Translation guide
The concept of dishonour in Japanese is deeply tied to shame, loss of face, and social standing. Direct translations exist, but natural expression often depends on whether you're describing an act, a state, or a feeling.
Describing a state of disgrace or loss of good name, often due to one's own or another's actions.
The most direct and common word for 'dishonour' as a state or quality. Used for loss of reputation, shameful acts, or disgrace.
彼は不名誉な退役をした。
He suffered a dishonourable discharge.
それは家族にとって不名誉だ。
It's a dishonour to the family.
Shame or disgrace. Often used in phrases like '恥をかく' (to be shamed) or '恥を知る' (to know shame). More emotional than 不名誉.
彼は恥をかかされた。
He was dishonoured (shamed).
そんなことをするのは恥だ。
It's a dishonour to do such a thing.
A stigma or bad reputation; a dishonourable name. Often used in '汚名を着せる' (to stigmatize) or '汚名を返上する' (to clear one's name).
彼は汚名を着せられた。
He was branded with dishonour.
Humiliation or mortification. Stronger than 恥, implying deep disgrace and loss of dignity.
それは耐え難い屈辱だった。
It was an unbearable dishonour.
Describing the action of bringing shame or disgrace upon someone.
To damage someone's honour. A straightforward and common phrase.
彼の行為は家族の名誉を傷つけた。
His actions dishonoured the family.
To cause someone to feel shame; to embarrass or humiliate. Very common in daily speech.
彼は私に恥をかかせた。
He dishonoured me (made me lose face).
To make someone lose face; to humiliate. Slightly more formal and idiomatic.
彼は私の面目を潰した。
He dishonoured me (caused me to lose face).
Expressing the internal feeling of being dishonoured or ashamed.
The most common adjective for feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Covers a wide range from mild embarrassment to deep shame.
自分の行動が恥ずかしい。
I feel dishonoured by my own actions.
To feel shame. More explicit than 恥ずかしい.
彼は深い恥を感じた。
He felt a deep sense of dishonour.
Failing to keep a promise, agreement, or obligation, often seen as a breach of honour.
To break a promise. In Japanese culture, breaking a promise is a serious dishonour.
彼は約束を破って私を裏切った。
He dishonoured his promise and betrayed me.
To betray trust. Implies a deep dishonour in personal or professional relationships.
彼の行動は私の信頼を裏切った。
His actions dishonoured my trust.
Referring to a cheque or payment that is refused or not honoured by a bank.
Dishonour of a cheque or bill. A technical financial term.
その小切手は不渡りになった。
The cheque was dishonoured.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to dishonour' in all contexts. Use phrases like '名誉を傷つける' or '恥をかかせる' depending on the nuance. Avoid literal translations like '不名誉する', which is not natural Japanese.
恥 (はじ) is more about personal shame and emotional reaction, while 不名誉 (ふめいよ) is more about objective loss of reputation or honour. Use 恥 for feelings and social embarrassment, and 不名誉 for formal disgrace or dishonourable status.
彼は不名誉に生きるより死を選ぶだろう。
He would rather die than live in dishonour.
間違いを認めることは不名誉ではない。
There's no dishonour in admitting you were wrong.
A dishonoured bill or note. Used in business contexts.
会社は不渡り手形を出した。
The company issued a dishonoured note.