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.
そんなみっともない格好で出かけないで。
Don't go out looking so unseemly.
彼の酔った姿はみっともなかった。
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.
人前であんな言葉を使うなんて、はしたない。
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.
彼の言い訳は見苦しかった。
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.
その場にふさわしくない無作法な振る舞いだった。
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.
そのドレスは彼女にはみっともない。
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.
その発言は不適切だった。
That remark was unseemly.
Means 'out of place' or 'inappropriate for the occasion'. It highlights that something does not fit the social context.
葬式で冗談を言うのは場違いだ。
Telling jokes at a funeral is unseemly.
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.
みっともないからやめなさい。
Stop it, it's unseemly.
見苦しい言い争いは避けるべきだ。
We should avoid unseemly quarrels.
はしたない言葉遣いを改めなさい。
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.
その派手な化粧は見苦しい。
That flashy makeup is unseemly.
あんなに大声で騒ぐのははしたない。
Making such a loud racket is unseemly.