Translation guide
Describes a tendency to change one's mind, loyalties, or affections frequently and unpredictably. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that emphasize instability, capriciousness, or lack of constancy.
Describing a person, mood, or decision that changes often without good reason.
A common noun/adjective meaning 'whim' or 'capriciousness'. It implies acting on sudden impulses rather than consistent principles. Can describe people, weather, or decisions.
彼の気まぐれには本当に困っている。
I'm really troubled by his fickleness.
彼女は気まぐれで仕事を辞めた。
She quit her job on a whim.
Literally 'shifting spirit', this noun specifically refers to fickleness in interests, hobbies, or romantic affections. It suggests a pattern of quickly losing interest and moving on to something new.
彼の移り気には愛想が尽きた。
I'm fed up with his fickleness.
移り気な性格を直したい。
I want to fix my fickle nature.
Refers to a personality trait of being prone to infidelity or easily distracted by new romantic interests. Strongly associated with romantic fickleness.
彼は浮気性だから信用できない。
He's fickle, so I can't trust him.
Describing someone who changes sides, opinions, or loyalties easily, often for personal gain.
A phrase meaning 'lacking principles/constancy'. It criticizes someone who easily changes their stance or beliefs without firm conviction.
彼は節操がなくて、すぐに意見を変える。
He has no principles and changes his opinion right away.
A yojijukugo (four-character idiom) meaning 'changing orders in the morning and revising them in the evening'. Used for policies, decisions, or instructions that are constantly reversed, implying unreliability.
政府の朝令暮改の政策に国民は混乱している。
The public is confused by the government's fickle policies.
Describing emotions or affections that are unstable and change rapidly.
A noun meaning 'change of heart'. It often implies fickleness in love or personal commitments, where feelings shift unexpectedly.
彼女の心変わりにショックを受けた。
I was shocked by her change of heart.
An adjective phrase meaning 'having many interests/affections', i.e., being easily distracted by new things or people. Often used for romantic fickleness.
Literally 'quick to change one's body', meaning someone adapts or switches stances rapidly. Can imply fickleness or shrewd adaptability depending on context.
彼は変わり身が早くて、昨日の意見と全然違う。
He's so fickle; his opinion today is completely different from yesterday's.
気まぐれ is the most general term for capriciousness and can apply to weather, decisions, or moods. 移り気 specifically refers to shifting interests or affections, often in hobbies or romance. 浮気性 is a personality trait focused on romantic infidelity or easily falling for new people. Use 気まぐれ for broad contexts, 移り気 for changing passions, and 浮気性 for cheating-prone character.
There is no single Japanese noun that perfectly matches 'fickleness' in all contexts. Translating it as フィクルネス would not be understood. Instead, choose the expression that fits the specific nuance: capriciousness, changeability, or unfaithfulness.
Literally 'double-sided plaster', an old-fashioned term for an opportunist who tries to please both sides. Implies fickleness in loyalty.
彼は二股膏薬のような態度をとる。
He takes a fickle, two-faced attitude.
気が多い人は長続きしない。
Fickle people don't last long in relationships.