Translation guide
The English verb 'discriminate' has two main meanings: to treat people unfairly based on group membership, and to perceive or distinguish differences. This guide focuses on the first meaning, which is the most common and important for learners, and briefly covers the second.
To express the act of treating someone or a group unfairly because of their race, gender, age, etc.
It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age. · She felt she was being discriminated against because of her gender.
He discriminates against people based on race.
You must not discriminate against women.
Literally 'to treat in a discriminatory way'. This phrase is useful when you want to emphasize the manner of treatment rather than the act itself.
That company discriminates against foreigners.
Means 'to treat coldly' or 'to give unfavorable treatment'. It can imply discrimination but is less direct and often used in contexts like workplace ostracism.
He is being discriminated against by his boss.
To perceive or recognize the difference between things. This meaning is less common in everyday English and often appears in formal or academic contexts.
Babies can discriminate between different sounds. · The test can discriminate between the two strains of the virus.
The most common verb for 'distinguish' or 'tell apart'. It is used for both physical and abstract differences.
He cannot discriminate between right and wrong.
It's hard to discriminate colors.
Often used for technical or sensory discrimination, like identifying objects or patterns. More formal than 区別する.
Literally 'to distinguish by looking'. Used for visual discrimination, often in everyday speech.
差別する almost always carries the negative connotation of unfair discrimination. Using it to mean 'tell apart' will sound very strange or offensive. Use 区別する or 見分ける instead.
He cannot discriminate between right and wrong. (unnatural/offensive)
差別 (sabetsu) is discrimination in the social injustice sense. 区別 (kubetsu) is distinction or differentiation. When translating 'discriminate', choose based on whether the context is about unfair treatment or simply telling things apart.
The law prohibits discriminating against employees based on their sexual orientation.
Can you discriminate between a real diamond and a fake one?
This device can discriminate counterfeit bills.
双子を見分けるのは難しい。
It's hard to discriminate between the twins.