不敬な
fukei na
The English phrase "disrespectful" can be translated into Japanese as 不敬な (fukei na). Wiktionary also lists 不遜な (fuson na).
Meaning: lacking respect (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 不敬な | fukei na |
| 不遜な | fuson na |
Japanese uses different terms depending on the nature of the disrespect being described.
Which one should you use?
The terms 不敬な and 不遜な differ based on the target and the attitude described. 不敬な is specifically used for disrespect directed toward high-ranking figures, such as royalty, gods or the Emperor. In contrast, 不遜な describes a person's attitude as being arrogant, haughty or insolent rather than specifically targeting a high-ranking figure.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the adjective 不敬な as an adverb meaning 'disrespectfully', you change the ending to 不敬に (fukei ni).
How do you pronounce it?
fukei na
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese theater like Kabuki, a character's 'disrespect' is often communicated through a specific exaggerated pose called a 見得 (mie) rather than through words.
- The term 不敬 is historically tied to the crime of 'lèse-majesté', making it a legal term for disrespecting the Emperor of Japan.
- In Japanese culture, being 'disrespectful' is often measured by how much one violates 'keigo' (honorific speech). Using the wrong level of politeness can be viewed as a form of 'disrespectful' behavior, even if the words themselves are not insults.
Examples in context
- 不敬な態度は控えてください。fukei na taido wa hikaete kudasai.Please refrain from disrespectful behavior.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a student's behavior toward a teacher.
- 健太 Kentaあの生徒の態度はとても不敬な気がするよ。ano seito no taido wa totemo fukei na ki ga suru yo.I feel that student's attitude is very disrespectful.
- 陽葵 Himari確かに、先生に対して失礼すぎるね。tashika ni, sensei ni taishite shitsurei sugiru ne.Indeed, it is too rude toward the teacher.
- 健太 Kenta不敬な行動はすぐに直すべきだ。fukei na koudou wa sugu ni naosu beki da.Disrespectful behavior should be corrected immediately.
- 陽葵 Himari賛成。誰かが教える必要があるね。sansei. dareka ga oshieru hitsuyou ga aru ne.I agree. Someone needs to teach them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disrespectful” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
