Translation guide
A social mistake or embarrassing blunder in etiquette. In Japanese, this is expressed through words for blunder, rudeness, or specific phrases for social slip-ups.
Describing an embarrassing mistake in social behavior or manners.
A general term for a blunder or failure, often used for social or professional mistakes that cause embarrassment.
彼はパーティーで失態を演じた。
He committed a faux pas at the party.
Rudeness or impoliteness; can refer to a specific act that is socially inappropriate. Often used in apologies.
彼の服装はその場では失礼にあたる。
His attire was a faux pas for the occasion.
Literally 'out-of-place behavior'; used to describe an action that is inappropriate for the setting.
彼の冗談は場違いな行動だった。
His joke was a faux pas.
Bad manners or breach of etiquette; slightly formal.
その不作法を詫びた。
He apologized for the faux pas.
A direct loanword phrase meaning 'etiquette violation'; used in contexts like business or formal dining.
それは重大なエチケット違反だ。
That's a serious faux pas.
A verbal slip that offends or embarrasses.
A gaffe or slip of the tongue; saying something one shouldn't have.
大臣の失言が問題になった。
The minister's faux pas became an issue.
To let slip; to accidentally say something inappropriate.
彼はつい口を滑らせて秘密を話した。
He made a faux pas by accidentally revealing the secret.
To say something unnecessary or out of line; a casual way to describe a verbal faux pas.
彼はまた余計なことを言った。
He made another faux pas.
A mistake due to not knowing Japanese customs.
A failure due to cultural differences; a descriptive phrase often used to explain a foreigner's faux pas.
それは文化の違いによる失敗だった。
It was a faux pas due to cultural differences.
Strategy: Learn manners beforehand to avoid faux pas. Often suggested to visitors.
日本を訪れる前に、箸の使い方など基本的なマナーを学ぶと良い。
Before visiting Japan, it's good to learn basic manners like chopstick use to avoid faux pas.
The French loanword フォーパ is rarely used in Japanese and may not be understood. Use the native terms above instead.
If you commit a faux pas, a simple 失礼しました (しつれいしました) is a common way to apologize for rudeness or a mistake.