift-giving. Japan has a complex culture of 'Omiyage' (souvenirs), 'Oseibo' (year-end gifts), and 'Ochūgen' (mid-year gifts). While these involve giving items of value, they are socially sanctioned and transparent. Calling a legitimate business gift 'wairo' would be a massive insult and could end a professional relationship.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Tips'
- Japan does not have a tipping culture. If you try to give a waiter extra money, they will think you forgot it. If you call it 'wairo,' it sounds like you are trying to involve them in a crime.
- Mistake 2: Misusing 'Wairo suru'
- 'Wairo' is a noun, not a suru-verb. You cannot say 'Wairo-suru.' You must say 'Wairo o okuru' (give a bribe) or 'Wairo o watasu' (hand over a bribe).
- Mistake 3: Pronunciation
- Ensure the 'r' in 'ro' is the Japanese flap, not the English 'r.' Mispronouncing it might make it sound like 'Wairo' (color/hue) in some contexts, though the kanji and pitch accent are different.
Another mistake is using the word for small, harmless favors among friends without a clear joking tone. Because the word is so legally charged, using it incorrectly can make the speaker sound overly dramatic or accusatory. Stick to 'purezento' (present) or 'omiyage' for 99% of gift-giving situations.
While 賄賂 (Wairo) is the most direct term for a bribe, several other words occupy the same semantic space, each with its own nuance.
- 1. 汚職 (Oshoku)
- This means 'corruption' in a general sense. While 'wairo' is the tool, 'oshoku' is the phenomenon or the crime of a public official abusing their power.
- 2. 裏金 (Uragane)
- Literally 'back money.' This refers to slush funds or money that is not recorded in official accounts. It is often used to pay bribes.
- 3. 鼻薬 (Hanagusuri)
- A metaphorical term (literally 'nasal medicine'). It refers to a small bribe given to 'quiet' someone or to make things go smoothly. It's a more colloquial, slightly old-fashioned way to say bribe.
- 4. 付け届け (Tsuketodoke)
- This refers to regular gifts given to someone in power to maintain a good relationship. While not always illegal, it often borders on bribery.
「彼は裏金を使って、役人に賄賂を贈っていた。」 (He was using slush funds to give bribes to officials.)
Understanding these distinctions helps in reading Japanese news. For instance, a headline might mention oshoku-jiken (corruption case) involving wairo (bribes) funded by uragane (slush funds). Each word provides a different piece of the criminal puzzle.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Passive Voice (for being accused/given)
Conditional 'tara' (if a bribe is offered)
Nominalization with 'koto' or 'no'
Causative (making someone take a bribe)
Compound Nouns (Wairo-jiken)
Exemplos por nível
賄賂は悪いです。
Bribes are bad.
Simple noun + wa + adjective.
彼は賄賂を渡しました。
He handed over a bribe.
Object marker 'o' + verb 'watashimashita'.
それは賄賂ですか？
Is that a bribe?
Question form with 'desu ka'.
賄賂はいりません。
I don't need (won't take) a bribe.
Negative verb 'irimasen'.
警察は賄賂を嫌います。
The police hate bribes.
Subject 'wa' + object 'o' + verb.
これは賄賂ではありません。
This is not a bribe.
Negative 'dewa arimasen'.
賄賂のお金。
Bribe money.
Noun + 'no' + Noun.
賄賂をあげないでください。
Please do not give a bribe.
Negative request form '~naide kudasai'.
政治家が賄賂をもらいました。
The politician received a bribe.
Focus on 'morau' (to receive).
賄賂を贈ることは犯罪です。
Giving a bribe is a crime.
Gerund 'koto' + 'wa' + 'hanzai' (crime).
彼は賄賂で問題を解決しました。
He solved the problem with a bribe.
Instrumental particle 'de'.
そのニュースは賄賂についてでした。
That news was about bribery.
'~ni tsuite' (about).
賄賂を断るのは難しいですか？
Is it difficult to refuse a bribe?
Verb 'kotowaru' + 'no' (nominalizer).
賄賂を包んで渡しました。
I wrapped the bribe and handed it over.
Te-form for sequence of actions.
賄賂が見つかって、彼は困りました。
A bribe was found, and he was in trouble.
Passive-like discovery context.
賄賂は絶対にダメです。
Bribes are absolutely not allowed.
Adverb 'zettai ni' (absolutely).
