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不正確な

B1 adjective #7,000 most common 12 min read

不正確な

fuseikaku na Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不正確な in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不正確な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. You might know words like 'right' (tadashii) or 'wrong' (machigai). The word 'fuseikaku' might be a bit difficult because it has three kanji characters. However, you can think of it as 'not correct' (tadashiku nai). At this level, you would mostly see it in very simple contexts, like a clock that shows the wrong time or a number that is not exactly right. Imagine you have a toy clock. If it says it is 3 o'clock but it is actually 3:05, you can say the clock is 'fuseikaku.' It is important to remember that this word is a 'na-adjective.' This means if you want to say 'an inaccurate clock,' you say 'fuseikaku na tokei.' If you are just starting, don't worry too much about using this word in conversation yet. Instead, focus on recognizing the first kanji '不' which means 'not' and the second '正' which means 'correct.' This will help you understand that the word means 'not correct.' In A1, we usually use simpler words, but knowing 'fuseikaku' helps you sound more advanced when you talk about facts or numbers. Try to use it when you see a number that looks a little bit wrong but not completely crazy.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to use more descriptive words to talk about your daily life. 'Fuseikaku' is a great word to add to your vocabulary because it allows you to talk about the quality of things. For example, if you are reading a textbook and you find a small mistake in a date, you can say 'Kono hizuke wa fuseikaku desu' (This date is inaccurate). At this level, you should practice using the 'na' correctly when the word comes before a noun. Common things you might describe as 'fuseikaku' at A2 include weather forecasts (tenki yosoku), maps (chizu), and translations (honyaku). You are moving beyond just saying 'good' or 'bad.' Now you can say 'The translation is inaccurate.' This makes your Japanese sound more specific. You might also start to notice this word in simple news articles or on signs. Remember, it's not just that something is 'bad'; it's that it's 'not exact.' If you ask for directions and the person isn't sure, their information might be 'fuseikaku.' Learning this word helps you express doubt about information in a polite way. It is a very useful tool for surviving in a Japanese-speaking environment where you need to verify facts.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex topics and express your opinions more clearly. 'Fuseikaku' is a key vocabulary word for this stage. You will use it to discuss news, social media, and academic topics. At B1, you should understand the nuance that 'fuseikaku' is often used for things that are almost right but lack precision. For example, in a debate, you might challenge someone's argument by saying their data is 'fuseikaku.' This word is very common in the context of 'fake news' or 'misinformation' (fuseikaku na joho). You should also be able to use it in different grammatical structures, such as relative clauses. For example: 'The inaccurate information that spread on the internet caused confusion.' In Japanese: 'Netto de hirogatta fuseikaku na joho ga konran o maneita.' At this level, you are also learning synonyms. You should start to distinguish 'fuseikaku' from 'aimai' (vague). If a teacher's explanation is 'aimai,' you don't understand it. If it is 'fuseikaku,' the teacher said something that isn't true. Being able to make this distinction is a hallmark of a B1 learner. You are now using the language to analyze and critique information, and 'fuseikaku' is an essential adjective for that process.

At the B2 level, you are becoming a more fluent and sophisticated speaker of Japanese. You should be able to use 'fuseikaku' in professional and academic settings without hesitation. At this level, you understand that 'fuseikaku' carries a certain weight. Using it in a business meeting to describe a colleague's report is a serious matter, so you might soften it with adverbs like 'shoushou' (a little) or 'kanari' (considerably). You should also be familiar with formal synonyms like 'zusan' (sloppy) or 'ayamari no aru' (containing errors). B2 learners should be able to write essays or reports where they evaluate the reliability of sources. You might write about how 'fuseikaku na deta' (inaccurate data) can lead to 'futekisetsu na ketsuron' (inappropriate conclusions). You are not just learning the word; you are learning how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Japanese logic and rhetoric. You will also encounter 'fuseikaku' in more abstract contexts, such as 'fuseikaku na hyogen' (inaccurate expressions) in literature or 'fuseikaku na kioku' (inaccurate memories) in psychology. Your ability to use this word to describe subtle errors in thought or representation shows that you have reached an upper-intermediate level of proficiency.

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native fluency. You use 'fuseikaku' with a deep understanding of its stylistic and contextual implications. You can use it to discuss high-level topics like statistical significance, historical revisionism, or the philosophy of language. At this level, you might analyze how the use of 'fuseikaku' in media can be a form of 'soft' criticism compared to more direct words like 'kyoupu' (falsehood). You are also comfortable with the word's appearance in legal documents or technical specifications where every 'na' and 'da' matters. You can discuss the 'fuseikakusa' (the noun form: inaccuracy) of certain scientific models. You might even use the word ironically or metaphorically in sophisticated conversation. For example, you could talk about the 'fuseikaku' nature of human perception itself. Your vocabulary is now large enough that 'fuseikaku' is just one of many tools you have to describe error, and you choose it specifically when you want to emphasize a lack of factual precision or technical exactness. You are able to identify 'fuseikaku' statements in fast-paced debates and respond to them using appropriate honorifics or formal structures, showing total command over the language's register.

