Translation guide
This English phrase refers to dishonest, unethical, or illegal methods used in business. In Japanese, it is often expressed through specific terms for fraud, exploitation, or shady dealings, rather than a single direct translation.
To describe business activities that are morally wrong or illegal, such as fraud, deception, or exploitation.
A common term for malicious or fraudulent business practices, often used in consumer protection contexts. It covers scams, deceptive sales, and other unethical methods.
悪質商法に引っかからないように注意してください。
Be careful not to fall for unscrupulous business practices.
A more formal term meaning 'unfair business practices' or 'improper trade practices'. Often used in legal or regulatory contexts.
その会社は不正な商慣行で告発された。
The company was accused of unscrupulous business practices.
A colloquial way to say 'sneaky business' or 'dishonest dealings'. It implies cunning or unfair tactics.
あの店はずるい商売をしている。
That shop is engaged in unscrupulous business practices.
To refer specifically to schemes that deceive people for financial gain, such as phishing, pyramid schemes, or fake sales.
The general word for fraud or scam. It can be used in various contexts, from simple lies to complex financial crimes.
その投資話は詐欺だった。
That investment deal was an unscrupulous business practice.
Specifically 'consumer fraud', covering scams that target individuals.
消費者詐欺が増えている。
Unscrupulous business practices targeting consumers are increasing.
To describe business that takes unfair advantage of vulnerable people, such as loan sharks or exploitative labor.
Means 'exploitative business'. It emphasizes taking advantage of others for profit.
低賃金で働かせるのは搾取的な商売だ。
Making people work for low wages is an unscrupulous business practice.
Means 'corrupt' or 'unscrupulous'. Often used as a prefix, e.g., 悪徳業者 (unscrupulous trader).
悪徳業者に注意。
Beware of unscrupulous business practices.
To describe business that is not necessarily illegal but is morally questionable, secretive, or manipulative.
Means 'shady business' or 'suspicious dealings'. It implies something not quite right or possibly illegal.
彼はいかがわしい商売に手を出した。
He got involved in unscrupulous business practices.
Means 'backdoor dealings' or 'under-the-table transactions'. It suggests secret, often unethical arrangements.
その会社は裏取引で儲けていた。
The company profited from unscrupulous business practices.
Directly translating 'unscrupulous business practices' as 非良心的な商慣行 is unnatural and rarely used. Instead, choose a term that matches the specific type of misconduct.
In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on whether the practice is fraudulent, exploitative, or simply shady. Use 悪質商法 for consumer scams, 不正な商慣行 for legal violations, and いかがわしい商売 for suspicious but not clearly illegal activities.