Translation guide
The English word 'indiscriminate' describes actions done without careful selection, distinction, or judgment. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, adverbs, and verbs that convey randomness, lack of discrimination, or wholesale application.
Describing an action or process that does not differentiate between targets, often with negative connotations of carelessness or lack of judgment.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'without discrimination' or 'indiscriminate'. Often used in serious contexts like attacks, bombings, or killing.
Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international law.
Literally 'without distinction' or 'without discrimination'. Used for actions done without regard to differences, often in personal behavior.
He spends money indiscriminately.
Means 'haphazardly' or 'indiscriminately', implying grabbing or doing whatever is at hand without selection.
He reads books indiscriminately.
An adverb meaning 'indiscriminately', 'randomly', or 'thoughtlessly'. Often used in casual speech.
Don't ask questions indiscriminately.
Primarily means 'violent' or 'rough', but can imply indiscriminate or reckless action in certain contexts.
Reckless (indiscriminate) driving is dangerous.
Applying something to all members of a group without considering individual differences, often in policies or decisions.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'lumping together' or 'treating all alike without distinction'. Often used critically.
You shouldn't treat students indiscriminately (lump them all together).
Means 'uniformly' or 'across the board', often used when rules or treatments are applied without exception.
Means 'uniform' or 'standardized', implying a lack of individual consideration. Often used in educational or bureaucratic contexts.
Acting without pattern or method, often implying carelessness.
Means 'nonsense', 'random', or 'haphazard'. Can describe indiscriminate actions or statements.
Everyone was confused by his indiscriminate (random) remarks.
Means 'messy', 'disorderly', or 'reckless'. Can imply indiscriminate behavior.
無差別 is more formal and often used for serious, large-scale actions like attacks or bombings. 見境なく is more personal and behavioral, like spending money or eating without restraint.
Directly translating 'indiscriminate' as 無差別 in casual contexts may sound overly dramatic. Use 見境なく or やたらに for everyday situations.
A bonus was given to all employees indiscriminately (uniformly).
Indiscriminate (uniform) education ignores students' individuality.
彼はめちゃくちゃに物を投げた。
He threw things indiscriminately (all over the place).