Translation guide
The quality of being fair and not favoring any side. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words describing fairness, neutrality, and objectivity, as well as set phrases and grammatical patterns.
To describe a person, decision, or process that is fair and unbiased.
The most common word for fairness and impartiality, used for people, judgments, and treatment.
His judgment is impartial.
We demand impartial treatment.
Emphasizes justice and fairness, often used in legal, official, or procedural contexts.
the right to an impartial trial
A formal, four-character compound meaning 'neither biased nor partisan', used in journalism or political neutrality.
We maintain an impartial stance.
A phrase literally meaning 'without bias', used as an adjective to describe impartial views or reporting.
impartial reporting
To express that someone or something remains neutral and does not support any party in a conflict or competition.
The standard word for neutrality, used for countries, organizations, or personal stances.
Switzerland is a permanently neutral country.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'sitting on the fence' or 'neither one thing nor the other', often with a slightly negative nuance of indecisiveness.
To emphasize that a judgment is based on facts and not influenced by personal feelings.
To describe impartiality in legal, administrative, or professional settings.
公平 (こうへい) is general fairness in treatment or distribution. 公正 (こうせい) adds a sense of justice and is often used in legal/official contexts. 中立 (ちゅうりつ) specifically means neutrality in conflicts or disputes, not taking sides.
There is no single Japanese noun that perfectly matches 'impartiality' in all contexts. Instead, use the appropriate adjective or noun phrase based on the situation. For example, 'impartiality of the judge' is 裁判官の公平さ, not 裁判官の不偏不党.
I take a neutral stance on this issue.
His opinions are always wishy-washy.
冷静な判断が必要だ。
We need an impartial (calm) judgment.
Carry out duties with an impartial spirit.