Translation guide
The state of being inconsistent with oneself, often referring to contradictions in one's own beliefs, actions, or statements. In Japanese, this is typically expressed through phrases describing contradiction or lack of consistency, rather than a single noun.
Expressing that someone says or believes things that conflict with each other
A direct noun phrase meaning 'self-contradiction'. Commonly used in formal or written contexts.
彼の主張には自己矛盾がある。
There is self-inconsistency in his argument.
A general verb phrase meaning 'is contradictory'. Can be used for self-inconsistency when context makes the subject clear.
彼の言っていることは矛盾している。
What he's saying is inconsistent.
Specifically refers to inconsistency between one's words and actions.
彼は言行不一致で、言っていることとやっていることが違う。
He is self-inconsistent; what he says and what he does are different.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'inconsistent' or 'doesn't add up', often used for logical inconsistencies in one's story.
彼の説明はつじつまが合わない。
His explanation is inconsistent.
Describing a person whose behavior or personality seems contradictory
Means 'lacks consistency'. Can be used for a person's character or actions.
彼の行動には一貫性がない。
His behavior lacks consistency.
Literally 'self-contradictory personality'. More explicit but less common in casual speech.
彼は自己矛盾した性格の持ち主だ。
He has a self-inconsistent personality.
Expressing that one's own emotions or ideas conflict internally
Used when one's feelings are contradictory, e.g., loving and hating something at the same time.
彼女に対して気持ちが矛盾している。
My feelings toward her are inconsistent.
Literally 'there is a contradiction in my heart'. More introspective.
心の中で矛盾があるけど、どうすればいいかわからない。
I have self-inconsistency inside, and I don't know what to do.
There is no single common Japanese word that directly translates 'self-inconsistency'. Using a literal combination like 自己不整合 (じこふせいごう) would sound unnatural. Instead, use phrases that describe contradiction or lack of consistency.
矛盾 (contradiction) emphasizes logical conflict, while 一貫性がない (lacks consistency) focuses on the absence of a steady pattern. For self-inconsistency, 矛盾 is often more direct, but 一貫性がない can be softer.