Translation guide
Describes behavior, appearance, or situations that are inappropriate, improper, or not in good taste, often violating social norms or decorum.
To describe actions or behavior that are socially unacceptable, lacking in dignity, or morally questionable.
The most common and versatile word for 'unseemly' in everyday speech. It implies something is unsightly, shameful, or embarrassing to witness. Used for behavior, appearance, or situations.
Don't go out looking so unseemly.
His drunken behavior was unseemly.
Specifically refers to unseemly behavior, often with a nuance of being vulgar, indecent, or lacking refinement. Commonly used for actions or speech.
Using such language in public is unseemly.
Literally 'hard to look at', it emphasizes the visual unpleasantness of unseemly behavior or appearance. Slightly more formal than みっともない.
His excuses were unseemly.
Means 'ill-mannered' or 'rude', focusing on a lack of proper etiquette. Suitable for describing unseemly behavior in formal or traditional settings.
It was unseemly behavior inappropriate for the occasion.
To describe clothing, grooming, or physical presentation that is considered improper, revealing, or not fitting the situation.
Again the go-to word for unseemly appearance. It conveys that the look is embarrassing or shameful.
That dress looks unseemly on her.
Means 'sloppy' or 'untidy'. Used when unseemly appearance stems from lack of care, such as messy clothes or unkempt hair.
Emphasizes the visual offensiveness of the appearance. Often used in more formal contexts.
To describe events, conditions, or arrangements that are considered inappropriate, undignified, or not in keeping with social standards.
A formal and direct translation for 'inappropriate' or 'unseemly' in the context of situations, remarks, or actions. Commonly used in official or professional settings.
That remark was unseemly.
Means 'out of place' or 'inappropriate for the occasion'. It highlights that something does not fit the social context.
Can also describe situations that are vulgar or indecent, though more commonly used for behavior.
みっともない is the most common and versatile, covering behavior, appearance, and situations. 見苦しい is more formal and emphasizes visual unpleasantness. はしたない focuses on vulgarity or indecency, often for speech or actions.
Stop it, it's unseemly.
We should avoid unseemly quarrels.
Correct your unseemly language.
Avoid directly translating 'unseemly' as 不体裁 (ふていさい) or 不体裁な, as these are rarely used in modern Japanese. Stick to the options above for natural expression.
だらしない服装で面接に行くのはやめなさい。
Don't go to an interview in unseemly attire.
That flashy makeup is unseemly.
Telling jokes at a funeral is unseemly.
Making such a loud racket is unseemly.