Translation guide
The English word "inconsistency" covers several related ideas: a lack of consistency in quality or behavior, a logical contradiction between statements, and a mismatch between things that should agree. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing something that is not consistent in quality, performance, or behavior over time.
Refers to unevenness, irregularity, or fluctuation in quality, performance, or distribution. Commonly used for things like work quality, skill, or physical properties.
His work is inconsistent.
This fabric has uneven coloring.
Emphasizes variation or scatter in data, measurements, or results. Often used in technical or business contexts.
There is inconsistency in product quality.
Means 'not constant' or 'not fixed'. Used for things that change unpredictably, like weather or a person's mood.
His attitude is inconsistent.
Means 'unstable' or 'inconsistent' in the sense of lacking stability. Often used for systems, emotions, or conditions.
His mental state is inconsistent.
Pointing out that two statements, ideas, or actions contradict each other.
The standard word for a logical contradiction. Used when statements, beliefs, or actions are inconsistent with each other.
There is an inconsistency in his explanation.
Those two claims are inconsistent.
Means 'doesn't add up' or 'inconsistent' in a narrative or explanation. Focuses on the lack of coherence.
His story is inconsistent.
A formal term for discrepancy or lack of agreement between things. Often used in official or technical contexts.
Describing a situation where two things that should match do not, such as numbers, records, or appearances.
Refers to a discrepancy or divergence between facts, opinions, or data. Commonly used in everyday and business situations.
There is an inconsistency between their testimonies.
Indicates a gap, deviation, or misalignment. Can be used for timing, perception, or numerical differences.
As above, a formal term for discrepancy. Suitable for official documents or technical reports.
矛盾 (mujun) is for logical contradictions (A and not A). 食い違い (kuichigai) is for discrepancies between accounts or facts. 不一致 (fuicchi) is a formal term for lack of agreement, often used in official contexts.
His actions contradict his words.
There is a discrepancy in the report.
A disagreement arose between the two parties.
The English word 'inconsistency' is broad. Direct translations like 不整合 (fuseigou) or 不統一 (futouitsu) exist but are less common and often sound unnatural. Choose the specific Japanese term that matches the intended meaning.
報告書の内容に不一致が見られる。
There are inconsistencies in the report's content.
There is an inconsistency in perception.
データに不一致が見つかった。
An inconsistency was found in the data.