Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Arbitrary" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "arbitrary", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
独断
どくだん (dokudan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
専横
せんおう (sen'ou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "arbitrary" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 独断 and 専横.
In Japanese, 独断 (どくだん (dokudan)) is typically associated with "arbitrary decision, acting on one's own judgment,独断" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies making a decision without consulting others or without sufficient reason. Often has a negative connotation, suggesting self-will or lack of consideration for others' opinions..
On the other hand, 専横 (せんおう (sen'ou)) maps to "arbitrary rule, despotism, tyranny, autocratic (behavior)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Behaving in an arbitrary, authoritarian, and dictatorial manner without regard for others' opinions or rules. 他の意見や規則を無視し、自分勝手に振る舞うこと。独裁的。. A literal translation of "arbitrary" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "独断"
彼はいつも独断で物事を決めるので、周囲からの反発も多い。
He always makes decisions arbitrarily, so there's a lot of backlash from those around him.
Bilingual Context for "専横"
社長の専横な振る舞いに、従業員たちは不満を募らせた。
Employees grew increasingly dissatisfied with the president's arbitrary behavior.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも ＿＿＿ で物事を決めるので、周囲からの反発も多い。" (Meaning: "He always makes decisions arbitrarily, so there's a lot of backlash from those around him.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "独断" fits here because it means "arbitrary decision, acting on one's own judgment,独断" in the context of: "He always makes decisions arbitrarily, so there's a lot of backlash from those around him.". "専横" represents "arbitrary rule, despotism, tyranny, autocratic (behavior)".