Translation guide
The English word "prejudice" refers to preconceived opinions not based on reason or experience. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 偏見 (へんけん), but other words like 先入観 (せんにゅうかん) and 差別 (さべつ) are used depending on whether you mean a biased mindset, a preconception, or discriminatory behavior. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Expressing an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
The standard translation for 'prejudice' as a biased attitude or opinion. Often used with 持つ (もつ) 'to have'.
彼は外国人に対して偏見を持っている。
He has a prejudice against foreigners.
偏見をなくすことは難しい。
It's difficult to eliminate prejudice.
A preconception or preconceived idea, often based on first impressions or stereotypes. Emphasizes the idea of having a fixed notion before knowing the facts.
先入観を持たずに話を聞いてください。
Please listen without prejudice.
先入観で判断してはいけない。
Don't judge based on preconceptions.
A biased view or way of looking at things. More descriptive than 偏見.
彼の意見は偏った見方だ。
His opinion is prejudiced.
When prejudice leads to actions or systems that treat people unfairly, especially based on race, gender, etc.
Discrimination. Used when prejudice results in unequal treatment. Often combined with types like 人種差別 (じんしゅさべつ) 'racial discrimination'.
人種差別は許されない。
Racial prejudice is unacceptable.
性別による差別をなくそう。
Let's eliminate gender discrimination.
Can also be used in contexts of discrimination, but 差別 is more specific to actions and systems.
Having a bias that affects judgment, not necessarily about people. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
Bias or skew. Used for statistical bias, media bias, or any imbalance in judgment.
この報道には偏りがある。
There is prejudice in this reporting.
データの偏りを修正する。
Correct the bias in the data.
A phrase used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a statement or action does not affect existing rights or claims.
Formal legal phrase meaning 'without prejudice to rights'. Used in contracts and legal documents.
この申し出は、当方の権利を害することなく行われる。
This offer is made without prejudice to our rights.
Sometimes used in Japanese legal contexts as a loanword, but not common in everyday language.
無 prejudice で交渉する。
Negotiate without prejudice.
偏見 (へんけん) is a general negative bias or prejudice against a group or idea. 先入観 (せんにゅうかん) is a preconception, often neutral, that can be positive or negative. 差別 (さべつ) is discrimination, the action or system that results from prejudice. Use 偏見 for the attitude, 先入観 for the preconceived notion, and 差別 for the act of treating unfairly.
彼は偏見から差別をした。
He discriminated out of prejudice.
先入観を捨てて、彼の話を聞いた。
I listened to his story without prejudice.
The title of Jane Austen's novel is translated as 高慢と偏見 (こうまんとへんけん), but in modern Japanese, 偏見 is not used for the romantic 'prejudice' of first impressions. For that nuance, 先入観 or 思い込み (おもいこみ) might be better. However, the established translation remains 高慢と偏見.
彼は外国人に対して偏見を持っている。
He has a prejudice against foreigners.
人種的偏見は深刻な問題だ。
Racial prejudice is a serious problem.
先入観を持たずに聞いてみてください。
Try to listen without prejudice.
偏見に基づく差別は問題だ。
Discrimination based on prejudice is a problem.
Preconception that can affect judgment in any area.
先入観があると公平に評価できない。
If you have prejudice, you can't evaluate fairly.