At the C2 level, you have mastered Japanese to a point where you can use 'fuseikaku' as naturally as a native speaker. You understand the historical roots of the kanji and how the word has evolved in modern usage. You can participate in high-level academic discussions about 'the inaccuracy of historical records' or 'the inherent inaccuracy of translation.' You are aware of the subtle sociolinguistic nuances—for instance, how a politician might use the word 'fuseikaku' to avoid saying they lied. You can read complex literature where 'fuseikaku' is used to create a sense of unreliability in a narrator. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know its soul. You can use it in creative writing to describe the 'fuseikaku' flickering of a candle or the 'fuseikaku' rhythm of a failing heart. Your mastery extends to the most formal and the most specialized contexts. You can critique a scientific paper's methodology by pointing out 'fuseikaku' sampling techniques. You are also able to explain the word to others, including its various nuances and how it differs from similar terms in other languages. At C2, 'fuseikaku' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to be studied; it is a precise scalpel you use to dissect and describe the world with absolute clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不正確な in 30 Seconds

不正確な means 'inaccurate' or 'imprecise' in Japanese, used for data, facts, and tools.
It is a formal na-adjective, requiring 'na' before nouns and 'da/desu' as a predicate.
Common collocations include information (joho), data (deta), and memory (kioku).
It differs from 'wrong' (machigai) by focusing on the degree of precision rather than a binary error.

The Japanese word 不正確な (fuseikaku na) is a highly practical and essential adjective used to describe something that lacks precision, correctness, or exactness. In its most basic form, it translates to 'inaccurate' or 'imprecise' in English. This word is formed by three distinct kanji characters that provide a clear roadmap to its meaning. The first character, 不 (fu), is a negative prefix similar to 'un-' or 'in-' in English. The second character, 正 (sei), represents correctness, justice, or being right. The third character, 確 (kaku), conveys certainty, firmness, or reliability. When combined, they literally mean 'not correctly certain.' Unlike the word 'wrong' (machigai), which implies a binary state of being incorrect, 不正確な often suggests a deviation from a standard or a lack of detail that leads to an error.

Scientific Context: In laboratory settings, researchers use this term to describe measurements that do not align with the expected standard or have a high margin of error.

この古い温度計は不正確な数値を示している可能性があります。 (This old thermometer might be showing inaccurate numerical values.)

You will frequently encounter this word in news reports, academic papers, and business discussions where data integrity is paramount. For instance, if a journalist publishes a story based on rumors rather than verified facts, the public might criticize the report for being fuseikaku. Similarly, in the world of technology, an algorithm that produces biased or wrong predictions is often labeled with this adjective. It carries a slightly formal tone, making it more common in written documents or professional speech than in casual daily conversation among close friends, where one might simply say 'chigau' (different/wrong).

Daily Life Usage: You might use it when talking about a watch that is always five minutes slow or a map that doesn't show the new roads correctly.

Furthermore, the word is a 'na-adjective,' which means that when it modifies a noun directly, you must include the 'na' particle. For example, 'inaccurate information' becomes 不正確な情報 (fuseikaku na joho). If you are using it at the end of a sentence to describe a subject, you would use 'da' or 'desu,' such as そのデータは不正確です (Sono deta wa fuseikaku desu). Understanding this grammatical structure is vital for B1 learners who are moving beyond basic adjectives into more descriptive and nuanced vocabulary.

彼の証言は細部において不正確な点が多い。 (There are many inaccurate points in the details of his testimony.)

In summary, 不正確な is the go-to word for anything that misses the mark of truth or precision. Whether it is a clock that is slightly off, a translation that loses the original meaning, or a weather forecast that failed to predict the rain, this word covers the spectrum of inaccuracy. It challenges the learner to think about the quality of information and the importance of precision in Japanese communication.

Social Context: In Japanese culture, where precision (seimitsu) is highly valued in manufacturing and service, calling something 'fuseikaku' is a serious critique.

Using 不正確な (fuseikaku na) correctly requires an understanding of how na-adjectives function within Japanese syntax. Because it is a descriptive word that identifies a quality of a noun, it most often appears immediately before the noun it describes. However, it can also function as a predicate to describe the state of a subject. Let's explore the various ways this word manifests in everyday and professional Japanese sentences to ensure you can use it with confidence and grammatical accuracy.

不正確な記事がSNSで拡散されている。 (Inaccurate articles are being spread on social media.)

In the sentence above, the adjective directly modifies 'kiji' (article). This is the most common usage. Notice how the 'na' bridges the adjective and the noun. If you were to remove the 'na,' the sentence would be grammatically incorrect. This structure is essential for learners to master as they progress to the B1 level. Now, let's consider a sentence where the word acts as the predicate of the sentence, describing the subject.

