Japanese word

非

Pronunciation

Romajihi

Meaning

  • nounfault

Example

私は自分の非を認めます。watashi wa ji bun no hi o mito me ma su

I admit my fault.

Illustration for 非 (fault)

More examples

相手の非を責める前に、まず話し合いましょう。ai te no hi o se me ru mae ni ma zu hana shi a i ma shō

Let's discuss the matter before blaming the other person.

Core concept

Points to what is improper in an action or decision and can therefore be recognized as a person's fault.

Common phrases

  • 非を認めるhi o mito me ru

    acknowledge one's fault

  • 非があるhi ga a ru

    be at fault

  • 非を責めるhi o se me ru

    blame someone for their fault

Similar words

間違いmachigai: An error in an action, choice, or judgment.
落ち度ochido: A mistake or failure in conduct for which a person can be held responsible.

Definition in Japanese

行為や判断において正しくないとされ、責任を問われる部分。kō i ya han dan ni o i te tada shi ku na i to sa re seki nin o to wa re ru bu bun

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese noun, 非 (hi, "fault") comes from the Chinese character 非 (hi, "not right"), whose basic sense concerns what opposes the proper way.

Usage tips

  • 非 (hi) sounds deliberate and formal when it refers to a fault, so it is less typical of everyday small talk.

Opposites

  • 是zerightnessnoun

Word lists with this word