Translation guide
The English word "fair" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: just and impartial, light in color, reasonable or acceptable, a public event, and moderately good. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
Describing a situation, decision, or person that treats everyone equally and without bias.
The most common and general adjective for 'fair' meaning impartial and just. Used for rules, judgments, treatment, etc.
The referee made a fair decision.
We should give everyone a fair chance.
Similar to 公平, but often implies adherence to rules or standards, and is slightly more formal. Common in legal, business, or official contexts.
We conduct fair transactions.
Loanword from English, used as a na-adjective. Common in casual speech and sports contexts.
That's not fair!
Means 'unfair' or 'sneaky'. Often used in casual complaints. Note: This is the opposite of fair, but learners may encounter it when expressing 'not fair'.
This means 'unfair', not 'fair'. Use only in negative contexts.
Describing someone with pale skin or light-colored hair.
Specifically for fair/pale skin. Often considered a desirable trait in Japan.
Describing a price, amount, condition, or suggestion that is moderate and acceptable.
Means 'reasonable' or 'appropriate'. Often used for prices, salaries, or proposals.
Referring to a large gathering for entertainment, commerce, or display.
Loanword used for modern trade fairs, job fairs, etc.
Describing quality, skill, or performance that is acceptable but not outstanding.
Adverb meaning 'so-so' or 'fairly good'. Very common in casual speech.
That's a fair question.
ずるい！ずるい！
No fair! No fair!
She has fair skin and light brown hair.
Literally 'color is white', a common way to say someone has fair skin.
He has fair skin, doesn't he?
For 'fair hair', meaning light-colored (blonde, light brown).
She has fair hair.
That's a fair price.
I think his proposal is fair.
Means 'fair and proper', often used in official or business contexts (e.g., fair price, fair value).
Sell at a fair price.
Means 'so-so' or 'fair to middling'. Used for quality or performance, not for justice.
The movie was fair.
Means 'commensurate' or 'fair considering the circumstances'. Used for rewards, punishments, etc.
He received a fair reward.
就職フェアに参加した。
I attended a job fair.
Trade show or exhibition, often for specific industries.
I went to a car fair.
Traditional Japanese festival day at a temple or shrine, often with stalls. Similar to a small fair or carnival.
We played goldfish scooping at the summer fair.
My test results were fair.
Similar to まあまあ, meaning 'passable' or 'not bad'. Slightly more informal.
The salary is fair.
Means 'tolerable' or 'fairly good'. Often used in slightly more formal or polite contexts than まあまあ.
Business is fair.
a game fair (event)
Both mean 'fair', but 公平 emphasizes impartiality and equality, while 公正 emphasizes adherence to rules and standards. 公正 is more formal and often used in legal/business contexts.
In casual Japanese, the most natural way to say 'That's not fair!' is ずるい！ or フェアじゃない！. 公平じゃない is grammatically correct but sounds more formal and less emotional.
She has fair skin.
I went to the book fair.