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.
審判は公平な判断を下した。
The referee made a fair decision.
すべての人に公平な機会を与えるべきだ。
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.
公正な取引を行う。
We conduct fair transactions.
Loanword from English, used as a na-adjective. Common in casual speech and sports contexts.
それはフェアじゃないよ。
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.
彼女は色白で、髪は明るい茶色だ。
She has fair skin and light brown hair.
Describing a price, amount, condition, or suggestion that is moderate and acceptable.
Means 'reasonable' or 'appropriate'. Often used for prices, salaries, or proposals.
それは妥当な値段だ。
That's a fair price.
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.
English 'fair' has multiple unrelated meanings. In Japanese, these are completely different words. Always check the context before translating.
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.
公平な扱い
fair treatment (equal treatment)
ずるい！ずるい！
No fair! No fair!
Literally 'color is white', a common way to say someone has fair skin.
彼は色が白いね。
He has fair skin, doesn't he?
For 'fair hair', meaning light-colored (blonde, light brown).
彼女は明るい色の髪をしている。
She has fair hair.
I think his proposal is fair.
Means 'fair and proper', often used in official or business contexts (e.g., fair price, fair value).
適正な価格で販売する。
Sell at a fair price.
Means 'so-so' or 'fair to middling'. Used for quality or performance, not for justice.
映画はまあまあだった。
The movie was fair.
Means 'commensurate' or 'fair considering the circumstances'. Used for rewards, punishments, etc.
彼は相応の報酬を受け取った。
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.
自動車の展示会に行った。
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.
夏の縁日で金魚すくいをした。
We played goldfish scooping at the summer fair.
テストの結果はまあまあだった。
My test results were fair.
Similar to まあまあ, meaning 'passable' or 'not bad'. Slightly more informal.
給料はそこそこだ。
The salary is fair.
Means 'tolerable' or 'fairly good'. Often used in slightly more formal or polite contexts than まあまあ.
景気はまずまずです。
Business is fair.
fair trial (according to law)
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.
fair trial (according to law)
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.