不躾

• Reading: ぶしつけ
• Romaji: bushitsuke
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (bu) — negation; 躾 (shitsuke) — upbringing, discipline
• Pronunciation: /bɯɕitsɯke/

Meaning

Rude; ill-mannered; impolite; failing to observe proper etiquette.

A na-adjective describing a failure to observe the basic courtesies expected in social interaction. Interestingly, 不躾なご質問ですが (forgive my rude question, but...) is a formulaic expression of politeness — the speaker acknowledges that asking may be inappropriate, thereby softening the intrusion. Its meaning ranges from mildly impolite to outright discourteous.

Examples

1. 不躾なご質問かもしれませんが、お名前をお聞きしてもよいですか。 This may be a rude question, but may I ask your name?
2. 不躾な態度で交渉に臨んだ結果、その取引は破談になってしまった。 Because he approached the negotiation with an ill-mannered attitude, the deal fell through.
3. 初対面でそんな不躾なことを聞くものではないと窘められた。 I was scolded for asking such an impolite question upon first meeting someone.

Usage Guide

Context: etiquette, business, social interaction, apology

Tone: cautious

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) and 躾 (upbringing, discipline, good manners). The character 躾 is a Japanese-coined kanji (国字) combining 身 (body) and 美 (beautiful) — a beautifully disciplined body. 不躾 is literally un-disciplined or un-reared.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal