Translation guide
The English word "unreasonable" covers a range of situations where something is excessive, unfair, illogical, or stubborn. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent. The best choice depends on whether you are describing a demand, a person, a situation, or an expectation.
When something goes beyond what is fair or acceptable, such as an unreasonable demand, price, or workload.
The most common and versatile word for 'unreasonable.' It means something is impossible, excessive, or beyond reason. Often used for demands, expectations, or situations that are too much to handle.
それは無理な要求だ。
That's an unreasonable demand.
この値段は無理だ。
This price is unreasonable.
Specifically for prices or fees that are outrageously high, beyond what is reasonable.
法外な料金を請求された。
I was charged an unreasonable fee.
Means 'excessive' or 'undue.' More formal and often used in written contexts for things like pressure, demands, or workload.
過度な要求はお控えください。
Please refrain from unreasonable demands.
When something lacks logic or common sense, such as an unreasonable argument or decision.
Directly means 'irrational' or 'illogical.' Used for arguments, rules, or decisions that don't make sense.
その規則は不合理だ。
That rule is unreasonable.
彼の主張は不合理だった。
His argument was unreasonable.
Implies something is unreasonable and unfair, often with a sense of frustration or injustice. Common in everyday speech for situations that feel unjust.
Literally 'illogical.' More technical and less common in daily conversation.
When a person is being unreasonable by refusing to compromise or see reason.
Means 'stubborn.' Often used when someone is unreasonably fixed on their own opinion or way.
彼は頑固で話が通じない。
He's so stubborn; you can't reason with him.
Literally 'can't get through to them.' Describes a person who won't listen to reason.
あの人とは話が通じない。
That person is unreasonable; you can't talk sense into them.
When something is unreasonable because it is unfair or violates a sense of justice.
Means 'unjust' or 'unfair.' Often used in legal, business, or formal contexts for unreasonable treatment, dismissal, or demands.
不当な解雇だ。
It's an unreasonable dismissal.
不当な要求には応じられない。
I cannot comply with unreasonable demands.
Simply 'unfair.' Common in everyday speech for situations that are not equitable.
無理 (muri) is the most common and versatile, covering impossibility and excess. 不合理 (fugōri) is more about logical inconsistency. 理不尽 (rifujin) adds a strong emotional tone of unfairness and frustration. Use 無理 for everyday 'unreasonable' demands or situations; use 不合理 for arguments or rules that don't make sense; use 理不尽 when you feel personally wronged.
There is no single Japanese word that maps perfectly to 'unreasonable' in all contexts. Translating directly as 非合理的 (higōriteki) or 無理な (muri na) without considering the nuance can sound unnatural. Always choose based on the specific meaning you want to convey.
I was treated unreasonably.
理不尽なことで怒られた。
I got scolded for something unreasonable.
That conclusion is unreasonable.
Idiom meaning 'doesn't lend an ear,' i.e., refuses to listen. Emphasizes the person's unwillingness to consider others' views.
彼はまったく聞く耳を持たない。
He's completely unreasonable; he won't listen at all.
それは不公平だ。
That's unreasonable (unfair).