Translation guide
Expressing that someone holds preconceived, often negative, opinions about a person or group without fair reason. Japanese uses adjectives, verbs, and set phrases to describe prejudice, bias, or discrimination.
Describing a person or attitude that is prejudiced against a group or individual.
The most direct and common way to say 'be prejudiced'. Literally 'hold prejudice'. Used for general prejudice against people, ideas, etc.
彼は外国人に対して偏見を持っている。
He is prejudiced against foreigners.
Means 'full of prejudice'. Used to describe attitudes, remarks, or views that are heavily biased.
その発言は偏見に満ちている。
That remark is full of prejudice.
Means 'biased' or 'one-sided'. Can be used for prejudice, but also for any kind of bias. Often used in '偏った見方' (biased view).
彼の意見は偏っている。
His opinion is biased.
Means 'discriminatory'. Stronger than just prejudice; implies actions or attitudes that discriminate. Often used in legal or social contexts.
その政策は差別的だ。
That policy is discriminatory.
Specifying the target of prejudice, such as race, gender, or nationality.
Pattern: [target] に対して偏見がある. Natural way to say 'have prejudice against ~'.
彼女は男性に対して偏見がある。
She has a prejudice against men.
Pattern: [target] を差別する. Means 'discriminate against ~'. More active than just holding prejudice.
その会社は女性を差別している。
That company discriminates against women.
Expressing a favorable bias or preference that may be unfair.
Means 'to show favoritism'. Often used when someone is unfairly biased in favor of a person or group.
先生は特定の生徒をえこひいきしている。
The teacher is prejudiced in favor of certain students.
Similar to えこひいき, but often implies bias due to personal connection or relationship.
彼は自分の息子を身びいきしている。
He is biased toward his own son.
Describing someone who is stubbornly prejudiced and unwilling to change.
Literally 'head is hard'. Means 'stubborn' or 'inflexible'. Often used for someone who won't change their prejudiced views.
彼は頭が固くて、新しい考えを受け入れない。
He is prejudiced and won't accept new ideas.
Means 'one's thinking is rigid/fixed'. Used for deep-seated prejudice.
彼女の考えは凝り固まっていて、偏見を捨てられない。
Her thinking is rigid and she can't let go of her prejudices.
The English phrase 'be prejudiced' is a state, but directly translating it as '偏見されている' is unnatural. Use '偏見を持っている' or '偏見がある' instead.
偏見 (prejudice) refers to biased attitudes or beliefs, while 差別 (discrimination) refers to actions or treatment based on those biases. 差別 is stronger and often implies unfair treatment.