Predicate Usage: When using it as a predicate, you drop the 'na' and add 'desu' or 'da'. Example: この統計は不正確だ (Kono tokei wa fuseikaku da - This statistic is inaccurate).

Another important aspect of using 不正確な is understanding its collocations—words that naturally pair with it. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns like 'joho' (information), 'kioku' (memory), 'yosoku' (prediction), and 'keisan' (calculation). By learning these pairings, you will sound much more like a native speaker. For instance, saying 'my memory is inaccurate' is a common way to express that you might be forgetting details or remembering things wrong.

子供の頃の記憶は、時として非常に不正確なものになる。 (Childhood memories can sometimes become extremely inaccurate.)

You can also modify the intensity of the adjective by using adverbs like 'hijou ni' (extremely), 'sukoshi' (a little), or 'kanari' (fairly). This allows for a more nuanced description of the level of inaccuracy. If a report has only a few minor errors, you might say it is 'wazuka ni fuseikaku' (slightly inaccurate). If it is completely wrong, you might say 'mattaku fuseikaku' (completely inaccurate).

Negative Form: To say something is 'not inaccurate,' you would say 'fuseikaku dewa nai.' However, it is usually more natural to just say 'seikaku da' (it is accurate).

In complex sentences, 不正確な can be part of a relative clause. For example: 'The inaccurate information that he provided caused a big problem' becomes 彼が提供した不正確な情報が大きな問題を引き起こした (Kare ga teikyo shita fuseikaku na joho ga okina mondai o hikiokoshita). This demonstrates how the word fits into higher-level sentence structures that B1 and B2 learners are expected to navigate.

翻訳機を使うと、たまに意味が不正確な文章が生成される。 (When using a translation machine, sometimes sentences with inaccurate meanings are generated.)

Finally, remember that 'fuseikaku' focuses on the lack of precision. It is often used in contrast with 'seimitsu' (precise/minute) or 'tekisetsu' (appropriate). By practicing these various sentence patterns, you will move from simply knowing the definition to being able to use the word fluently in real-world Japanese contexts.

The word 不正確な (fuseikaku na) is a staple of Japanese media and professional discourse. If you turn on the NHK news or read a major newspaper like the Asahi Shimbun, you are almost guaranteed to encounter this word within a few minutes, especially during segments involving politics, economics, or science. It is the standard term used to describe 'misinformation' or 'faulty data' without being overly aggressive or informal. In the context of the digital age, 'fuseikaku na joho' (inaccurate information) is a term frequently used to discuss fake news and the reliability of the internet.

政府は、ネット上の不正確な情報に対して注意を呼びかけている。 (The government is calling for caution against inaccurate information on the internet.)

In a corporate environment, you will hear this word during meetings when discussing project timelines, budget estimates, or market research. If a subordinate provides a report that has errors, a manager might say, 'Kono deta wa sukoshi fuseikaku desu ne' (This data is a bit inaccurate, isn't it?). This is a polite but clear way to point out that the work needs to be corrected. It sounds more professional than saying 'machigatte iru' (it is wrong), which can sound blunt and accusatory in a Japanese workplace.

Academic Lectures: Professors use this word to critique theories or historical accounts that lack supporting evidence or contain chronological errors.

You will also hear this word in the legal and medical fields. In a courtroom, a witness's testimony might be challenged as being 'fuseikaku' due to the passage of time or personal bias. In a hospital, a doctor might explain that a preliminary test was 'fuseikaku' and that more detailed testing is required for a definitive diagnosis. In these high-stakes environments, the word carries a weight of responsibility and the need for truth.

In popular culture, such as detective anime or dramas, a protagonist might point out an 'inaccurate' statement made by a suspect to break their alibi. 'Anata no hanashi wa fuseikaku da!' (Your story is inaccurate!) is a classic line that signals a turning point in a mystery. Even in these fictional settings, the word maintains its air of intellectual scrutiny and factual investigation.

犯人の供述には、いくつか不正確な部分があった。 (There were several inaccurate parts in the suspect's statement.)

Lastly, in the world of sports, you might hear announcers describe a 'fuseikaku na pasu' (inaccurate pass) or an 'inaccurate shot.' Here, it refers to the physical precision of the athlete's movement. Whether it's a soccer ball missing its target or a baseball pitch going wide, the lack of accuracy is a key part of the commentary. By paying attention to these diverse contexts, you will begin to see just how versatile and common 不正確な really is in the daily life of a Japanese speaker.

Technical Manuals: Manuals often warn that using the wrong tools may lead to 'fuseikaku na kumitate' (inaccurate assembly).

When learning 不正確な (fuseikaku na), English speakers often make a few common errors. The first is confusing it with the general word for 'wrong' or 'mistake,' which is 間違い (machigai) or 誤り (ayamari). While they are related, 'fuseikaku' specifically targets the degree of accuracy. If you say 1+1=3, that is a 'machigai' (a flat-out error). If you say a mountain is 3,000 meters tall when it is actually 2,998 meters, that is 'fuseikaku' (inaccurate/imprecise). Using 'fuseikaku' for a simple binary error can sometimes sound overly technical or strange.

