Translation guide
Describes actions, behavior, or practices that are morally wrong or not in accordance with accepted standards of conduct.
Expressing that an action or behavior is against moral principles or professional standards.
The most direct translation, meaning 'unethical' or 'immoral'. Used in formal contexts like business, academia, or law.
その行為は非倫理的だと批判された。
That act was criticized as unethical.
Referring to conduct that violates professional codes of conduct, especially in business or corporate settings.
Specifically means 'against professional ethics'. Used in workplace contexts.
その弁護士の行動は職業倫理に反する。
The lawyer's conduct is unethical.
Describing misconduct in research, such as data fabrication or plagiarism.
Specifically 'against research ethics'. Standard term in academic settings.
データの改ざんは研究倫理に反する。
Falsifying data is unethical.
非倫理的 (ひりんりてき) is more formal and often used in professional or academic contexts, while 不道徳 (ふどうとく) is broader and can be used in everyday moral judgments. 非倫理的 is closer to 'unethical' in a code-of-conduct sense, whereas 不道徳 leans toward 'immoral'.
Directly translating 'unethical' as アンエシカル is not natural in Japanese. Use the expressions above depending on context.
Means 'immoral' or 'unethical', focusing on violation of moral standards. Slightly more common in everyday language than 非倫理的.
彼の不道徳な行動は許せない。
I cannot forgive his unethical behavior.
Literally 'against ethics'. A common phrase to describe something that goes against ethical standards.
その決定は倫理に反する。
That decision is unethical.
Means 'against morals'. Uses the loanword モラル (moral). Less formal, often used in discussions about personal or societal ethics.
そんなのモラルに反するよ。
That's unethical, you know.
Means 'injustice', 'dishonesty', or 'wrongdoing'. Often used for unethical practices like fraud or corruption.
会社の不正が明るみに出た。
The company's unethical practices came to light.
Means 'compliance violation'. Used in corporate contexts to refer to breaches of laws or internal rules.
その取引はコンプライアンス違反にあたる。
That transaction constitutes an unethical compliance violation.
Means 'misconduct' or 'wrongful act'. Commonly used for research misconduct.
論文の盗用は不正行為だ。
Plagiarism is unethical.