Translation guide
Describes behavior, appearance, or speech that is not appropriate for a person's position, age, or situation. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that focus on suitability, dignity, and social expectations.
To say that an action or behavior is inappropriate for someone's role, rank, or social standing.
The most common and versatile way to say 'unbecoming.' It means 'not suitable' or 'not fitting' and can be used for behavior, appearance, or speech.
His attitude is unbecoming of a leader.
That attire is unbecoming for the ceremony.
Literally 'does not suit,' often used for appearance or behavior that doesn't match the person. Can imply something is unbecoming in a more personal or aesthetic sense.
Such language is unbecoming of you.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'unbecoming' or 'unworthy of.' Often used in written criticism or formal speech to condemn behavior that is beneath one's position.
It is conduct unbecoming of a teacher.
To describe behavior or appearance that is not suitable for someone's age, often implying immaturity or lack of dignity.
Directly means 'not suitable for one's age.' Used for both behavior and appearance.
Those clothes are unbecoming for her age.
Means 'childish' or 'unbecoming of an adult.' Used when an adult acts immaturely.
To say that clothing, hairstyle, or makeup does not look good on someone, making them look worse.
The most natural way to say something doesn't suit someone or is unflattering. Focuses on the mismatch between the person and the item.
That color is unbecoming on you.
Means 'clumsy' or 'unshapely.' Can describe clothing that looks awkward or unbecoming on someone.
ふさわしくない is about social appropriateness (behavior, role), while 似合わない is about personal suitability or aesthetic match (clothes, style). Use ふさわしくない for conduct unbecoming a position; use 似合わない for an unflattering outfit.
His joke was unbecoming for the occasion.
That hat is unbecoming on her.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'unbecoming.' Translating directly as '不適切な' (futekisetsu na) can sound overly formal or legalistic. Instead, choose the phrase that matches the specific nuance: suitability, appearance, or maturity.
Getting angry over something like that is unbecoming of an adult.
Means 'shameful' or 'unseemly.' Often used when someone's behavior or appearance is embarrassing or unbecoming, especially for their age.
At your age, that kind of outfit is unbecoming.
That jacket looks unbecoming on him.