❌ 漢字の書き方が不正確なです。 (The way of writing kanji is inaccurate.)
✅ 漢字の書き方が間違っています。 (The way of writing kanji is wrong.)

Another mistake involves the grammatical category of the word. Since it is a na-adjective, students often forget to include the 'na' when modifying a noun or use it like an i-adjective (e.g., saying 'fuseikakui' which is non-existent). Always remember the 'na' or 'da/desu' requirement. Furthermore, some learners confuse 'fuseikaku' with 曖昧 (aimai), which means 'vague' or 'ambiguous.' While something vague is often inaccurate, 'aimai' refers to a lack of clarity, whereas 'fuseikaku' refers to a lack of truth or correctness. A statement can be very clear but still 'fuseikaku' (inaccurate).

Nuance Check: 'Aimai' = I don't know what you mean. 'Fuseikaku' = I know what you mean, but it's not factually correct.

A third common error is using 'fuseikaku' to describe people's character. In English, we might say someone is 'inaccurate' if they are unreliable, but in Japanese, you wouldn't typically call a person 'fuseikaku na hito.' Instead, you would use words like だらしない (darashinai - sloppy) or いい加減な (iikagen na - irresponsible/careless). 'Fuseikaku' is almost always reserved for information, measurements, descriptions, or objects (like clocks).

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the level of formality. While 'fuseikaku' is common in business, using it in a very casual setting with friends might make you sound like a textbook or a scientist. If a friend tells you the wrong time for a movie, saying 'Sore wa fuseikaku da' might be seen as a bit stiff. In that case, a simple 'Chigau yo!' (That's not right!) or 'Machigatteru yo!' is much more natural. Understanding the social context helps you choose the right word for the right situation.

❌ 彼の性格は不正確なです。 (His personality is inaccurate.)
✅ 彼はいい加減な性格です。 (He has a careless personality.)

Register Reminder: Formal: 不正確 (Fuseikaku) | Neutral: 間違い (Machigai) | Casual: 違う (Chigau)

To truly master 不正確な (fuseikaku na), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing different types of 'wrongness' or 'imprecision.' By understanding the subtle differences between these words, you can choose the most precise term for your needs. The most direct alternative is 誤り (ayamari), which means 'error' or 'mistake.' While 'fuseikaku' describes the state of being inaccurate, 'ayamari' is the noun for the error itself. In a sentence, you might say 'The report has many errors' (ayamari ga oi) or 'The report is inaccurate' (fuseikaku da).

不正確 (Fuseikaku) vs. 曖昧 (Aimai): Fuseikaku means the facts are wrong or imprecise. Aimai means the expression is unclear or vague, leaving room for multiple interpretations.

Another word often confused with 'fuseikaku' is 不適切 (futekisetsu), which means 'inappropriate' or 'unsuitable.' If a word is 'fuseikaku,' it doesn't match the truth. If a word is 'futekisetsu,' it might be factually correct but socially or contextually wrong to use. For example, using a slang term in a formal speech is 'futekisetsu,' even if the meaning of the word is 'seikaku' (accurate).

彼の説明は不正確なだけでなく、表現も不適切だった。 (His explanation was not only inaccurate, but the expression was also inappropriate.)

For a more informal or critical tone, you might use いい加減 (iikagen). This word implies that the inaccuracy is due to someone's laziness or lack of effort. If someone gives you 'iikagen na' directions, they are probably just guessing and don't really care if you get lost. In contrast, 'fuseikaku na' directions could just be an honest mistake or based on an old map. There is also 杜撰 (zusan), a formal word meaning 'sloppy' or 'careless,' often used to describe poorly researched books or poorly managed projects.

不正確 (Fuseikaku) vs. デタラメ (Detarame): Fuseikaku is a lack of precision. Detarame is complete nonsense or something made up entirely at random.

In scientific or technical contexts, you might see 誤差のある (gosa no aru), which literally means 'having a margin of error.' This is a more specialized way to say something is 'fuseikaku.' For example, 'gosa no aru sokutei' (a measurement with error). Understanding these variations allows you to navigate different levels of formality and specific meanings in Japanese society. By building this web of related words, you move from a basic understanding to a sophisticated command of the language.

この古い地図は現在の地形に対して非常に不正確なものとなっている。 (This old map has become very inaccurate relative to the current terrain.)

In conclusion, while 不正確な is your primary tool for 'inaccurate,' knowing when to reach for 'aimai,' 'futekisetsu,' or 'zusan' will make your Japanese much more expressive and accurate—ironically helping you avoid being 'fuseikaku' yourself!

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '正' (sei) originally depicted a foot moving toward a city, representing a 'right' or 'just' campaign. The kanji '確' (kaku) contains the 'stone' radical, suggesting something firm and solid like a rock.

