Translation guide
The English word 'uncivilised' can describe a lack of social refinement, primitive conditions, or behavior that violates basic norms of decency. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on the nuance: whether you mean rude/mannerless, culturally backward, barbaric, or simply wild/untamed. Direct translations like 非文明的な are rare and sound unnatural; instead, use common words for 'rude', 'savage', or 'wild' depending on context.
Describing a person or behavior that is impolite, crude, or lacking refinement in a social sense.
uncivilised behavior · uncivilised remark
The most common and natural way to call someone or their behavior rude, impolite, or uncivil. Works in most everyday situations.
彼の態度は失礼だ。
His attitude is uncivilised.
More formal and stronger than 失礼, implying a lack of basic courtesy or respect. Often used in written or formal contexts.
その発言は無礼極まりない。
That remark is utterly uncivilised.
Literally 'savage' or 'barbaric', but often used hyperbolically for very rude or uncouth behavior. Stronger than 失礼.
食べ方が野蛮だね。
Your table manners are uncivilised.
Literally 'doesn't know manners'. A descriptive phrase for someone uncivilised in the sense of lacking basic etiquette.
彼は礼儀を知らない人だ。
He is an uncivilised person.
Referring to a society, living conditions, or way of life that is technologically or culturally underdeveloped.
The standard term for 'primitive' or 'uncivilised' in an anthropological sense. Can sound dated or colonialist, so use with care.
未開の地を探検する。
Explore uncivilised lands.
Means 'primitive' and is more neutral than 未開. Often used for living conditions or technology.
Can also mean 'savage' or 'barbaric' in the sense of uncivilised societies, but carries a strong negative judgment.
Describing actions or people that are shockingly cruel, violent, or inhumane.
Describing animals, nature, or people who are wild and not socialised.
Means 'wild' as in undomesticated. For animals or nature, not usually for people.
野生の馬は手に負えない。
Wild horses are uncivilised.
Words like 非文明的 (ひぶんめいてき) or 非文明 are not commonly used. They sound like direct translations from English and will mark you as a non-native speaker. Use the options above instead.
野蛮 (やばん) is much stronger than 失礼 (しつれい). 失礼 is for everyday rudeness; 野蛮 implies savagery or barbarism. Using 野蛮 for minor impoliteness sounds exaggerated.
彼らは原始的な環境で暮らしていた。
They lived in uncivilised conditions.
Neutral description of primitive living conditions.
その村の生活は原始的だ。
Life in that village is uncivilised.
Uncivilised customs remain.
残忍な拷問方法だ。
It's an uncivilised method of torture.
Means 'inhumane'. Suitable for actions that violate basic human decency.
非人道的な扱いを受けた。
They were subjected to uncivilised treatment.
Means 'rough', 'wild', or 'fierce'. Can describe a person's rough, uncultured manner.
彼の振る舞いは荒々しい。
His behavior is uncivilised.