Translation guide
The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey randomness, lack of reason, or subjectivity.
Describing decisions, rules, or actions that are not based on logic, principle, or a consistent system.
A formal noun meaning 'arbitrariness' or 'discretionary nature'. Often used in academic or technical contexts, such as linguistics or law.
The arbitrariness of linguistic signs was proposed by Saussure.
Refers to 'arbitrariness' in the sense of being optional or at one's discretion, often used in legal or procedural contexts.
There is arbitrariness in the application of this rule.
Conveys 'unreasonableness' or 'arbitrariness' in a negative sense, implying unfairness or lack of justification.
Everyone was angered by the arbitrariness of his decision.
Means 'whim' or 'caprice', often used to describe arbitrary actions driven by mood rather than reason.
We were at the mercy of his arbitrary decisions.
Emphasizing that something is chosen or occurs without any predictable pattern or rule.
Means 'random' or 'arbitrary' in the sense of being without deliberate selection. Often used in statistics or sampling.
An arbitrarily selected sample.
A colloquial term for 'nonsense' or 'random', implying lack of sense or order. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
Loanword from English 'random', commonly used in casual and technical contexts to mean arbitrary or random.
Focusing on decisions made based on personal judgment or preference, without objective criteria.
Means 'arbitrary decision' or 'acting on one's own authority', often with a nuance of disregarding others' opinions.
He proceeded with the project arbitrarily.
A common word meaning 'selfish' or 'arbitrary', often used to criticize someone for doing as they please.
Adjectival form of 恣意, meaning 'arbitrary' or 'discretionary', used in formal contexts.
The English word 'arbitrariness' is abstract and often requires different Japanese expressions depending on context. Using a single equivalent like 恣意性 in casual conversation may sound overly formal or unnatural. Choose the option that best matches the nuance of randomness, unreasonableness, or personal discretion.
彼の答えは完全にでたらめだった。
His answer was completely arbitrary.
ランダムに数字を選んでください。
Please choose numbers arbitrarily.
Don't say arbitrary things.
There is criticism that the decision is arbitrary.