よろしくない

• Reading: よろしくない
• Romaji: yoroshikunai
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɾo.ɕi.kɯ.naɪ/

Meaning

Not good; improper; unacceptable; inadvisable. A polite but firm way of saying that something is inappropriate or should not be done.

The negated form of よろしい (good, acceptable, proper). よろしくない is used when a direct negative would be too blunt or rude — it softens criticism while still being clear. Common in instructional, medical, and professional contexts: 体によろしくない (bad for one's health), よろしくない行為 (inappropriate conduct). It occupies the space between casual ダメ (no good) and the formal 不適切 (improper).

Examples

1. 食事を抜くのは体によろしくないと、医師に何度も注意された。 The doctor repeatedly warned me that skipping meals is not good for my health.
2. 公式の場でそのような言葉を使うのはよろしくないと、先輩に指摘された。 A senior colleague pointed out that using such language in a formal setting is improper.
3. 無断でデータを変更するのはよろしくない行為であり、即座に報告すべきだった。 Modifying data without authorization is unacceptable conduct, and it should have been reported immediately.

Usage Guide

Context: professional guidance, health advice, etiquette, workplace rules

Tone: corrective

Origin & History

Negation of よろしい (well, properly), itself an honorific form of よい (good). よろしい comes from the classical ようし (it is good/acceptable), making よろしくない the polite standard negative for impropriety.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General