Pronunciation Guide

UK fɯ.seː.ka.kɯ.na

US fu.seɪ.kɑ.ku.nɑ

Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'fuseikaku', the pitch usually stays relatively flat after an initial rise, but it can vary by dialect.

Rhymes With

Seikaku na (Correct) Teikaku na (Low-rated - rare) Keikaku na (Planned - as a noun compound) Meikaku na (Clear) Tekikaku na (Accurate/To the point) Gaikaku na (Outer shell) Kankaku na (Sensory) Shinkaku na (God-like)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sei' as two separate syllables 'se-i' instead of a long 'e'.
Forgetting the 'na' when modifying a noun.
Stress-accenting one syllable like English, which sounds unnatural in Japanese.
Shortening the 'kaku' too much.
Pronouncing 'fu' with a strong English 'f' sound (it should be a bilabial fricative).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge to read quickly.

Writing 4/5

Writing '確' can be tricky for beginners due to the number of strokes.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long 'sei' vowel.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear in news broadcasts as it is a frequent keyword.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

正しい (Tadashii) 間違い (Machigai) 情報 (Joho) 時計 (Tokei) 数字 (Suuji)

Learn Next

精密な (Seimitsu na) 曖昧な (Aimai na) 妥当な (Datou na) 根拠 (Konkyo) 検証 (Kensho)

Advanced

杜撰 (Zusan) 瑕疵 (Kashi) 齟齬 (Sogo) 乖離 (Kairi) 歪曲 (Waikyoku)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modification

不正確なデータ (Fuseikaku na deta)

Adjective + Node (Because)

不正確なので修正します (Because it's inaccurate, I will fix it)

Adjective + Naritai (Want to become)

不正確になりたくない (I don't want to become inaccurate)

Negative Prefix 'Fu-'

不可能 (Impossible), 不安 (Anxious)

Predicate 'Da/Desu'

その話は不正確だ (That story is inaccurate)

Examples by Level

この時計は少し不正確なときがあります。

This clock is sometimes a little inaccurate.

Uses 'na' to modify 'toki' (time/occasion).

不正確な数字を書かないでください。

Please do not write inaccurate numbers.

Directly modifies the noun 'suuji' (numbers).

その情報は不正確です。

That information is inaccurate.

Predicate form using 'desu'.

不正確な地図は役に立ちません。

Inaccurate maps are not useful.

Negative verb 'yaku ni tachimasen' follows the subject.

不正確な答えはバツ（×）です。

Inaccurate answers get an X.

Simple sentence structure 'A wa B desu'.

名前が不正確だと困ります。

It is a problem if the name is inaccurate.

Conditional 'to' used with the adjective.

不正確な発音は直しましょう。

Let's correct inaccurate pronunciation.

Uses the volitional form 'naoshimashou'.

不正確なデータは使わないで。

Don't use inaccurate data.

Informal negative command 'nai de'.

天気予報が不正確なことがよくあります。

It is often the case that weather forecasts are inaccurate.

Uses 'koto ga aru' to describe frequency.

不正確な翻訳を信じてはいけません。

You must not believe inaccurate translations.

Uses the prohibition 'te wa ikemasen'.

彼の話はいつも少し不正確だ。

His stories are always a bit inaccurate.

Informal predicate form with 'da'.

不正確な住所を書くと、手紙が届きません。

If you write an inaccurate address, the letter won't arrive.

Conditional 'to' linking two clauses.

この古い定規は不正確なので捨てます。

Because this old ruler is inaccurate, I will throw it away.

Uses 'node' to indicate reason.

不正確なニュースがネットにたくさんある。

There are many inaccurate news stories on the internet.

Uses 'aru' for existence of inanimate objects.

レポートに不正確な表現がありました。

There were inaccurate expressions in the report.

Past tense 'arimashita'.

不正確な説明で道に迷ってしまった。

I got lost because of the inaccurate explanation.

Uses 'de' to indicate cause/reason.

SNS上の不正確な情報がパニックを引き起こした。

Inaccurate information on social media caused a panic.

Focuses on the result of 'fuseikaku na joho'.

その調査結果は、サンプル数が少なすぎて不正確だ。

Those survey results are inaccurate because the sample size is too small.

Uses 'sugite' (too much/excessive) to explain the reason.

不正確な記述を修正するために、もう一度確認します。

In order to correct the inaccurate descriptions, I will check one more time.

Uses 'tame ni' to express purpose.

記憶が不正確な場合、メモを頼りにしてください。

In cases where your memory is inaccurate, please rely on your notes.

Uses 'baai' (case/situation) with the adjective.

不正確な予測を立てることは、経営において危険だ。

Making inaccurate predictions is dangerous in business management.

Nominalizes the phrase with 'koto'.

彼の証言が不正確なことは明らかだった。

It was obvious that his testimony was inaccurate.

Uses 'koto' to make the whole clause the subject.

不正確な時計のせいで、会議に遅れてしまった。

Because of an inaccurate clock, I was late for the meeting.

Uses 'no sei de' to indicate a negative cause.

