Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bad" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bad", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不作
ふさく (fusaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
陋習
ろうしゅう (rōshū)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bad" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不作 and 陋習.
In Japanese, 不作 (ふさく (fusaku)) is typically associated with "bad harvest, crop failure" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 主に農業において、作物の収穫が少ないことや全くできないことを指します。比喩的に、成果が上がらない期間を指すこともあります。.
On the other hand, 陋習 (ろうしゅう (rōshū)) maps to "bad custom; evil practice; obsolete practice" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to old, outdated, or harmful customs and practices that should be abolished. Has a formal and slightly critical tone.. A literal translation of "bad" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "不作"
今年は雨が少なかったので、米が不作だった。
This year, there was little rain, so the rice harvest was poor.
Bilingual Context for "陋習"
その会社には長年続いている陋習がいくつか残っている。
Several long-standing bad customs still remain in that company.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今年は雨が少なかったので、米が ＿＿＿ だった。" (Meaning: "This year, there was little rain, so the rice harvest was poor.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不作" fits here because it means "bad harvest, crop failure" in the context of: "This year, there was little rain, so the rice harvest was poor.". "陋習" represents "bad custom; evil practice; obsolete practice".