Translation guide
The concept of unfairness or violation of rights. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns describing the act or state, adjectives for unfair treatment, and set phrases. The most common and direct equivalent is 不正, but other words carry nuances of unreasonableness, immorality, or legal wrong.
To refer to an act or situation that is unjust, unfair, or violates what is right.
The most common and direct translation for 'injustice' in the sense of an unjust act, wrongdoing, or unfairness, especially in social, legal, or organizational contexts.
Focuses on unfairness, lack of equity, or partiality. Often used for personal or everyday situations rather than systemic injustice.
それは不公平だ。
That's an injustice. / That's unfair.
不公平な扱いを受けた。
I was treated unfairly (experienced injustice).
Means 'unjust' or 'unreasonable', often used in legal, official, or formal contexts to describe an action or decision that is not right or proper.
不当な解雇に抗議する。
Protest against unjust dismissal.
その判決は不当だ。
The ruling is an injustice.
To express a deep sense of moral injustice, evil, or violation of ethical principles.
Refers to an act that is inhuman, outrageous, or morally reprehensible. Stronger than 不正, implying cruelty or extreme injustice.
非道な行為を許してはいけない。
We must not tolerate such injustice (outrageous acts).
An older or literary term for immorality, injustice, or breach of moral duty. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
不義を正す。
To correct injustice (immorality).
To refer to a specific legal wrong, violation of law, or denial of rights.
Means 'illegal' or 'unlawful'. Used for acts that break the law, often in legal contexts. Can be translated as 'injustice' when referring to a legal wrong.
不法行為で訴えられた。
He was sued for an injustice (unlawful act).
To express a personal feeling that something is unjust or unfair, often in everyday conversation.
Literally 'cannot accept/consent'. A natural way to express that you feel something is unjust or unreasonable, without using a direct noun for 'injustice'.
その決定には納得できない。
I can't accept that decision; it feels like an injustice.
An adjective meaning 'cruel', 'terrible', or 'awful'. Often used to react to an unjust situation or treatment.
それはひどいよ。
That's an injustice! / That's terrible!
不正 is the broadest term for injustice or wrongdoing, often implying a violation of rules or ethics. 不公平 focuses on unfairness or lack of equity, and is common in everyday complaints. 不当 is more formal and often used for unjust decisions or actions in legal or official contexts.
In everyday Japanese, directly saying 'それは不正だ' can sound overly formal or dramatic. Instead, use phrases like 'ひどい', '納得できない', or '不公平だ' to express a sense of injustice naturally.
Specifically 'human rights violation'. Used when injustice involves the denial of basic rights.
これは重大な人権侵害だ。
This is a grave injustice (human rights violation).