賄賂を要求されたら、どうしますか？
What would you do if you were asked for a bribe?
Passive 'yōkyū sareta' + conditional 'tara'.
彼は賄賂を贈った疑いで調べられています。
He is being investigated on suspicion of giving a bribe.
'~no utagai de' (on suspicion of).
賄賂を使って、有利な契約を結んだ。
They used a bribe to sign a favorable contract.
Te-form to show means.
その会社は賄賂を拒否しました。
The company refused the bribe.
Verb 'kyohi suru' (to refuse).
賄賂が公になると、彼のキャリアは終わる。
If the bribe becomes public, his career will end.
'~ga ōyake ni naru' (to become public).
賄賂を渡す現場を目撃した。
I witnessed the scene of handing over a bribe.
Noun 'genba' (scene/site).
賄賂は社会の信頼を壊します。
Bribery destroys social trust.
Abstract noun 'shinrai' (trust).
彼は賄賂を隠すために嘘をついた。
He lied to hide the bribe.
'~tame ni' (in order to).
大規模な賄賂事件が発覚した。
A large-scale bribery case was uncovered.
Verb 'hakkaku suru' (to be revealed).
賄賂を受け取った官僚が更迭された。
The official who accepted the bribe was dismissed.
Relative clause + 'kōtetsu' (dismissal).
その賄賂は、巧妙に隠されていた。
The bribe was cleverly hidden.
Adverb 'kōmyō ni' (cleverly).
賄賂を贈る側も、受ける側も同罪だ。
Both the giver and the receiver of the bribe are equally guilty.
'~gawa' (side) + 'dōzai' (same crime).
彼は賄賂の誘惑に負けてしまった。
He gave in to the temptation of bribery.
'~no yūwaku ni makeru' (yield to temptation).
賄賂が政治を腐敗させている。
Bribery is corrupting politics.
Causative form 'fuhai saseru'.
賄賂の証拠を掴むのは難しい。
It is difficult to get evidence of bribery.
Verb 'tsukamu' (to grab/seize).
彼は賄賂の疑いを晴らそうとしている。
He is trying to clear the suspicion of bribery.
'~o harasō to shite iru' (trying to clear).
賄賂の授受を裏付ける決定的な証拠が見つかった。
Decisive evidence confirming the exchange of bribes was found.
Noun 'juju' (giving and receiving).
そのスキャンダルは、賄賂の温床となっている構造を浮き彫りにした。
The scandal highlighted the structure that has become a hotbed for bribery.
'~o ukibori ni shita' (brought into relief).
賄賂を供与した企業には、厳しい罰則が科される。
Severe penalties will be imposed on companies that provided bribes.
Verb 'kasareru' (to be imposed).
彼は賄賂に手を染め、名声を失った。
He got involved in bribery and lost his reputation.
Idiom 'te o someru' (to get involved).
賄賂は、公正な競争を阻害する要因である。
Bribery is a factor that hinders fair competition.
Verb 'sogai suru' (to hinder).
賄賂の授受を巡る裁判が、来月から始まる。
The trial concerning the exchange of bribes will begin next month.
'~o meguru' (concerning/surrounding).
政治家への賄賂は、民主主義の根幹を揺るがす。
Bribes to politicians shake the very foundation of democracy.
'~no konkan o yurugasu' (shake the foundation).
賄賂の金額は、数億円に上ると推定されている。
The amount of the bribe is estimated to reach several hundred million yen.
'~ni noboru' (to reach/amount to).
その事件は、政界と財界の癒着による賄賂の連鎖を露呈させた。
The incident exposed a chain of bribery resulting from the collusion between political and business circles.
Noun 'yuchaku' (collusion/adhesion).
賄賂の温床を絶つためには、透明性の高いシステムが必要だ。
To eradicate the hotbed of bribery, a highly transparent system is necessary.
'~o tatsu' (to cut off/eradicate).
彼は賄賂の罪を逃れるために、海外へ逃亡した。
He fled abroad to escape the crime of bribery.
Verb 'nogareru' (to escape).
賄賂の授受が常態化している現状を打破しなければならない。
We must break the current situation where the exchange of bribes has become normalized.
Verb 'jōtaika' (normalization/becoming a habit).
その賄賂は、巧妙な資金洗浄を経て渡されていた。
The bribe was handed over through sophisticated money laundering.
Noun 'shikin senjō' (money laundering).
賄賂の告発により、政権が退陣に追い込まれた。
The accusation of bribery forced the administration to resign.
