Translation guide
The concept of immorality, referring to actions or character that violate moral principles. In Japanese, this can be expressed through nouns describing the quality, adjectives for behavior, and terms for specific immoral acts.
To describe the abstract quality of being immoral, or a state of moral corruption.
The most direct and common translation for 'immorality' as a general concept. It refers to the lack of morality or ethical principles.
His actions are immoral.
To condemn immoral acts.
Refers to immorality with a nuance of betraying moral principles, often used in literary or dramatic contexts. It can imply a conscious violation of ethics.
To lead a life of immorality.
Historically used for immorality, especially in the context of adultery or disloyalty. Now somewhat archaic or formal.
An immoral relationship (adulterous)
To refer to specific actions that are considered immoral, such as vice, misconduct, or depravity.
Commonly used for delinquency or misconduct, especially by young people. It covers a range of immoral or illegal acts.
Juvenile delinquency is increasing.
Refers to evil deeds or wicked acts. Stronger than 非行, often implying malicious intent.
Means depravity or corruption, often used to describe a fall from moral standards, like a person's moral decline.
To express immorality specifically related to sexual misconduct, such as lewdness or obscenity.
An adjective meaning lewd, indecent, or immoral in a sexual sense. Can describe behavior, thoughts, or appearance.
Lewd acts
There are rumors about her being immoral.
Refers to obscenity or indecency, often used in legal or formal contexts. It covers sexually explicit material or acts.
Specifically means adultery or an extramarital affair. It is a common term for sexual immorality within marriage.
To describe widespread immorality or decay in social morals.
Means decadence or moral decay, often used to describe a society or culture that has lost its moral standards.
A decadent society
Primarily means corruption (political or moral), but can extend to moral decay. Often used for institutional corruption.
不道徳 is the standard, neutral term for immorality. 背徳 carries a stronger nuance of betraying one's own moral code or societal ethics, often used in literature or dramatic contexts.
Avoid directly translating 'immorality' as 不道徳 in all contexts. For sexual immorality, 淫ら or 不倫 may be more natural. For societal decay, 退廃 is better.
He committed an immoral act.
His depraved lifestyle became the talk of the town.
猥褻物を販売する。
To sell obscene materials.
The affair was exposed.
Political corruption