How to say "misconduct" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 非行ひこうno-adjectiveMisconduct in the sense of delinquency — wrongdoing by young people. Typical context: a teenager's repeated misbehavior discussed by parents, schools, or authorities.
- 不義ふぎno-adjectiveIts core senses are immorality and injustice; 'misconduct' is a marginal rendering. Seldom the word you want for concrete misdeeds — it names moral wrongness itself.
- 不祥事ふしょうじnounMisconduct by companies, officials, or organizations — wrongdoing that comes to light and turns into a scandal. Use it for corporate or political misconduct.
- 不心得ふこころえnoun, na-adjectiveReally means indiscretion, imprudence, or rudeness — a lapse in judgment or manners. Seldom the word you want for 'misconduct'; its misbehavior sense is minor.
- 不始末ふしまつnoun, na-adjectiveMisconduct in the sense of mismanagement or malpractice: careless, improper handling of money or duties. Fits when funds or business have been handled badly.
Choose by the kind of wrongdoing: delinquent behavior is 非行, misconduct that becomes a public scandal is 不祥事, mismanagement of money or duties is 不始末, while 不義 and 不心得 are marginal choices for this sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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