翻訳ソフトは便利だが、時々不正確な訳を出す。

Translation software is convenient, but it sometimes gives inaccurate translations.

Uses 'daga' to connect contrasting ideas.

不正確な統計データに基づいた政策は、国民の支持を得られない。

Policies based on inaccurate statistical data cannot gain the support of the citizens.

Uses 'ni motozuita' (based on).

その歴史教科書の記述は、一部不正確な点があると指摘されている。

It has been pointed out that there are some inaccurate points in the descriptions of that history textbook.

Passive voice 'shiteki sarete iru'.

不正確な情報を拡散することは、倫理的に問題がある。

Spreading inaccurate information is ethically problematic.

Uses 'rinri-teki ni' (ethically) as an adverb.

目撃者の記憶は、時間の経過とともに不正確になりがちだ。

Witnesses' memories tend to become inaccurate with the passage of time.

Uses 'gachi da' to express a tendency.

不正確な見積もりは、プロジェクト全体の遅延を招く。

Inaccurate estimates lead to delays for the entire project.

Uses 'maneku' (to invite/bring about) in a negative sense.

この論文の結論は、不正確な前提に基づいている。

The conclusion of this paper is based on inaccurate premises.

Uses 'zentei' (premise).

不正確な報道によって、企業の評判が著しく傷ついた。

The company's reputation was significantly damaged by inaccurate reporting.

Uses 'ni yotte' to show the means/cause.

計算が不正確だったため、実験をやり直すことになった。

Because the calculation was inaccurate, we ended up having to redo the experiment.

Uses 'koto ni natta' to show a decided outcome.

不正確な言語運用は、外交上の重大な誤解を招きかねない。

Inaccurate use of language could potentially lead to serious diplomatic misunderstandings.

Uses 'kanenai' to express a negative possibility.

そのアルゴリズムは、不正確なバイアスを含んでいる可能性が高い。

There is a high possibility that the algorithm contains inaccurate biases.

Uses 'kanousei ga takai' (high possibility).

不正確な自己認識は、個人の成長を妨げる要因となる。

Inaccurate self-perception becomes a factor that hinders personal growth.

Uses 'samatageru' (to hinder).

報告書の数値が不正確であることが判明し、全面的な見直しが命じられた。

It was discovered that the numerical values in the report were inaccurate, and a full review was ordered.

Uses 'hanmei shi' (became clear/was discovered).

不正確な地図を頼りに航海することは、死を意味する。

Sailing by relying on an inaccurate map means death.

Uses 'o tayori ni' (relying on).

彼の不正確な発言は、意図的な攪乱を目的としているようだ。

His inaccurate remarks seem to be aimed at intentional disruption.

Uses 'moku-teki to shite iru' (aimed at).

不正確な診断が下された場合、患者の命が危険にさらされる。

If an inaccurate diagnosis is given, the patient's life is put at risk.

Uses 'kiken ni sarasareru' (to be put in danger).

不正確な翻訳によって、原作の文学的価値が損なわれてしまった。

Due to inaccurate translation, the literary value of the original work has been damaged.

Uses 'sononawareru' (to be damaged/impaired).

歴史の記述というものは、本質的に不正確な側面を内包している。

Historical accounts inherently contain inaccurate aspects.

Uses 'naihou shite iru' (to involve/contain).

不正確な言葉の羅列は、真実を覆い隠すための煙幕として機能する。

An enumeration of inaccurate words functions as a smokescreen to hide the truth.

Uses 'raretsu' (enumeration/listing).

量子力学の世界では、位置と運動量を同時に正確に測ることはできず、常に不正確な部分が残る。

In the world of quantum mechanics, position and momentum cannot be measured accurately at the same time, always leaving an inaccurate part.

Scientific context involving Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle.

不正確な記憶の断片を繋ぎ合わせて、彼は自らの過去を再構築した。

By piecing together inaccurate fragments of memory, he reconstructed his own past.

Uses 'tsunagiawasete' (joining together).

統計学における不正確なサンプリングは、研究全体の妥当性を根底から覆す。

Inaccurate sampling in statistics completely overturns the validity of the entire study.

Uses 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' (to overturn from the root).

不正確な翻訳がもたらす文化的摩擦は、時に紛争の火種となり得る。

Cultural friction brought about by inaccurate translation can sometimes become the spark for conflict.

Uses 'hidane' (spark/source of fire).

社会学者は、アンケート回答の不正確な傾向を分析することで、集団的心理を推察した。

The sociologist inferred collective psychology by analyzing the inaccurate tendencies of survey responses.

Uses 'suisatsu shita' (inferred).

不正確な記述を放置することは、知的誠実さの欠如を意味する。

To leave inaccurate descriptions as they are signifies a lack of intellectual integrity.

Uses 'houchi suru' (to leave alone/neglect).

