Translation guide
The state of being unsuitable, unqualified, or not in proper condition for a purpose or role.
Expressing that someone or something is not suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or role.
A common and neutral term meaning 'inappropriate' or 'unsuitable'. Used for actions, remarks, or conditions that are not fitting.
その発言は不適切だった。
That remark was inappropriate.
この服装は式典には不適切です。
This attire is unsuitable for the ceremony.
Means 'unsuitable' or 'not suited for', often referring to a person's aptitude or a thing's compatibility with a purpose.
彼は教師には不向きだ。
He is not suited to be a teacher.
この土地は農業に不向きです。
This land is unsuitable for farming.
The negative form of 適する (to suit), meaning 'not suitable' or 'does not fit'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
この水は飲用に適さない。
This water is not fit for drinking.
彼はその仕事に適さない。
He is not suited for that job.
Expressing that someone lacks the necessary skills, qualifications, or ability for a task or role.
Means 'disqualified' or 'ineligible', often used in formal contexts like job applications, competitions, or legal situations.
彼は年齢制限で不適格とされた。
He was deemed ineligible due to the age limit.
不適格者は応募できません。
Ineligible persons cannot apply.
Means 'incompetent' or 'inept'. Stronger and more negative than 不適格, implying a lack of ability.
Literally 'lack of ability', a straightforward way to say someone is not capable enough.
能力不足で解雇された。
He was fired for incompetence.
Referring to a person's physical state being not healthy, not in shape, or not meeting required physical standards.
Means 'unhealthy' or 'in poor health'. Commonly used for general physical condition.
不健康な生活を送っている。
He leads an unhealthy lifestyle.
Means 'lack of physical strength' or 'poor stamina'. Used when someone is not fit enough for physical tasks.
体力不足で長距離は走れない。
I can't run long distances due to lack of fitness.
Used in legal, official, or procedural contexts where someone is barred from holding a position, participating, or being considered.
A formal term meaning 'disqualification' or 'lack of qualification', often used in legal statutes or official rules.
欠格事由に該当する。
It falls under disqualifying conditions.
Means 'disqualification' as a result of a violation or failure to meet standards, common in sports and competitions.
不適切 (futekisetsu) is the most general for 'inappropriate' in social or formal contexts. 不向き (fumuki) emphasizes a mismatch of aptitude or suitability, often for people or things. 適さない (tekisanai) is a verb phrase meaning 'does not suit' and is more direct about lack of fitness for a purpose.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'unfitness'. Choose the term based on context: suitability, qualification, health, or legal status. Using a direct translation like 不適合 (futekigou) may sound technical or odd in everyday speech.
He is an incompetent boss.
Specifically means 'lack of exercise', often used to describe a sedentary lifestyle leading to unfitness.
運動不足で体重が増えた。
I gained weight due to lack of exercise.
反則で失格になった。
He was disqualified for a foul.