Translation guide
Expressing that someone is being unreasonable, demanding, or unfair in English can be done with various Japanese words and phrases depending on the context. The most common options are 無理 (muri) for impossible or unreasonable requests, 理不尽 (rifujin) for unfairness, and 身勝手 (migatte) for selfishness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize impossibility, injustice, or selfishness.
To say that someone is asking for something that cannot be done or is too much to expect.
This is the most common and versatile word for 'unreasonable'. It can mean impossible, excessive, or overdoing it. Often used in the phrase 無理を言う (to ask for something unreasonable).
そんなの無理だよ。
That's unreasonable / impossible.
彼はいつも無理なことばかり言う。
He always asks for unreasonable things.
A common phrase meaning 'to ask for something unreasonable'. It can be used to describe someone's request or to apologize for making an unreasonable request.
無理を言ってすみません。
I'm sorry for being unreasonable.
Similar to 無理 but more colloquial and emphatic, meaning absurd or outrageous. Often used in the phrase 無茶を言う.
そんなの無茶だ！
That's ridiculous!
A more formal expression meaning 'to impose an unreasonable demand'. Used in business or serious contexts.
上司が無理難題を押し付けてきた。
My boss imposed an unreasonable demand on me.
To express that a situation or person is unfair, unjust, or not reasonable according to common sense.
Means irrational, unreasonable, or unjust. It emphasizes a lack of logic or fairness. Often used to describe situations, rules, or people's behavior.
その決定は理不尽だ。
That decision is unreasonable / unfair.
理不尽な理由で怒られた。
I got scolded for an unreasonable reason.
Means unjust, unfair, or unreasonable, often used in legal or formal contexts. It implies a violation of rights or standards.
A phrase meaning 'it doesn't make sense' or 'it's illogical'. Used when something is unreasonable because it lacks logical consistency.
彼の言い分は筋が通らない。
His argument is unreasonable / doesn't make sense.
To describe someone who is unreasonable because they only think of their own needs or desires.
Means selfish or self-centered. It implies that the person is being unreasonable by prioritizing their own convenience without considering others.
身勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop being so selfish / unreasonable.
Means selfish, willful, or demanding. Often used for children or childish behavior, but can apply to adults being unreasonable.
To describe someone who is unreasonable because they refuse to listen to reason or change their mind.
Literally 'can't get through to them', meaning the person is unreasonable and won't listen to logic or reason.
彼には話が通じない。
He's unreasonable / You can't reason with him.
Means stubborn. While not directly 'unreasonable', a stubborn person can be seen as unreasonable when they refuse to compromise.
彼は頑固で話にならない。
He's so stubborn, it's unreasonable to talk to him.
無理 (muri) focuses on impossibility or excessive demands. 理不尽 (rifujin) focuses on unfairness or lack of logic. 身勝手 (migatte) focuses on selfishness. Choose based on what aspect of 'unreasonable' you want to emphasize.
Do not try to directly translate 'be unreasonable' as a single verb phrase. Japanese uses adjectives or set phrases to describe the state of being unreasonable. For example, 'He is unreasonable' is 彼は無理だ or 彼は理不尽だ, not a literal verb phrase.
I received unreasonable / unfair treatment.
Similar to 身勝手, meaning selfish or self-centered. It's a bit more colloquial and commonly used in everyday speech.
自分勝手なことばかり言わないで。
Don't just say selfish / unreasonable things.
そんなわがままを言わないで。
Don't be so unreasonable / selfish.