Translation guide
The English word "scrupulous" has two main meanings: being extremely careful and precise, and being morally honest and principled. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each nuance.
Describing someone who pays great attention to detail, is thorough, and avoids errors.
Describing someone who adheres strictly to ethical standards, is fair, and has integrity.
几帳面 (kichōmen) describes a person's inherent trait of being orderly and meticulous. 細かい (komakai) focuses on attention to small details, and can be used for both people and things. 念入り (nen'iri) describes an action done with thorough care, not a personality trait.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly covers both the careful and moral meanings of 'scrupulous'. Using 几帳面 for a moral context would sound odd, as it only refers to meticulousness. Choose based on the intended nuance.
A common adjective meaning meticulous, methodical, and punctilious. Often used for people who are very organized and detail-oriented in daily life or work.
彼は几帳面な性格で、机の上はいつもきれいに整っている。
He has a scrupulous personality, and his desk is always neatly organized.
Means 'detailed' or 'meticulous'. Often used in the phrase 細かいところまで気がつく (to notice even the smallest details).
彼女は細かいところまで気がつくので、仕事が正確だ。
She is scrupulous about details, so her work is accurate.
Means 'careful', 'thorough', or 'elaborate'. Often used for actions done with great care, like preparations or checking.
彼は念入りに書類をチェックした。
He scrupulously checked the documents.
Means 'cautious' or 'prudent'. It can overlap with 'scrupulous' when carefulness stems from a desire to avoid mistakes or risks.
彼は慎重に計画を進めた。
He proceeded with the plan in a scrupulous manner.
Means 'sincere', 'honest', and 'faithful'. It implies a strong moral character and trustworthiness, close to the ethical sense of 'scrupulous'.
彼は誠実な人柄で、誰からも信頼されている。
He is a scrupulous person, trusted by everyone.
Means 'conscientious'. It emphasizes acting according to one's conscience, often in professional or business contexts.
あの店は良心的な価格で商売をしている。
That shop does business with scrupulous pricing.
Literally 'fastidious', but can extend to moral scrupulousness, implying an almost excessive purity or uprightness. Can have a negative nuance of being too rigid.
彼は潔癖な性格で、不正を一切許さない。
He has a scrupulous character and tolerates no dishonesty.