Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that something is not appropriate, fitting, or right for a particular purpose, person, or situation in Japanese. It includes common adjectives, verbs, and set phrases, organized by nuance and usage.
To say that something is not suitable, not fitting, or not appropriate in a general sense.
A formal and common word meaning 'inappropriate' or 'unsuitable'. Used in official contexts, news, and serious discussions.
That remark was inappropriate.
An email containing unsuitable content.
The negative form of 適する (to suit). Means 'not suited for' or 'unsuitable for'. Often used with に or には.
This job is not suitable for him.
This land is unsuitable for farming.
Means 'not suited for' in terms of personality, ability, or nature. Often used for people and their traits.
He is not suited to be a teacher.
I think sales work is not for me.
Means 'not matching' or 'not in harmony with'. Used when something doesn't fit the situation, atmosphere, or expectations.
That joke was out of place.
His attire is unsuitable for the ceremony.
A noun/adjectival noun meaning 'unsuitable' or 'unfit'. Often used in objective descriptions.
This area is unsuitable for rice cultivation.
To express that something is not suitable for a particular use, environment, or requirement.
A standard pattern meaning 'not suitable for ~'. 適している is the te-iru form of 適する.
This material is not suitable for outdoor use.
That method is not suitable for this situation.
Literally 'cannot be used for ~'. A practical way to say something is unsuitable for a purpose.
This detergent cannot be used on wool. (It's unsuitable for wool.)
To indicate that something does not meet required standards, rules, or qualifications.
To say something doesn't suit someone's personality, taste, or style.
Means 'doesn't suit' or 'doesn't look good on'. Used for clothes, hairstyles, but also for behavior or roles that don't match a person.
That hat doesn't suit you.
Flashy clothes don't suit her.
Means 'not like ~' or 'unlike ~'. Used when something is not typical or suitable for a person's character.
It's not like you to say such a thing. (That remark was unsuitable for you.)
適さない (teki-sanai) is more objective and often used for things, conditions, or formal assessments. 向かない (mukanai) is more subjective and commonly used for personal suitability based on personality or preference. For example, この土地は農業に適さない (This land is unsuitable for farming) vs 彼は農業に向かない (He is not suited for farming).
Direct translations like '不適切な' can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. In daily speech, use 向かない, 似合わない, or ～には使えない depending on context.
不適当な表現を避ける。
Avoid unsuitable expressions.