Translation guide
The state of being unable to read or write, or lacking knowledge in a particular field. In Japanese, the core term is 非識字 (hishikiji) for literal illiteracy, but 無学 (mugaku) and 無知 (muchi) are more common for general ignorance. For specific domains, use 音痴 (onchi) or 知らず (shirazu).
The literal inability to read or write in any language.
The formal, technical term for illiteracy. Used in official contexts, education, and statistics.
その国では非識字率が高い。
The illiteracy rate is high in that country.
A plain, descriptive phrase meaning 'inability to read and write'. More conversational than 非識字.
彼は読み書きができないことで苦労した。
He struggled because of his illiteracy.
An older, now often avoided term for illiteracy. Can be considered derogatory. Use with caution.
This term is outdated and may be offensive. Prefer 非識字 in modern contexts.
文盲率は過去のものとなった。
Illiteracy rates are a thing of the past.
A state of being uneducated or ignorant, not necessarily limited to reading/writing.
Lack of learning or education; uneducated. Often used humbly or critically.
無学な人でも成功できる。
Even an uneducated person can succeed.
Ignorance, lack of knowledge. Broader than 無学, often implies unawareness of facts.
彼の無知には驚かされる。
I'm amazed at his ignorance.
Lacking cultural refinement or education. Often used to describe someone uncultured.
彼は教養がないように見える。
He seems to lack education/culture.
Inability to understand or use information in a particular field, like computer illiteracy.
Attach to a domain to mean 'illiterate' or 'clueless' in that area. Originally 'tone-deaf', now widely used.
私はコンピューター音痴です。
I'm computer illiterate.
彼は方向音痴だから、よく道に迷う。
He has no sense of direction, so he often gets lost.
Means 'not knowing ~'. Used for lack of knowledge in a specific area.
彼は世事知らずだ。
He is ignorant of the ways of the world.
非識字 is the modern, neutral term for illiteracy. 文盲 is older and can be derogatory; avoid it in formal or respectful contexts.
音痴 is a productive suffix. You can attach it to many nouns to indicate incompetence or illiteracy in that area, e.g., カラオケ音痴 (bad at karaoke), 味音痴 (no sense of taste). It's casual and often self-deprecating.