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.
無差別攻撃は国際法で禁止されている。
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.
彼は見境なくお金を使う。
He spends money indiscriminately.
Means 'haphazardly' or 'indiscriminately', implying grabbing or doing whatever is at hand without selection.
彼は手当たり次第に本を読む。
He reads books indiscriminately.
An adverb meaning 'indiscriminately', 'randomly', or 'thoughtlessly'. Often used in casual speech.
やたらに質問しないでください。
Don't ask questions indiscriminately.
Primarily means 'violent' or 'rough', but can imply indiscriminate or reckless action in certain contexts.
乱暴な運転は危険だ。
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.
学生を十把一絡げに扱ってはいけない。
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.
全社員に一律のボーナスが支給された。
A bonus was given to all employees indiscriminately (uniformly).
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.
彼のでたらめな発言に皆が困惑した。
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.
画一的な教育は生徒の個性を無視している。
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).