How to say "random" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- na-adjective, nounThe direct loanword for choosing or arranging things by chance, as in games or computing; the natural pick when you simply mean 'random'.
- 無作為むさくいno-adjective, na-adjectiveThe technical word in statistics: selection made without deliberate design, as when survey or experiment subjects are chosen at random; it can also describe something that happens unintentionally.
- 不特定ふとくていno-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'random' only in the sense of 'some unspecified one': the identity is simply not pinned down, as with an unspecified recipient or audience, rather than anything being chosen by chance.
- 任意にんいno-adjective, na-adjectiveReally means 'optional', 'voluntary', or 'arbitrary' — a choice left to someone's discretion, as in forms or mathematics; its 'random' gloss is marginal, and it is seldom the word you want for chance.
- na-adjective, nounCovers the pejorative 'random' of haphazard, unsystematic work done without method or care; it also suggests nonsense or made-up talk, so it carries criticism rather than neutral chance.
Use 「ランダム」 for plain chance selection, 無作為 for technical statistical randomness, 不特定 when 'random' really means unspecified, 任意 for optional or arbitrary choice, and 「でたらめ」 for haphazard, critical randomness.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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