賄賂
A bribe is money, a gift, or a favor given to someone in a position of power to influence their actions or decisions dishonestly. It is almost always used in the context of illegal or unethical activities involving officials or employees.
Examples
3 of 5彼は警察官に賄賂を渡そうとした。
He tried to give a bribe to the police officer.
その政治家は多額の賄賂を受け取った疑いがある。
That politician is suspected of having accepted a large bribe.
賄賂で問題を解決するのは絶対にダメだ。
It is absolutely wrong to try to solve problems with bribes.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Wai-ro sounds like 'Why row?'. Imagine someone rowing a boat secretly at night to deliver a box of illegal cash—Why row? Because it's a bribe!
Quick Quiz
彼は不正に有利な立場を得るために、役人に___を渡した。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 賄賂
Examples
彼は警察官に賄賂を渡そうとした。
everydayHe tried to give a bribe to the police officer.
その政治家は多額の賄賂を受け取った疑いがある。
formalThat politician is suspected of having accepted a large bribe.
賄賂で問題を解決するのは絶対にダメだ。
informalIt is absolutely wrong to try to solve problems with bribes.
賄賂は行政の透明性を損なう重大な問題である。
academicBribery is a serious issue that undermines administrative transparency.
取引を有利に進めるために賄賂を要求された。
businessI was asked for a bribe to make the business deal go smoothly.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
賄賂を掴ませる
to slip someone a bribe
賄賂が横行する
bribery is rampant
袖の下を通す
to pass a bribe (literally 'under the sleeve')
Often Confused With
A general gift given out of kindness or for a celebration, whereas wairo is illegal and used for influence.
A donation made for a good cause or charity, not for personal gain through corruption.
Usage Notes
Use this word when discussing corruption, crime, or serious ethical violations. It is a heavy word and should not be used jokingly unless the context is very clear.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it for a 'tip' at a restaurant, which is 'chippu' (チップ). Using 'wairo' in a restaurant would imply you are trying to do something illegal.
Memory Tip
Wai-ro sounds like 'Why row?'. Imagine someone rowing a boat secretly at night to deliver a box of illegal cash—Why row? Because it's a bribe!
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'makanau' (to supply/provide) and 'ro' (originally meaning cloth used as currency or a gift).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In historical Japan, bribes were often slipped into the long sleeves of a kimono, leading to the common idiom 'sode no shita' (under the sleeve).
Quick Quiz
彼は不正に有利な立場を得るために、役人に___を渡した。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 賄賂
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
仮説
B1仮説とは、ある現象を説明するために、真偽はともかくとして、とりあえず設定した仮の答えのことです。科学的方法の出発点となり、実験や観察によって検証される必要があります。
unknown
A1A student attending a university or college for higher education. In Japan, it specifically refers to undergraduate students in a four-year university or a two-year junior college.
革命
A1A fundamental and sudden change in political power or social structure, often involving a shift in governance. It also refers to a major, transformative shift in technology, thought, or a specific field that completely alters how things are done.
維持
A1The act of keeping something in its current state, condition, or level over a period of time. It is commonly used to describe the maintenance of health, systems, relationships, or the status quo.
縮小
A1The act of reducing the size, scale, or scope of something. It is commonly used when talking about downsizing operations, shrinking digital images, or narrowing the range of a project.
契約
A1A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that specifies terms and conditions. It is commonly used for mobile phones, apartment rentals, and employment agreements.
取引
A1A transaction or business deal involving the exchange of money, goods, or services. It refers to the process of doing business with another party or making a trade.
借金
A1A sum of money that is borrowed from a person or an institution and is expected to be paid back. It refers to the state of owing money or the specific amount of debt accumulated.
予算
A1A budget or an estimate of the amount of money available for a specific purpose. It refers to the financial plan or limit set before spending occurs in personal, business, or government contexts.
賃金
A1Chingin refers to the money paid to a worker in exchange for labor or services, similar to wages. It is frequently used in formal, legal, and economic contexts, particularly when discussing minimum wage or labor statistics.
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