Common Collocations

不正確な情報

不正確なデータ

不正確な記述

不正確な記憶

不正確な時計

不正確な翻訳

不正確な数値

不正確な予測

不正確な発音

不正確な住所

Common Phrases

不正確な点がある

— To have some inaccurate points. Used to politely point out errors in a document.

この報告書にはいくつか不正確な点があります。

不正確と言わざるを得ない

— Cannot help but say it is inaccurate. A strong formal way to criticize information.

彼の説明は不正確と言わざるを得ない。

不正確さが目立つ

— Inaccuracy is conspicuous/stands out. Used when something has many obvious errors.

最近の記事は不正確さが目立つ。

不正確なまま放置する

— To leave something in an inaccurate state. Used to criticize negligence.

不正確なまま放置するのは無責任だ。

不正確な情報を掴む

— To get/grasp inaccurate information. Often used in investigative contexts.

警察は不正確な情報を掴んでしまった。

不正確な計算に基づき

— Based on inaccurate calculations. Used to explain the cause of a failure.

不正確な計算に基づき予算を立てた。

極めて不正確な

— Extremely inaccurate. Adds emphasis to the degree of error.

それは極めて不正確な主張だ。

不正確なニュアンス

— Inaccurate nuance. Used in translation or linguistics discussions.

不正確なニュアンスで伝わってしまった。

不正確な地図を頼りに

— Relying on an inaccurate map. A common metaphor for a risky endeavor.

不正確な地図を頼りに進むのは危険だ。

一部不正確な

— Partially inaccurate. A softer way to point out specific errors.

データの一部が不正確だった。

Often Confused With

不正確な vs 間違い (Machigai)

Machigai is a noun for 'mistake'. Fuseikaku is an adjective for 'inaccurate'. Use machigai for binary errors (yes/no).

不正確な vs 曖昧 (Aimai)

Aimai means vague or unclear. Something can be clear but still fuseikaku (inaccurate).

不正確な vs 不適切 (Futekisetsu)

Futekisetsu means inappropriate. An accurate word can be inappropriate for the setting.

Idioms & Expressions

"不正確な情報を鵜呑みにする"

— To swallow inaccurate information whole without questioning it.

ネットの不正確な情報を鵜呑みにしてはいけない。

Neutral

"不正確な記憶に蓋をする"

— To 'put a lid' on inaccurate memories (to ignore or suppress them).

彼は自らの不正確な記憶に蓋をした。

Literary

"不正確な時計の針を戻す"

— To set back the hands of an inaccurate clock (often used metaphorically for correcting history).

不正確な時計の針を戻す作業が必要だ。

Metaphorical

"不正確な羅針盤"

— An inaccurate compass. Used to describe a leader or plan that lacks direction.

彼は不正確な羅針盤のようなリーダーだ。

Metaphorical

"不正確な筆致"

— Inaccurate brushstrokes. Used in art or writing to describe a lack of precision.

その絵は不正確な筆致で描かれていた。

Formal

"不正確な伝言ゲーム"

— An inaccurate game of 'telephone'. Used when information gets distorted as it passes through people.

情報は不正確な伝言ゲームのように変化した。

Colloquial

"不正確な秤にかける"

— To weigh on an inaccurate scale. Used when making an unfair or biased judgment.

物事を不正確な秤にかけてはいけない。

Metaphorical

"不正確な足跡を辿る"

— To follow inaccurate footprints. Used when following a flawed precedent.

不正確な足跡を辿れば、迷うのは当然だ。

Literary

"不正確な鏡に映る"

— To be reflected in an inaccurate mirror. Used for distorted self-image or public perception.

彼は不正確な鏡に映った自分を信じている。

Metaphorical

"不正確な音を奏でる"

— To play inaccurate notes. Used for a musician who is out of tune or lacks precision.

ピアノが不正確な音を奏でている。

Literary

Easily Confused

不正確な vs いい加減 (Iikagen)

Both can mean 'incorrect'.

Iikagen implies the person is being lazy or irresponsible. Fuseikaku is an objective statement about the quality of information.

いい加減な返事 (A lazy/careless reply) vs 不正確な返事 (An inaccurate/factually wrong reply).

不正確な vs 誤り (Ayamari)

Both mean 'error'.

Ayamari is a noun. Fuseikaku is a na-adjective. Ayamari is the 'thing' that is wrong; fuseikaku is the 'state' of being wrong.

誤りを見つける (Find an error) vs 記述が不正確だ (The description is inaccurate).

不正確な vs 虚偽 (Kyogi)

Both involve untruth.

Kyogi means 'falsehood' or 'lie' and implies intent to deceive. Fuseikaku doesn't necessarily imply intent; it could be a simple lack of precision.

虚偽の報告 (A false report/lie) vs 不正確な報告 (An inaccurate report).

不正確な vs デタラメ (Detarame)

Both mean 'not right'.

Detarame is much stronger and more informal, implying complete nonsense or randomness. Fuseikaku is professional and implies a deviation from a standard.

デタラメな話 (A load of nonsense) vs 不正確な話 (An inaccurate story).

