Translation guide
The English word "inexcusable" describes something that cannot be justified or forgiven. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, nouns, and set phrases that convey unforgivability, often with nuances of moral outrage, social unacceptability, or personal betrayal. The most common and versatile equivalent is 許せない (yurusenai), but other options carry stronger or more formal tones.
Expressing that an action, behavior, or situation cannot be forgiven or overlooked, often in personal or moral contexts.
The most common and natural way to say something is inexcusable. It is the negative potential form of 許す (to forgive), literally meaning 'cannot forgive'. Used in both casual and formal settings.
彼の行動は許せない。
His behavior is inexcusable.
Such an excuse is inexcusable.
A more formal and emphatic adjective meaning 'hard to forgive' or 'unforgivable'. Often used in writing or serious speech.
これは許し難い過ちだ。
This is an inexcusable mistake.
Means 'unacceptable' or 'cannot be permitted'. More about standards or rules than personal forgiveness. Used in formal contexts.
この品質は許容できない。
This quality is inexcusable.
Emphasizing strong moral condemnation, often for serious offenses like betrayal, cruelty, or injustice.
Adds 'absolutely' or 'by no means' to 'cannot forgive', making it very emphatic. Suitable for strong personal condemnation.
彼の裏切りは断じて許せない。
His betrayal is absolutely inexcusable.
A strong, formal idiom meaning 'outrageous' or 'preposterous', implying something is so bad it's beyond words. Often used in public statements or news.
その発言は言語道断だ。
That remark is inexcusable.
An archaic or literary expression meaning 'should not be forgiven'. Used for dramatic effect, often in fiction or formal declarations.
この罪は許すまじ。
This crime is inexcusable.
Describing behavior that violates social norms, professional standards, or etiquette, and cannot be excused.
Passive form of 許す, meaning 'is not forgiven' or 'is not allowed'. Often used for actions that society or an authority does not permit. Slightly more impersonal than 許せない.
遅刻は許されない。
Lateness is inexcusable.
このようなミスは許されない。
This kind of mistake is inexcusable.
A formal phrase meaning 'there is no room for excuse'. Used in official or serious contexts to state something is completely unjustifiable.
彼の失敗は弁解の余地がない。
His failure is inexcusable.
A noun meaning 'lack of discernment' or 'indiscretion', often used to criticize thoughtless or inexcusable behavior in formal settings.
許せない (yurusenai) is the speaker's personal feeling of being unable to forgive, while 許されない (yurusarenai) describes a situation where forgiveness is not granted by others or by social standards. Use 許せない for personal outrage, and 許されない for rules or societal norms.
私は彼を許せない。
I cannot forgive him. (personal)
ここで喫煙は許されない。
Smoking is not allowed here. (rule)
Avoid directly translating 'inexcusable' as 言い訳できない (iiwake dekinai, 'cannot excuse'). While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural. Stick to the expressions above.
彼の不見識には呆れる。
His inexcusable thoughtlessness is appalling.