Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| トロール | torōru | [to̞ɾo̞ːɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 荒らし | arashi |
In Japanese, there are two primary ways to refer to a troll depending on the context. トロール is a loanword that can refer to both online trolls and the mythical creatures found in folklore. However, the standard term for an individual who intentionally disrupts online communities or comment sections is 荒らし. To describe the actual act of trolling, speakers often use the compound 荒らし行為.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 荒らし is derived from the verb 荒らす, which means to devastate, disturb or ruin.
Which one should you use?
トロール is a loanword from English and is more commonly used when discussing fantasy creatures. In contrast, 荒らし is the specific term used in Japanese internet culture to describe a person who posts inflammatory or insincere statements to lure others into arguments.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 荒らす can be used to mean 'to troll' or 'to vandalize' a message board or thread.
How do you pronounce it?
torōru
Did you know?
- Japanese internet users sometimes use the phrase 釣り (fishing) to describe the 'bait' a 荒らし uses to lure people into an argument.
- In Japanese gaming communities, トロール is often used specifically for 'griefing' or sabotaging your own teammates, while 荒らし refers to ruining a chat or forum.
- Because 荒らし can mean 'vandalism', a person who sprays graffiti on a wall and a person who spams a forum are described using the same word.
Examples in context
- 最近、ネット上でトロールが増えているLately, trolls have been increasing online.
- ディスカッションフォーラムで迷惑行為をする人に遭遇しましたI encountered someone engaging in bothersome behavior on a discussion forum.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are looking at a social media thread together.
- 美咲 Misakiこのコメント、ひどくない？kono komento, hidokunai?Isn't this comment terrible?
- 大翔 Hirotoたぶんトロールだと思うよ。tabun torōru da to omou yo.I think it's probably a troll.
- 美咲 Misaki言い返したくなるけど、我慢するね。iikaeshitaku naru kedo, gaman suru ne.I want to talk back, but I'll hold it in.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれが正解だよ、美咲。sore ga seikai da yo, Misaki.That's the right way to do it, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “troll” translations and entries トロール, 荒らし, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
