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.
このような行為は許されない。
This kind of behavior is unacceptable.
Means 'not recognized/approved'. Used when something is not officially accepted or acknowledged.
遅刻は認められません。
Tardiness is not acceptable.
A very common casual word meaning 'no good', 'not allowed', or 'unacceptable'. Used in everyday speech.
ここでタバコを吸うのは駄目だよ。
Smoking here is not acceptable.
Literally 'cannot be accepted'. Used for proposals, conditions, or situations that are unacceptable.
その条件は受け入れられない。
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.
この製品の品質は許容できない。
The quality of this product is unacceptable.
Literally 'out of the question'. Strongly implies something is completely unacceptable or not worth considering.
その提案は問題外だ。
That proposal is unacceptable.
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.
Explicitly states something is socially unacceptable.
差別は社会的に許されない。
Discrimination is socially unacceptable.
Means 'must not exist/happen'. Strong moral condemnation.
いじめはあってはならない。
Bullying is unacceptable.
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.
ここで遊んでは駄目。
You can't play here. (casual)
嘘をつくのは許されない。
Lying is unacceptable. (stronger)
この説明は不十分で受け入れられない。
This explanation is insufficient and unacceptable.