Translation guide
The English word "inconsistency" covers several related ideas: a lack of consistency in quality or behavior, a logical contradiction between statements, and a mismatch between things that should agree. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing something that is not consistent in quality, performance, or behavior over time.
Refers to unevenness, irregularity, or fluctuation in quality, performance, or distribution. Commonly used for things like work quality, skill, or physical properties.
彼の仕事にはむらがある。
His work is inconsistent.
この生地は色にむらがある。
This fabric has uneven coloring.
Emphasizes variation or scatter in data, measurements, or results. Often used in technical or business contexts.
製品の品質にばらつきがある。
There is inconsistency in product quality.
Means 'not constant' or 'not fixed'. Used for things that change unpredictably, like weather or a person's mood.
彼の態度は一定しない。
His attitude is inconsistent.
Means 'unstable' or 'inconsistent' in the sense of lacking stability. Often used for systems, emotions, or conditions.
彼の精神状態は不安定だ。
His mental state is inconsistent.
Pointing out that two statements, ideas, or actions contradict each other.
The standard word for a logical contradiction. Used when statements, beliefs, or actions are inconsistent with each other.
彼の説明には矛盾がある。
There is an inconsistency in his explanation.
その二つの主張は矛盾している。
Those two claims are inconsistent.
Means 'doesn't add up' or 'inconsistent' in a narrative or explanation. Focuses on the lack of coherence.
彼の話はつじつまが合わない。
His story is inconsistent.
A formal term for discrepancy or lack of agreement between things. Often used in official or technical contexts.
Describing a situation where two things that should match do not, such as numbers, records, or appearances.
Refers to a discrepancy or divergence between facts, opinions, or data. Commonly used in everyday and business situations.
二人の証言には食い違いがある。
There is an inconsistency between their testimonies.
Indicates a gap, deviation, or misalignment. Can be used for timing, perception, or numerical differences.
認識にずれがある。
There is an inconsistency in perception.
As above, a formal term for discrepancy. Suitable for official documents or technical reports.
矛盾 (mujun) is for logical contradictions (A and not A). 食い違い (kuichigai) is for discrepancies between accounts or facts. 不一致 (fuicchi) is a formal term for lack of agreement, often used in official contexts.
彼の行動は彼の言葉と矛盾している。
His actions contradict his words.
報告書に食い違いがある。
There is a discrepancy in the report.
両者の意見に不一致が生じた。
A disagreement arose between the two parties.
The English word 'inconsistency' is broad. Direct translations like 不整合 (fuseigou) or 不統一 (futouitsu) exist but are less common and often sound unnatural. Choose the specific Japanese term that matches the intended meaning.
A disagreement arose between the two parties.
The English word 'inconsistency' is broad. Direct translations like 不整合 (fuseigou) or 不統一 (futouitsu) exist but are less common and often sound unnatural. Choose the specific Japanese term that matches the intended meaning.
There are inconsistencies in the report's content.
An inconsistency was found in the data.