Translation guide
The concept of dishonor in Japanese is deeply tied to shame, loss of face, and social standing. It is often expressed through nouns describing disgrace or shameful acts, verbs for bringing dishonor, and set phrases. Direct translations can sound overly dramatic; natural Japanese often uses context-specific terms for shame or loss of reputation.
Expressing the abstract state of being dishonored or in disgrace
The most direct and common noun for 'dishonor' or 'disgrace', used for loss of honor or reputation.
彼は不名誉な退役をした。
He was discharged in disgrace.
それは家族にとって不名誉だ。
That is a dishonor to the family.
Shame or disgrace, often with a personal or moral nuance. Very common in everyday speech.
彼は恥を知らない。
He has no sense of shame.
そんなことをするのは恥だ。
It's a disgrace to do such a thing.
Humiliation or mortification, emphasizing the feeling of being disgraced. Stronger than 恥.
彼は屈辱に耐えられなかった。
He couldn't bear the dishonor.
Stigma or bad reputation; a stain on one's name. Often used in phrases like 汚名をそそぐ (clear one's name).
彼は汚名を着せられた。
He was branded with dishonor.
Describing the action of disgracing someone or something
Specific context of being expelled in disgrace from a position or organization
Dishonorable discharge from military service. Technical term.
彼は不名誉除隊になった。
He received a dishonorable discharge.
Disciplinary dismissal from a job, often carrying a stigma of dishonor.
汚職で懲戒免職になった。
He was dishonorably dismissed for corruption.
Expressing the social aspect of dishonor, often in interpersonal contexts
Complete loss of face; utter disgrace. Very idiomatic.
彼の失敗で面目丸つぶれだ。
His failure brought total dishonor.
To stain one's honor or dignity; to lose face. More formal.
そんなことをすれば体面を汚すことになる。
Doing that would bring dishonor upon you.
English 'dishonor' can sound theatrical or archaic. In Japanese, use context-appropriate terms like 不名誉 or 恥 unless a strong term like 屈辱 is warranted. For everyday situations, 恥ずかしい (embarrassing) or みっともない (shameful) may be more natural.
恥 (はじ) is general shame, often internal or moral. 不名誉 (ふめいよ) is more about external reputation and honor. Use 不名誉 for formal dishonor, 恥 for personal disgrace.
His actions dishonored the school.
Idiom: 'to smear mud on one's face', meaning to bring shame or dishonor, especially to a group or superior.
彼は上司の顔に泥を塗った。
He brought dishonor to his boss.