Translation guide
The concept of dishonor in Japanese is deeply tied to shame, loss of face, and social standing. It is often expressed through nouns describing disgrace or shameful acts, verbs for bringing dishonor, and set phrases. Direct translations can sound overly dramatic; natural Japanese often uses context-specific terms for shame or loss of reputation.
Expressing the abstract state of being dishonored or in disgrace
The most direct and common noun for 'dishonor' or 'disgrace', used for loss of honor or reputation.
He was discharged in disgrace.
That is a dishonor to the family.
Shame or disgrace, often with a personal or moral nuance. Very common in everyday speech.
He has no sense of shame.
It's a disgrace to do such a thing.
Humiliation or mortification, emphasizing the feeling of being disgraced. Stronger than 恥.
He couldn't bear the dishonor.
Stigma or bad reputation; a stain on one's name. Often used in phrases like 汚名をそそぐ (clear one's name).
He was branded with dishonor.
Describing the action of disgracing someone or something
Specific context of being expelled in disgrace from a position or organization
Expressing the social aspect of dishonor, often in interpersonal contexts
English 'dishonor' can sound theatrical or archaic. In Japanese, use context-appropriate terms like 不名誉 or 恥 unless a strong term like 屈辱 is warranted. For everyday situations, 恥ずかしい (embarrassing) or みっともない (shameful) may be more natural.
恥 (はじ) is general shame, often internal or moral. 不名誉 (ふめいよ) is more about external reputation and honor. Use 不名誉 for formal dishonor, 恥 for personal disgrace.
His actions dishonored the school.
Idiom: 'to smear mud on one's face', meaning to bring shame or dishonor, especially to a group or superior.
He brought dishonor to his boss.
Disciplinary dismissal from a job, often carrying a stigma of dishonor.
He was dishonorably dismissed for corruption.