Translation guide
The English verb 'shun' means to deliberately avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that convey avoidance, ostracism, or keeping away from something undesirable. The choice depends on whether you are avoiding a person, a topic, a responsibility, or a situation, and the degree of social rejection involved.
To deliberately stay away from someone, often due to dislike, fear, or social rejection.
General verb for avoiding someone or something. Can be used for people, places, or situations. Neutral in tone.
He is shunning me.
She is avoiding her ex-boyfriend.
To keep someone at a distance, often out of respect, dislike, or to avoid trouble. Implies a deliberate choice to stay away.
He shuns troublesome people.
To shun or keep away from someone due to feeling distant or estranged. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
He is shunned by his friends.
To deliberately not talk about or engage with a particular subject.
To systematically ignore or exclude someone from a community or social circle.
Traditional term for ostracism, literally 'village eight-tenths'. Means to cut off social ties with someone, excluding them from all but the most essential community functions (fire and funeral). Strongly conveys shunning.
He was shunned by the village.
To exclude someone from a group; to leave someone out. Common in everyday contexts like school or workplace.
To ignore someone completely. Can be used for shunning by giving the silent treatment.
He is completely shunning me.
To stay away from something because it is harmful, unpleasant, or against one's principles.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'shun' in all contexts. Using 避ける (sakeru) is the safest general choice, but for strong social ostracism, consider 村八分にする or 仲間外れにする. Avoid directly translating 'shun' as 拒絶する (kyozetsu suru, 'reject'), as that implies a more active refusal rather than avoidance.
避ける (sakeru) means to avoid someone or something, often by staying away physically or not engaging. 無視する (mushi suru) means to ignore, often by not acknowledging someone's presence or words. Shunning can involve both, but 避ける is closer to the core meaning of deliberate avoidance.
He is shunning reality.
She is being shunned by her classmates.
You should shun danger.
Shun bad habits.