不適切

• Reading: ふてきせつ
• Romaji: futekisetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — not; 適 (teki) — suitable; 切 (setsu) — cut, pressing
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.te.ki.se.tsɯ/

Meaning

Inappropriate; unsuitable; improper. Describes something that does not fit the situation.

A na-adjective formed by adding the negative prefix 不 to 適切 (appropriate). Frequently used in formal contexts to criticise behaviour, language, or decisions: 不適切な発言 (an inappropriate remark), 不適切な行動 (improper conduct). Common in news reports and official statements.

Examples

1. 会議中の彼の発言は不適切だった。 His remarks during the meeting were inappropriate.
2. 不適切な表現が含まれていたため修正された。 It was revised because it contained inappropriate expressions.
3. 子どもの前で不適切な話はやめてほしい。 I wish you'd stop having inappropriate conversations in front of children.

Usage Guide

Context: news, business, official

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (fu, not) and 適切 (tekisetsu, appropriate). Together, 'not appropriate' — a formal way to express that something does not meet expected standards.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal