不義理

• Reading: ふぎり
• Romaji: fugiri
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — negation; 義 (gi) — duty, righteousness; 理 (ri) — principle, reason
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.ɡi.ɾi/

Meaning

Dishonesty; breach of faith; ingratitude. Failure to fulfil a social or moral obligation, especially to someone who has shown kindness.

A compound of 不 (negation) and 義理 (social duty, obligation). While 義理 refers to the culturally important Japanese concept of social obligation and duty, 不義理 is the violation of that duty — failing to return a favour, neglecting a social responsibility, or acting in bad faith toward a benefactor. The concept is rooted in traditional Japanese social ethics and remains in active use in interpersonal and business contexts.

Examples

1. お世話になった恩師への挨拶もせずに転職するのは不義理だと感じ、わざわざ出向いた。 Feeling it would be a breach of faith to change jobs without even greeting the mentor who had done so much for him, he went out of his way to visit.
2. 長年支援してくれた投資家に一言の連絡もなく事業を畳んだことは、明らかな不義理だった。 Closing down the business without a single word to the investors who had supported him for years was a clear act of ingratitude.
3. 不義理を重ねてきた彼が今さら助けを求めてきても、周囲の人間は冷ややかな反応を示した。 When the man who had repeatedly acted in bad faith now came asking for help, those around him responded with cold indifference.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal relations, business ethics, traditional values, apology

Tone: moral, reflective

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (fu — negation prefix) and 義理 (giri — social obligation, duty). 義理 is itself a foundational concept in Japanese culture, denoting the network of moral debts and duties that structure social relationships. 不義理 thus signals a violation of one of Japan's core social values.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional-Modern

Generation: Middle-aged to Elderly

Social background: Universal