Translation guide
The English phrase "bad faith" refers to dishonesty, insincerity, or an intent to deceive, often in legal, philosophical, or interpersonal contexts. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on the specific nuance.
To describe someone acting with hidden dishonest intentions, not being straightforward, or pretending to be fair while actually being deceptive.
A general term for insincerity or lack of good faith. Often used in formal contexts like business or legal settings.
彼の不誠実な態度に失望した。
I was disappointed by his bad faith attitude.
Literally "lacks sincerity." A natural way to say someone is not acting in good faith.
彼の対応には誠意が感じられない。
I don't sense any good faith in his response.
Means "malice" or "ill will." Can be used when bad faith involves intentional harm, but is stronger than mere insincerity.
「悪意」 implies a stronger negative intent than "bad faith" sometimes does. Use when the deception is clearly malicious.
Means "cannot be trusted." A common way to describe someone acting in bad faith.
あの会社は信用できない。
That company acts in bad faith.
Used in legal contexts to describe a party that intentionally fails to meet obligations or deceives the other party.
Legal term meaning "breach of the principle of good faith and fair dealing." Used in contract law.
その行為は信義則違反にあたる。
That action constitutes bad faith.
Also used in legal contexts to indicate lack of good faith, though less technical than 信義則違反.
契約における不誠実な行為は損害賠償の対象となる。
Bad faith conduct in a contract can lead to damages.
Refers to Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of "mauvaise foi," where one deceives oneself to avoid the anguish of absolute freedom.
The standard translation for Sartre's "bad faith." Literally "self-deception."
サルトルは自己欺瞞を自由からの逃避とみなした。
Sartre regarded bad faith as a flight from freedom.
Literally "false consciousness." Sometimes used in philosophical discourse, but less common than 自己欺瞞.
彼の行動は偽りの意識に基づいている。
His actions are based on bad faith.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of "bad faith." Translating it as 「悪い信仰」 or 「バッドフェイス」 would be nonsensical. Always consider the specific meaning you want to convey.
「不誠実」 (insincerity) is closer to the general idea of bad faith as lack of honesty. 「悪意」 (malice) implies a stronger, more intentional desire to harm. Use 「悪意」 only when the bad faith is clearly malicious.
信用できない人とは一緒に働けない。
I can't work with someone who operates in bad faith.
Everyday expression of distrust
彼は悪意を持って交渉に臨んだ。
He entered the negotiations in bad faith.