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.
彼の行動は許しがたい。
His actions are reprehensible.
そんな許しがたい間違いを犯した。
He made such a reprehensible mistake.
Means 'should be condemned' or 'blameworthy'. It is a direct and formal way to label something as reprehensible, often used in serious contexts.
その政策は非難されるべきだ。
That policy is reprehensible.
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.
悪質ないじめは許されない。
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.
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.
彼の無責任な態度は言語道断だ。
His irresponsible attitude is reprehensible.
そんなことをするなんてけしからん！
It's reprehensible to do such a thing!