Translation guide
The English word "dubious" covers several related meanings: expressing doubt, being questionable or suspicious, and describing something of uncertain quality or reliability. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing that you are not sure about something, or that you have doubts.
The most direct equivalent for 'dubious' when you feel something is doubtful or suspect. Can be used for facts, statements, or situations.
His explanation is a bit dubious.
The truth of that story is dubious.
Literally 'to think of as a question/doubt'. A common way to say you find something dubious or questionable.
I find his motives dubious.
A set phrase meaning 'half-believing, half-doubting'. Used when you are skeptical but not entirely dismissive.
I'm dubious about that news.
Means 'suspicious' or 'shady'. Often used for people, situations, or things that seem dubious in a more intuitive, less analytical way.
That person seems a bit dubious.
Describing something that is probably not good, honest, or trustworthy.
Again the most direct translation. Works for moral dubiousness, questionable practices, etc.
That's an ethically dubious act.
Means 'shady', 'disreputable', or 'questionable'. Often used for businesses, offers, or people that seem untrustworthy or morally dubious.
Overlaps with 'いかがわしい' but more colloquial. Can describe anything from a suspicious person to a dubious claim.
Describing something that may not succeed or may not be worth it.
Means 'uncertain' or 'unreliable'. Good for plans, results, or information that is dubious.
Whether it will succeed is dubious.
Literally 'it's a dubious point'. Used when you are skeptical about a specific aspect.
The feasibility of that plan is dubious.
疑わしい (utagawashii) is the most neutral and can be used in formal contexts. 怪しい (ayashii) is more intuitive and colloquial, often implying a gut feeling of suspicion. いかがわしい (ikagawashii) specifically implies moral dubiousness or shadiness, often related to businesses or people.
While 疑わしい is a direct equivalent, Japanese often expresses doubt through phrases like 疑問に思う or 半信半疑だ. Using these can sound more natural than always defaulting to 疑わしい.
His background is dubious.
Don't get involved in dubious businesses.
He's a dubious character.
怪しい儲け話には気をつけて。
Be careful of dubious money-making schemes.
Stronger than '怪しい', implies something smells fishy or is clearly dubious. Often used for people or deals.
That salesman is really dubious.
Means 'uncertain', 'unreliable', or 'not reassuring'. Often used for prospects or abilities that seem dubious.
His chances of recovery are dubious.