Translation guide
Expresses that an action or fault is so severe it cannot be forgiven. Japanese uses adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on formality and context.
Describing an act, mistake, or behavior that is beyond forgiveness in a moral, social, or personal sense.
The most direct and common way to say 'unpardonable'. It is the negative potential form of 許す (to forgive), literally 'cannot be forgiven'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼の行為は許されない。
His actions are unpardonable.
そんな間違いは許されない。
Such a mistake is unpardonable.
Emphasizing that the outcome or impact makes the act inexcusable, often in professional or serious personal contexts.
Literally 'irreparable' or 'cannot be undone'. Used when the damage or mistake is so great it cannot be fixed, making it unpardonable. Common in both speech and writing.
取り返しのつかない過ちを犯した。
I made an unpardonable mistake. (Lit. an irreparable mistake)
許されない is the neutral, factual 'cannot be forgiven'. 許しがたい is more subjective and formal, 'hard to forgive'. 許せない is the plain negative potential, often more emotional and direct in speech. 絶対に許せない adds strong emphasis.
彼の失敗は許されないが、努力は認める。
His mistake is unpardonable, but I acknowledge his effort.
彼の態度は許しがたい。
His attitude is hard to forgive.
Literally 'hard to forgive'. Slightly more formal and emphatic than 許されない. Often used in serious accusations or literary contexts.
彼の裏切りは許しがたい。
His betrayal is unpardonable.
Means 'cannot bring oneself to forgive' or 'it is not possible to forgive'. Implies a strong personal or principled stance. More conversational than 許しがたい.
こんなことをされて、許すわけにはいかない。
After what you did, I can't possibly forgive you. (It's unpardonable.)
A strong, formal four-character compound meaning 'outrageous' or 'absolutely unpardonable'. Used in formal speech, news, or writing to condemn actions.
その発言は言語道断だ。
That remark is utterly unpardonable.
A classical negative form of 許す, used as a pre-noun adjectival. Sounds very formal, literary, or dramatic. Often seen in written media or formal declarations.
これは許されざる行為だ。
This is an unpardonable act.
Emphatic spoken form: 'absolutely cannot forgive'. Stronger and more emotional than 許されない. Common in everyday conversation when expressing outrage.
あんなことを言うなんて、絶対に許せない。
Saying something like that is absolutely unpardonable.
I'll never forgive you!
English 'unpardonable' often translates naturally to verb phrases like 許されない or 許せない. Using a single adjective equivalent is less common in Japanese; the concept is usually expressed through the verb 許す in negative potential form.
I'll never forgive you!
English 'unpardonable' often translates naturally to verb phrases like 許されない or 許せない. Using a single adjective equivalent is less common in Japanese; the concept is usually expressed through the verb 許す in negative potential form.