Translation guide
The concept of disproportion—an imbalance, lack of proportion, or mismatch in size, amount, or degree—is expressed in Japanese through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that describe imbalance, excess, or mismatch. The most common and versatile word is 不均衡 (fukinkō), used for economic or social imbalances. For physical or visual disproportion, 不釣り合い (futsuriai) or アンバランス (anbaransu) are common. In casual speech, バランスが悪い (baransu ga warui) is a natural phrase.
To describe a lack of balance or proportion in abstract concepts like economics, society, or statistics.
The most standard and formal noun for 'imbalance' or 'disproportion' in abstract contexts, such as economic disparity or unequal distribution. Often used in news and academic writing.
The economic disproportion has become a problem.
We need to correct the disproportion of information.
A noun meaning 'disproportion' or 'imbalance', often implying a mismatch or lack of harmony. Can be used for both abstract and physical things, but slightly more common for relationships or pairings.
His salary and workload are disproportionate.
A loanword from English 'unbalance', used as a noun or na-adjective. Common in everyday speech for general imbalance, but slightly less formal than 不均衡.
This team has a disproportion between offense and defense.
A common phrase meaning 'poorly balanced' or 'disproportionate'. Used in casual conversation for any kind of imbalance.
If your nutritional balance is poor, you'll get sick.
To describe something that looks or is physically out of proportion, such as a body part, object, or design.
Used for physical mismatch, like a small person with a large hat, or a tiny room with huge furniture. Emphasizes lack of harmony.
That hat is disproportionate to her face.
Common for visual or design imbalance. Often used in fashion or art contexts.
The most natural way to say something looks disproportionate in daily conversation.
That outfit has a disproportionate shoulder width.
Means 'misshapen' or 'ungainly', implying disproportion in shape. More about awkward appearance than strict imbalance.
To express that a reaction, punishment, or emotion is out of proportion to the cause.
Literally 'excessive reaction'. Used for overreactions or disproportionate responses.
I had a disproportionate reaction to his joke.
Means 'exaggerated' or 'overblown'. Often used when someone makes a big deal out of something small.
Means 'not worth it' or 'disproportionate to the effort/cost'. Used when the outcome doesn't match the input.
To describe a lack of proportion in numbers, ratios, or statistics.
The standard term for statistical imbalance, such as gender disproportion in a field.
In this industry, the gender disproportion is striking.
Means 'bias' or 'skew', often used for disproportionate distribution. More about lopsidedness than strict imbalance.
A casual way to say the ratio is off or disproportionate.
This graph has a weird disproportion.
不均衡 (fukinkō) is formal and used for abstract, systemic imbalances (economic, social). 不釣り合い (futsuriai) implies a mismatch or lack of harmony, often for pairs or physical things. アンバランス (anbaransu) is a casual loanword for general imbalance. In daily speech, バランスが悪い is the most natural phrase.
The disproportion of wealth is serious.
His attitude is disproportionate to his position.
This dish has a disproportionate flavor.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'disproportion'. Translating it directly as 不均衡 in casual contexts can sound overly formal. Use バランスが悪い or アンバランス for everyday situations.
This painting has a disproportionate composition.
That sculpture is disproportionate, with a head that's too big.
その謝罪は大げさだ。
That apology is disproportionate.
This job has a disproportionate salary for the work.
データに偏りがある。
There is a disproportion in the data.