Translation guide
Expresses that something is not acceptable, not allowed, or not up to standard. Japanese uses various adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on the context, such as rules, quality, behavior, or social norms.
To say that something is not permitted or violates rules.
Literally 'is not forgiven/permitted'. A strong, general way to say something is unacceptable in terms of rules or morality.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable.
Means 'not recognized/approved'. Used when something is not officially accepted or acknowledged.
Tardiness is not acceptable.
A very common casual word meaning 'no good', 'not allowed', or 'unacceptable'. Used in everyday speech.
Smoking here is not acceptable.
Literally 'cannot be accepted'. Used for proposals, conditions, or situations that are unacceptable.
Those terms are unacceptable.
To say that something is not good enough in quality or performance.
Means 'cannot be tolerated/allowed'. Often used in formal contexts for quality or standards.
The quality of this product is unacceptable.
Literally 'out of the question'. Strongly implies something is completely unacceptable or not worth considering.
Means 'insufficient'. Used when something does not meet the required level, but is less forceful than 'unacceptable'.
To express that behavior or an attitude is not acceptable in society.
Avoid directly translating 'unacceptable' as 受け入れられない in all contexts. It can sound unnatural in casual speech. Use 駄目 or 許されない depending on the situation.
駄目 is casual and used in everyday prohibitions. 許されない is stronger and often implies a moral or rule-based judgment.
You can't play here. (casual)
Lying is unacceptable. (stronger)
That proposal is unacceptable.
This explanation is insufficient and unacceptable.