'~ni oikomareru' (to be forced into).
賄賂は、法の支配を形骸化させる危険性を孕んでいる。
Bribery carries the risk of making the rule of law a mere formality.
Verb 'keigaika' (making a shell/formalizing).
賄賂の受領を否定し続けてきた彼だが、ついに事実を認めた。
He had been denying the receipt of bribes, but finally admitted the truth.
Noun 'juryō' (receipt/acceptance).
Sinônimos
Antônimos
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Okurimono is a legal, positive gift; Wairo is illegal and secret.
Omiyage is a souvenir; Wairo is a corrupt payment.
Chippu is a tip for service; Wairo is to influence a decision.
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Como usar
Extremely negative. Implies illegality.
Don't use for tips or small favors unless being ironic.
Zōwai (giving), Shūwai (receiving).
Dicas
Avoid Casual Use
Do not use 'Wairo' for small favors among friends. It sounds too serious and legalistic. Use 'Purezento' or 'Orei' instead. Reserve 'Wairo' for actual corruption or very obvious jokes.
Learn the Verbs
Pair 'Wairo' with 'okuru' (give) or 'uketoru' (receive). Knowing these pairs makes you sound more natural. It also helps you understand news reports faster. Verbs are the key to using this noun correctly.
Understand 'Settai'
Business entertainment is called 'Settai.' While it can look like bribery, it is often legal. However, if 'Settai' is too expensive, it becomes 'Wairo.' The line between the two is a major topic in Japan.
Focus on the Radicals
Both kanji in 'Wairo' (賄賂) have the 'shell' radical (貝). In ancient times, shells were used as money. This radical tells you the word is related to money or value. It's a great way to remember the meaning.
News Keywords
When you hear 'Wairo,' listen for 'Giin' (politician) or 'Taiho' (arrest). These words almost always appear together in news stories. It helps you grasp the context of the scandal. You'll hear it often in political segments.
Formal Contexts
In essays, use 'Wairo no授受' (juju) for 'exchange of bribes.' It is a more sophisticated and academic way to write. It shows a high level of Japanese proficiency. This is common in university-level writing.
Gift Etiquette
If you give a gift in Japan, do it openly. Hiding a gift or giving it 'under the table' looks like 'Wairo.' Transparency is the best way to avoid being misunderstood. Always follow standard Japanese gift-giving customs.
The 'Wai' Sound
The 'Wai' in 'Wairo' sounds like 'Why' in English. Ask yourself: 'Why' is this person giving money in secret? The answer is because it's a 'Wairo.' This simple trick helps you remember the word's sound.
Public Officials
The laws for 'Wairo' are strictest for public officials. Even a small gift can be a crime for them. Private company employees have different rules, but it's still often fired. Always be careful when giving gifts to government workers.
Joking Usage
If you give a friend a candy to borrow a pen, you can say 'Kore wa wairo desu.' This is a common, lighthearted way to use the word. Make sure your tone is funny so they don't take it seriously. It's a popular 'dad joke' in Japan.
Memorize
Associação visual
An envelope being passed under a wooden table in a dark room.
Origem da palavra
Chinese compound word.
Contexto cultural
The 'Unfair Competition Prevention Act' also prohibits bribing foreign public officials.
Being accused of taking a bribe usually leads to social exile in Japan.
The 'Golden Manjuu' is a famous cultural trope where gold coins are hidden under sweets.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"最近の政治家の賄賂事件についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the recent bribery cases involving politicians?)"
"賄賂と贈り物の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between a bribe and a gift?)"
"ドラマでよく賄賂のシーンを見ますね。 (We often see bribery scenes in dramas, don't we?)"
"あなたの国では賄賂は大きな問題ですか？ (Is bribery a big problem in your country?)"
"賄賂を断る勇気が必要ですね。 (It takes courage to refuse a bribe, doesn't it?)"
Temas para diário
If someone offered you a bribe to do something small, how would you react?
Describe a scene from a movie where a bribe was used.
Why is bribery harmful to a country's economy?
Write about the difference between 'Giri' (obligation) and 'Wairo' in Japanese culture.
Discuss whether 'tips' in other countries could be seen as 'Wairo' by Japanese people.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThe word itself is very common in media and news. However, it is not a word people use in their daily private lives. You will hear it on TV almost every day when scandals occur. It is a standard part of the adult Japanese vocabulary. Most people understand it by the time they are in middle school.
