Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bad" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bad", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不良
ふりょう (furyō)
N3 / 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 不良 and 陋習.
In Japanese, 不良 (ふりょう (furyō)) is typically associated with "bad, poor (quality); delinquent (person); defect" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can be a noun meaning a defect or a delinquent person.
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(rōshū)) maps to "bad custom; evil practice; obsolete practice" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to old, outdated, or harmful customs and practices that should be abolished.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 "不良"
この製品には不良がありました。
This product had a defect.
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: "この製品には ＿＿＿ がありました。" (Meaning: "This product had a defect.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不良" fits here because it means "bad, poor (quality); delinquent (person); defect" in the context of: "This product had a defect.". "陋習" represents "bad custom; evil practice; obsolete practice".