Translation guide
Describes someone who cannot or does not conform to societal norms, often implying social withdrawal, failure, or deviance. Japanese expressions range from clinical terms to slang, depending on the nuance.
He thinks of himself as a person unfit for society.
Literally 'someone who sticks out', implying a person who doesn't fit the mold. More colloquial and slightly negative, but can be used in casual conversation.
He's been an outcast since he was little.
Means 'heretic' or 'maverick'. Used for someone who defies conventions, often with a nuance of being a pioneer or rebel rather than just a failure.
He is known as a maverick in the industry.
Literally 'dropout' or 'failure'. Often used in educational or corporate contexts for someone who can't keep up. Implies inability rather than choice.
He was a failure at school.
A person who withdraws from society, often staying at home for extended periods.
Refers to a person who has withdrawn from social life, often remaining at home for months or years. A well-known social phenomenon in Japan.
He has been a shut-in for years.
Acronym for 'Not in Education, Employment, or Training'. Overlaps with hikikomori but focuses on lack of productive activity. Can be derogatory.
Someone who actively violates social norms or laws, often with a clinical or legal nuance.
Someone who is not part of a group or community, often by choice or circumstance.
Means 'outsider' or 'stranger'. Used for someone who doesn't belong to a particular community or group. Can be neutral or slightly negative.
In the village, he was always treated as an outsider.
Literally 'outsider' in a more formal sense, often used in organizational contexts (e.g., 'unauthorized person').
The phrase 'person unfit for society' is not a common collocation in English. In Japanese, directly translating it as 社会に不向きな人 sounds unnatural. Use the specific terms above depending on the nuance.
社会不適合者 is a broad, formal term for social maladjustment, while 引きこもり specifically refers to physical withdrawal from society. A 引きこもり may be a 社会不適合者, but not all 社会不適合者 are 引きこもり.
He's been a NEET ever since he graduated from college.
Specifically a juvenile delinquent. Used for minors who commit crimes or antisocial acts.
He was taken into custody as a juvenile delinquent.
部外者は立ち入り禁止です。
Outsiders are not allowed to enter.