Translation guide
The English verb "deplore" expresses strong disapproval, condemnation, or regret about something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs, adjectives, and set phrases depending on whether you are criticizing an action, lamenting a situation, or expressing moral outrage.
To express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or behavior, often in a formal or public context.
The most direct equivalent for publicly criticizing or condemning something as wrong. Used in news, speeches, and formal statements.
政府の対応を厳しく非難した。
They strongly deplored the government's response.
A stronger, more forceful condemnation, often implying a thorough denunciation. Common in political or social criticism.
人権侵害を糾弾する決議が採択された。
A resolution deploring human rights violations was adopted.
A formal, diplomatic way to express regret and disapproval. Often used in official statements.
その発言を遺憾に思います。
We deplore that remark.
To express sadness, grief, or strong regret about a situation, often one that is ongoing or cannot be changed.
To lament, grieve, or deplore a sad state of affairs. Can be used for personal or societal issues.
彼は道徳の低下を嘆いた。
He deplored the decline in morality.
To worry about and deplore a situation, often with a sense of concern for the future. Slightly more literary.
A common, slightly softer way to express regret or disappointment about something. Less intense than 'deplore' but natural in many contexts.
その決定を残念に思います。
I deplore that decision. (lit. I find that decision regrettable.)
To show that you find something morally unacceptable or shocking.
Literally 'unforgivable', this adjective strongly conveys that an action is deplorable.
その行為は許しがたい。
That act is deplorable.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'outrageous' or 'absolutely deplorable'. Strong and emphatic.
彼の態度は言語道断だ。
His attitude is deplorable.
English 'deplore' often sounds formal or literary. In casual Japanese conversation, directly translating 'deplore' can sound unnatural. Instead, use simpler expressions like ひどいと思う (I think it's terrible) or 最低だ (That's the worst) depending on the context.
非難する focuses on blaming or criticizing an external target, while 嘆く focuses on the speaker's emotional lament. Use 非難する when pointing fingers, and 嘆く when expressing sorrow.
暴力を非難します。
We deplore the violence.
彼女は若者のマナーのなさを嘆いた。
She deplored the lack of manners in young people.
Voices deploring environmental destruction are growing.