Translation guide
Describes actions, behavior, or attitudes that are morally wrong and deserving of strong criticism. In Japanese, this is often expressed through adjectives, verbs, or set phrases that convey blame, unacceptability, or moral outrage.
To describe an action, behavior, or attitude as morally unacceptable and worthy of strong condemnation.
Literally 'hard to forgive', this is a common and natural way to express that something is reprehensible or inexcusable. It emphasizes the speaker's moral judgment.
His actions are reprehensible.
Means 'should be condemned' or 'blameworthy'. It is a direct and formal way to label something as reprehensible, often used in serious contexts.
An informal, somewhat old-fashioned but still common adjective meaning 'outrageous' or 'inexcusable'. It expresses strong disapproval and is often used in everyday speech when scolding.
Means 'malicious' or 'vicious'. It can be used for reprehensible acts that are deliberately harmful, but it focuses more on the malicious intent rather than the moral judgment alone.
Malicious bullying is reprehensible.
Direct translations like '非難すべき' (hinan subeki) are grammatically possible but sound unnatural. Use the expressions above for natural Japanese.
He made such a reprehensible mistake.
That policy is reprehensible.
A strong, idiomatic expression meaning 'outrageous' or 'absolutely unacceptable'. It conveys a sense of moral indignation and is often used in formal or emphatic speech.
His irresponsible attitude is reprehensible.
It's reprehensible to do such a thing!