Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'dishonest' depends on whether you mean lying, cheating, being unfair, or lacking integrity. The most common word is 不正直 (fushōjiki), but other terms like 嘘つき (usotsuki) for 'liar' or ずるい (zurui) for 'sly/unfair' are often more natural in everyday speech.
Describing a person, action, or statement that is not honest or truthful.
The most direct translation for 'dishonest' as a character trait or behavior. It is a na-adjective.
He is a dishonest person.
Dishonest acts are not tolerated.
Literally 'liar'. Used as a noun or na-adjective to describe someone who tells lies. More common in casual speech than 不正直.
That kid is a liar (dishonest).
Means 'falsehood' or 'lie'. Often used in formal or written contexts to describe dishonest statements or actions.
There was dishonesty in his words.
Describing dishonest behavior that involves cheating, deception, or unfair advantage.
An i-adjective meaning 'sly', 'unfair', or 'dishonest' in the sense of cheating or taking advantage. Very common in everyday speech.
It's not good to win by doing something dishonest.
He made money in a dishonest way.
Means 'injustice', 'unfairness', or 'dishonesty', often used in formal contexts like business, politics, or law. Can be a noun or na-adjective.
Slang for 'cheating', 'fraud', or 'dishonest trick'. Often used for rigged games or scams.
Describing a person or action that is fundamentally dishonest in character, lacking moral principles.
Means 'insincere' or 'dishonest' in the sense of lacking integrity. Often used for betrayal of trust or failure to keep promises.
I was disappointed by his dishonest attitude.
Means 'betrayal'. Used when someone acts dishonestly by breaking trust. Often used as a noun or suru-verb.
Means 'malicious' or 'vicious', but can imply dishonest intent in business or legal contexts. Often used for fraud or scams.
不正直 is a formal, direct translation of 'dishonest' as a character trait. ずるい is more about unfairness or slyness, often used in everyday situations like games or minor cheating. 嘘つき specifically means 'liar' and is common in casual speech. Choose based on the nuance: general dishonesty (不正直), unfair advantage (ずるい), or telling lies (嘘つき).
Avoid directly translating 'dishonest' as 不正直 in all contexts. For example, calling a child 'dishonest' in English might be better expressed as 嘘つき (liar) or ずるい (sly) in Japanese, as 不正直 sounds overly formal and harsh in casual settings.
Dishonest dealings were uncovered.
あのゲームはインチキだ。
That game is rigged (dishonest).
それは裏切り行為だ。
That's a dishonest act (betrayal).
悪質な商法に注意してください。
Beware of dishonest business practices.