Translation guide
The English word "infamous" describes someone or something widely known for a bad reason. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a bad reputation, notoriety, or being famous in a negative way.
To describe a person, place, or thing that is widely known for being evil, cruel, or terrible.
The most direct translation. It literally means 'high in bad name/reputation'. Used for people, groups, or places known for bad deeds.
彼は悪名高い犯罪者だ。
He is an infamous criminal.
That infamous incident is still talked about today.
Same as above, but can also be used attributively before nouns.
悪名高い独裁者の銅像が倒された。
The statue of the infamous dictator was toppled.
A set phrase meaning 'to gain notoriety' or 'to make a bad name for oneself'. Often used for people or groups who become widely known for something bad.
彼はその事件で一躍悪名を馳せた。
He became infamous overnight because of that incident.
Means 'dishonorable' or 'disgraceful'. It focuses on the shame or loss of honor rather than widespread fame. Often used for actions or events.
彼は不名誉な記録を残した。
He left an infamous record.
Simply means 'bad reputation' or 'ill fame'. It is a noun and often used in compounds like 悪名高い.
その町は悪名で知られている。
The town is known for its bad reputation.
To describe someone or something that is widely known, but the fame is due to a scandal, crime, or negative quality.
Simply means 'famous'. When context makes the negative aspect clear, it can be used for 'infamous'. Often paired with a negative reason.
彼は汚職で有名な政治家だ。
He is a politician infamous for corruption.
Means 'known for ~'. When the thing they are known for is bad, it conveys 'infamous'.
その地域は犯罪多発で知られている。
The area is infamous for its high crime rate.
Again, the most direct equivalent, but here emphasizing the widespread negative fame.
悪名高い詐欺師が逮捕された。
The infamous con artist was arrested.
To describe something that has gained a bad reputation within a particular community or field.
Still the best general term, but can be applied to specific domains.
その悪名高いウェブサイトは閉鎖された。
That infamous website was shut down.
Means 'problematic' or 'in question'. Often used to refer to something infamous in a specific discussion, like 'the infamous incident'.
問題の動画はすぐに削除された。
The infamous video was quickly deleted.
Used in set phrases like 悪名を残す (to leave a bad name).
In English, 'infamous' is not simply 'very famous'. In Japanese, 有名 (famous) is neutral. Always add context to show the fame is negative, or use 悪名高い.
悪名高い emphasizes widespread bad reputation. 不名誉な focuses on the dishonor or shame of an act, not necessarily how widely known it is.
彼は歴史に悪名を残した。
He left an infamous mark on history.