Translation guide
The English word 'immoral' refers to actions, behavior, or people that go against accepted moral standards. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean unethical, wicked, indecent, or corrupt. This guide covers common words and phrases for expressing immorality in various contexts.
Describing actions or behavior that violate ethical standards, often in a serious or formal sense.
The most direct translation for 'immoral' in the sense of lacking morality. Used for actions, behavior, or people. Common in formal and written contexts.
His immoral conduct was condemned.
immoral business practices
Means 'unethical' and is often used in professional, academic, or legal contexts. Slightly more formal than 不道徳.
The research was criticized as unethical.
A phrase meaning 'against morality/justice', used in formal discussions of ethics.
Actions that are against morality are unacceptable.
Describing people or deeds that are deeply morally wrong, often with a sense of evil.
Means 'wicked' or 'evil'. Stronger than 不道徳, implying a malicious intent. Used for people, acts, or thoughts.
He gave an immoral grin.
an immoral plan
Means 'crafty and wicked', often implying cunning immorality. Used for schemes or people.
Means 'heinous' or 'atrocious'. Used for the worst kinds of immorality, like serious crimes.
Referring to behavior that is sexually improper or lewd.
Means 'indecent', 'lewd', or 'obscene'. Commonly used for sexually immoral acts or thoughts.
Same reading and meaning as みだら, but this kanji form is more literary or formal. Often used in legal contexts.
Means 'obscene' or 'indecent', often used in legal or formal descriptions of sexual immorality.
Describing immoral behavior involving bribery, fraud, or abuse of power.
Describing a lifestyle of excessive indulgence in pleasures, often implying immorality.
While 不道徳 is the closest general term, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. For everyday speech, consider using more specific words like ひどい (terrible) or ずるい (unfair/sneaky) depending on context, though these are not direct equivalents of 'immoral'.
不道徳 is about violating moral standards in a broad sense, while 非倫理的 specifically refers to professional or academic ethics. Use 非倫理的 for research misconduct, business ethics violations, etc.
That was an immoral thing to do.
He is an immoral person.
The company's immoral practices were exposed.
悪辣な手口で金をだまし取った。
He swindled money through immoral means.
極悪非道の犯罪
a heinous and immoral crime
to engage in immoral acts
猥褻な写真
obscene (immoral) photos
to gain profit through immoral means
自堕落な生活
an immoral, dissipated life