不問

• Reading: ふもん
• Romaji: fumon
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — negation; 問 (mon/to) — question, inquire, hold accountable
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.mo.ɴ/

Meaning

Disregarding; overlooking; not questioning or pursuing. Deliberately choosing not to hold someone accountable or investigate further.

A noun used in formal and legal contexts, most commonly in the phrase 不問に付す (to overlook, to let pass without question). Implies a deliberate decision to turn a blind eye to a fault, often for political or practical reasons. Can have both positive (forgiveness) and negative (complicity) connotations depending on context. More formal than 見逃す.

Examples

1. 彼の過去の失敗を不問に付し、改めて重要なポジションを任せることにした。 They decided to overlook his past failures and entrust him with an important position once again.
2. 社会的地位がある人物の不正が不問にされることへの批判が高まっている。 Criticism is mounting over the fact that misconduct by people of social standing goes unquestioned.
3. 今回の件は例外として不問に付すが、次回は相応の処分を取る。 This time we will let it go as an exception, but next time appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, workplace, accountability, forgiveness

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 不 (fu, not) + 問 (mon/to, question/inquire/hold accountable). Literally 'not questioning.' The compound is deeply embedded in legal and administrative language in Japan, appearing in formal decisions about whether to pursue accountability.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional