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.
彼の態度はリーダーにふさわしくない。
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.
そんな言葉はあなたに似合わない。
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.
教師にあるまじき行為だ。
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.
その服は彼女の年齢にふさわしくない。
Those clothes are unbecoming for her age.
Means 'childish' or 'unbecoming of an adult.' Used when an adult acts immaturely.
そんなことで怒るのは大人げない。
Getting angry over something like that is unbecoming of an adult.
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.
その色はあなたに似合わないよ。
That color is unbecoming on you.
Means 'clumsy' or 'unshapely.' Can describe clothing that looks awkward or unbecoming on someone.
そのジャケットは彼には不格好だ。
That jacket looks unbecoming on him.
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.
彼の冗談は場にふさわしくなかった。
His joke was unbecoming for the occasion.
その帽子は彼女に似合わない。
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.
Means 'shameful' or 'unseemly.' Often used when someone's behavior or appearance is embarrassing or unbecoming, especially for their age.
いい年してそんな格好はみっともない。
At your age, that kind of outfit is unbecoming.