賄賂（わいろ、wairo）
- bribe

The Japanese word 賄賂 （わいろ) means "bribe" or "corruption." It refers to the act of giving or receiving something of value (money, gifts, favors, etc.) in exchange for an improper advantage, such as influencing a decision or action. It's a serious concept, carrying negative connotations related to unethical behavior and breaking the law.

⚫︎政治家は、建設会社から賄賂を受け取ったと疑われている。 Translation: The politician is suspected of receiving a bribe from a construction company. ⚫︎警察官は、容疑者から賄賂を受け取り、捜査を妨害した。 Translation: The police officer accepted a bribe from the suspect and obstructed the investigation.

You would use 賄賂 to describe situations involving bribery or corruption. It's typically used in formal contexts, such as news reports, legal discussions, or serious conversations about unethical conduct. You wouldn't generally use it in casual everyday conversation unless the topic is specifically about such matters. Be mindful that using this word suggests a serious accusation.

賄賂 is primarily written using the kanji 賄賂. The reading is わいろ in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word, nor are there variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎汚職 (おしょく) - corruption, graft ⚫︎贈賄 (ぞうわい) - bribery (giving a bribe) ⚫︎収賄 (しゅうわい) - bribery (receiving a bribe)

There isn't a direct antonym, but concepts related to ethical behavior would be opposite: ⚫︎清廉潔白 (せいれんけっぱく) - integrity, honesty, incorruptibility ⚫︎正義 (せいぎ) - justice, righteousness

彼は、会社の契約を得るために、取引先に賄賂を渡した。 ・Translation: He gave a bribe to a business partner to obtain a contract for his company. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates the act of giving a bribe to unfairly gain a business advantage.

その弁護士は、クライアントに有利な判決を得るために裁判官に賄賂を渡そうとした。 ・Translation: That lawyer tried to give a bribe to the judge to obtain a favorable ruling for their client. ・Explanation: This example highlights a situation where someone attempts to influence the judicial process through bribery.

The kanji 賄 (まかな) means "to provide" or "to supply," and it can imply something offered in secret. 賂 (ろ) means "bribe" or "gift." Combined, 賄賂 thus conveys the meaning of providing a gift (often secretly) for the purpose of influencing someone. The etymology reflects the act of giving something to gain favor illicitly.