No, you should never use 'Wairo' for a tip. Japan does not have a tipping culture, so giving extra money is already unusual. Calling it 'Wairo' would imply you are trying to bribe the staff. This could cause serious confusion or offense. Use 'Orei' if you absolutely must give something as thanks.
'Wairo' is the actual bribe given to someone. 'Uragane' refers to 'back money' or slush funds. 'Uragane' is the hidden pool of money used for various illegal things. One of those things is often paying a 'Wairo.' So, 'Uragane' is the source, and 'Wairo' is the payment.
No, 'Wairo' is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'Wairo-suru' to mean 'to bribe.' Instead, you must pair it with a verb like 'okuru' (to give) or 'watasu' (to hand over). For example, 'Wairo o okuru' is the correct way to say 'to give a bribe.' Using it as a verb is a common mistake for learners.
'Sode no shita' literally means 'under the sleeve.' It is a famous idiom for a bribe. In the past, Japanese people wore kimonos with long sleeves. They would slide a bribe into someone's sleeve secretly. Today, it is a common euphemism for 'Wairo' in literature and dramas.
In most cases, no, it is just a 'gift' (Okurimono). However, if the gift is very expensive and given right before an exam, it might be suspected as 'Wairo.' Public school teachers in Japan are considered 'quasi-public officials.' Therefore, they are often prohibited from accepting any gifts to avoid 'Wairo' suspicions. It is a very sensitive topic in Japan.
'Zōshūwai' is a combination of 'Zōwai' (giving a bribe) and 'Shūwai' (receiving a bribe). It is the technical term used by the police and news. When a bribery scandal happens, both the giver and receiver are usually involved. So, the media calls the whole event a 'Zōshūwai-jiken' (bribery case). It covers both sides of the illegal exchange.
You can say 'Wairo o uketoru' (to receive a bribe) or 'Wairo o morau' (to get a bribe). In a more formal or passive sense, you could say 'Wairo ni yotte baishū sareru' (to be bought off by a bribe). Usually, 'Wairo o moratta' is the most common way to describe someone who took a bribe. It implies they accepted the corruption.
No, by definition, 'Wairo' is always negative and illegal. If a gift is good and legal, it is called 'Okurimono' or 'Orei.' The word 'Wairo' specifically carries the meaning of dishonesty. Even if the favor seems small, using the word 'Wairo' makes it sound like a criminal act. There is no positive context for this word.
Historical dramas (Jidaigeki) focus on the conflict between good and evil. Corrupt officials taking 'Wairo' from greedy merchants is a classic trope. It is an easy way to show the audience who the 'bad guy' is. The image of a merchant giving a box of gold coins is iconic. It has made 'Wairo' a very recognizable word for all Japanese people.
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Summary
賄賂 (Wairo) is the Japanese term for a bribe. It is a serious, legally-charged word used to describe the illicit exchange of value for favors. While common in news and fiction, it is rare in daily life except when discussing corruption or making heavy accusations.
- Wairo means 'bribe' and refers to illegal payments or gifts given to influence people in power, especially public officials or business leaders.
- It is a noun and is commonly used with verbs like 'watasu' (hand over), 'okuru' (give), and 'uketoru' (receive) in news and dramas.
- The word is strictly for illegal corruption and should never be used to describe social gifts like Omiyage or tips, which are different.
- Legally, it is split into 'Zōwai' (giving) and 'Shūwai' (receiving), and scandals involving these are frequent topics in Japanese media and history.
Avoid Casual Use
Do not use 'Wairo' for small favors among friends. It sounds too serious and legalistic. Use 'Purezento' or 'Orei' instead. Reserve 'Wairo' for actual corruption or very obvious jokes.
Learn the Verbs
Pair 'Wairo' with 'okuru' (give) or 'uketoru' (receive). Knowing these pairs makes you sound more natural. It also helps you understand news reports faster. Verbs are the key to using this noun correctly.
Understand 'Settai'
Business entertainment is called 'Settai.' While it can look like bribery, it is often legal. However, if 'Settai' is too expensive, it becomes 'Wairo.' The line between the two is a major topic in Japan.
Focus on the Radicals
Both kanji in 'Wairo' (賄賂) have the 'shell' radical (貝). In ancient times, shells were used as money. This radical tells you the word is related to money or value. It's a great way to remember the meaning.
Exemplo
賄賂を受け取りました。
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