Translation guide
The English word "unofficial" describes something not formally authorized or recognized. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, prefixes, and phrases depending on the context, such as informal settings, non-governmental status, or unverified information.
Describing an event, meeting, statement, or action that lacks official approval or formal status.
The most direct and common translation for 'unofficial' in formal contexts, meaning 'not official' or 'informal'. Used for events, meetings, announcements, etc.
これは非公式な会合です。
This is an unofficial meeting.
非公式の発表がありました。
There was an unofficial announcement.
Means 'unauthorized' or 'not officially recognized'. Often used for records, achievements, or groups that lack official endorsement.
それは非公認の記録です。
That is an unofficial record.
Attributive form of 非公式, used before nouns to mean 'unofficial'.
非公式の情報を入手した。
I obtained unofficial information.
Describing a relaxed, non-ceremonial atmosphere or manner, as opposed to a formal, official one.
Means 'informal' or 'simplified', often used for ceremonies, dress codes, or procedures that are not strictly official.
略式の服装でお越しください。
Please come in unofficial attire.
Loanword from English 'casual', used for informal settings, clothing, or atmosphere. Not a direct translation of 'unofficial' but often used in similar contexts.
Referring to sources, reports, or actions that are not from an official government or authoritative body.
Means 'private' or 'non-governmental'. Used for organizations, statistics, or activities not run by the government.
民間の調査によると、その数字は異なる。
According to an unofficial survey, the numbers differ.
Literally 'not government-authorized', used for documents or actions not sanctioned by the government.
その文書は政府非公認です。
The document is unofficial.
Describing a translation or adaptation not authorized by the original creator or publisher.
Commonly used for fan translations or unapproved versions of texts, games, or media.
これは非公式訳です。
This is an unofficial translation.
Similar to 非公式訳 but emphasizes lack of authorization.
非公認翻訳は著作権に違反する可能性がある。
Unofficial translations may violate copyright.
Describing a record or accomplishment not recognized by an official body, such as in sports or Guinness World Records.
Standard term for an unofficial record, especially in sports or competitions.
彼は非公認記録を樹立した。
He set an unofficial record.
Referring to a strike not sanctioned by a union.
Used for wildcat strikes or walkouts without union approval.
労働者たちは非公認ストライキを行った。
The workers staged an unofficial strike.
Slang for 'wildcat strike', literally 'mountain cat strike'. Informal and somewhat dated.
山猫ストが工場で発生した。
An unofficial strike broke out at the factory.
非公式 (hikōshiki) is the general term for 'unofficial' and can be used broadly. 非公認 (hikōnin) specifically means 'unauthorized' or 'not officially recognized', often implying a lack of approval from an authority. Use 非公式 for most situations; use 非公認 when emphasizing the absence of official endorsement.
Do not use 非公式 to describe a person as 'unofficial' (e.g., an unofficial spokesperson). Instead, use phrases like 非公式の代表 (hikōshiki no daihyō) or rephrase the sentence.
今日はカジュアルな集まりです。
Today is an unofficial gathering.