Translation guide
How to express the concept of moral correctness or incorrectness in Japanese, including common phrases for asking about right and wrong, and describing ethical judgments.
Expressing whether something is morally right or wrong
The most direct and common way to refer to right and wrong as abstract concepts of good and evil.
I can't tell right from wrong.
A more literal way to say 'right or wrong', often used when discussing correctness of actions or facts.
Whether his actions are right or wrong is debatable.
Often used in the phrase '是非を問う' (to question the rightness or wrongness), more formal and often used in debates or judgments.
We question the rightness or wrongness of that policy.
Inquiring about the correctness or morality of an action
A straightforward way to ask 'Is it right to...?'
Is it right to tell him the truth?
Asking 'Is it wrong to...?'
Refers to the ability to judge right from wrong, often used in psychological or moral contexts.
Expressing certainty, equivalent to 'right or wrong' as in 'regardless'
Avoid directly translating 'right or wrong' as '正しいか間違いか' in all contexts. While it can be used, it often sounds unnatural. Use '善悪' for moral right/wrong, and 'いずれにせよ' for the 'regardless' sense.
'善悪' (ぜんあく) refers to good and evil, moral right and wrong. '正誤' (せいご) refers to correctness and incorrectness, like true/false on a test. Use '善悪' for ethical judgments, '正誤' for factual accuracy.
distinction between right and wrong (moral)
check for correctness (factual)
Is it wrong not to help him?
Teach children to judge right from wrong.