Translation guide
Describes something that changes frequently or is not steady, such as a person's mood, behavior, loyalty, or a variable like weather. The most common Japanese expressions focus on fickleness, changeability, or lack of consistency.
Describing someone whose emotions, affections, or actions change often and unpredictably.
Describes a person who acts on whims, often changing their mind or mood. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
He is an inconstant person.
Her inconstancy is troublesome.
Specifically refers to a tendency to change one's interests, affections, or loyalties easily; fickleness.
He is inconstant, quickly jumping to another hobby.
Literally 'easy to change', used for things like moods, weather, or a person's nature. More general than 気まぐれ.
Her mood is inconstant.
Refers to a person prone to infidelity or inconstancy in romantic relationships. Often carries a negative connotation.
He is inconstant in love, so I can't trust him.
Describing something that is not steady or predictable, like weather, fortune, or conditions.
Commonly used for weather, seasons, or other changeable phenomena.
Spring weather is inconstant.
Means unstable or unsteady, often used for economic conditions, weather patterns, or emotional states.
Literally 'not fixed', used for things that lack consistency or stability. Somewhat literary.
His heart is inconstant.
Describing something that is not uniform or reliable, such as work quality or effort.
気まぐれ emphasizes whimsical, unpredictable changes, often without deep reason. 移り気 specifically refers to a tendency to shift interests or affections, implying a lack of loyalty or focus.
The English word 'inconstant' is not directly equivalent to a single Japanese word. Using a dictionary translation like 不変でない (fuhen denai) would sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance.
Stock prices have been inconstant lately.