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.
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.
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.
His joke was a faux pas.
Bad manners or breach of etiquette; slightly formal.
He apologized for the faux pas.
A direct loanword phrase meaning 'etiquette violation'; used in contexts like business or formal dining.
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.
The minister's faux pas became an issue.
To let slip; to accidentally say something inappropriate.
To say something unnecessary or out of line; a casual way to describe a verbal 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.
It was a faux pas due to cultural differences.
Strategy: Learn manners beforehand to avoid faux pas. Often suggested to visitors.
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.
He made a faux pas by accidentally revealing the secret.
He made another faux pas.
Before visiting Japan, it's good to learn basic manners like chopstick use to avoid faux pas.