不正確な vs 杜撰 (Zusan)

Both describe errors.

Zusan is used for 'sloppy' or 'careless' work, often on a larger scale like a book or project. Fuseikaku is more specific to the data itself.

杜撰な管理 (Sloppy management) vs 不正確な管理データ (Inaccurate management data).

Sentence Patterns

N wa fuseikaku desu.

Kono tokei wa fuseikaku desu.

Fuseikaku na N o V-nai de kudasai.

Fuseikaku na suuji o kakanai de kudasai.

Fuseikaku na N ga V-ta.

Fuseikaku na joho ga hirogatta.

N ga fuseikaku na node, V.

Deta ga fuseikaku na node, naoshimasu.

Fuseikaku na N ni motozuite V.

Fuseikaku na deta ni motozuite keikaku o tateta.

N wa fuseikaku to iwarete iru.

Sono kiji wa fuseikaku to iwarete iru.

Fuseikaku na N wa V-kanenai.

Fuseikaku na shindan wa gokai o maneki-kanenai.

N ni wa fuseikaku na sokumen ga naihou sarete iru.

Rekishi ni wa fuseikaku na sokumen ga naihou sarete iru.

Word Family

Nouns

不正確 (Fuseikaku) - Inaccuracy

不正確さ (Fuseikakusa) - Degree of inaccuracy

Verbs

不正確になる (Fuseikaku ni naru) - To become inaccurate

Adjectives

正確な (Seikaku na) - Accurate (Antonym)

間違い (Machigai)

誤り (Ayamari)

誤差 (Gosa)

虚偽 (Kyogi)

捏造 (Netsuzo)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and science; moderate in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'fuseikaku' for a person's personality. → いい加減な (Iikagen na) or だらしない (Darashinai).
Fuseikaku is for data and objects, not human character traits.
Saying 'fuseikaku-i' instead of 'fuseikaku na'. → 不正確な (Fuseikaku na).
It is a na-adjective, not an i-adjective. Never add 'i' to the end.
Using 'fuseikaku' for a simple spelling error in casual chat. → 間違い (Machigai) or 違う (Chigau).
Fuseikaku is a bit too formal for a quick typo between friends.
Forgetting 'na' before a noun. → 不正確なデータ (Fuseikaku na deta).
All na-adjectives require 'na' to connect to a following noun.
Confusing 'fuseikaku' with 'aimai'. → Depends on the context.
Use 'fuseikaku' for factual errors and 'aimai' for unclear meanings.

Tips

Don't forget the 'na'!

Since it's a na-adjective, you must use 'na' before nouns. Example: 不正確な情報 (fuseikaku na joho).

Use for Numbers

It's perfect for describing numbers that are slightly off. Use it for statistics, time, and measurements.

Business Etiquette

In meetings, use 'fuseikaku' to point out errors in a professional way without blaming individuals.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember the three parts: 不 (Not) + 正 (Correct) + 確 (Certain). It literally means 'not correctly certain'.

Fuseikaku vs Aimai

Remember that 'fuseikaku' is about truth/precision, while 'aimai' is about clarity. A clear lie is fuseikaku, but not aimai.

Formal Reports

When writing reports, use 'fuseikaku' to describe data discrepancies. It sounds much more academic than 'dame'.

Polite Correction

Use 'Sore wa fuseikaku desu' to correct someone politely. It's less blunt than 'Sore wa machigai desu'.

News Keywords

Listen for this word in news segments about 'fake news' or 'misinformation' (fuseikaku na joho).

Clock Problems

If your watch is slow, say 'Kono tokei wa fuseikaku da' to explain why you were late.

Pairing

Learn it as a pair with its antonym 'seikaku'. Knowing both makes it easier to remember.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Fu' as 'Fooled', 'Sei' as 'Say', and 'Kaku' as 'Calculations'. If you are Fooled by what they Say in their Calculations, it is 不正確 (Fuseikaku).

Visual Association

Imagine a clock with the numbers all scrambled or a ruler that is bent and wavy.

Word Web

Data Clock Map Information Error Mistake Precision Truth

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are slightly 'fuseikaku' (like a clock, a measurement, or a memory) and describe them in Japanese.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). It combines the negation prefix '不' with '正確'.

Original meaning: Not correctly certain or not precisely right.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this with a superior's work. It's better to say 'Go-seikaku dewa nai kamo shiremasen' (It might not be accurate) to be more polite.

In English, 'inaccurate' can sound very cold and clinical. In Japanese, it is also formal but frequently used in media to describe 'fake news'.

NHK News often uses this word for fact-checking segments. Detective Conan often uses it when analyzing witness statements. Academic papers on Japanese history use it to discuss 'fuseikaku' records.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

不正確な見積もり
不正確な報告
不正確な数字
不正確な分析

News/Media

不正確な報道
不正確なツイート
不正確な世論調査
不正確な引用

Science/Lab

不正確な測定値
不正確な実験結果
不正確な計算式
不正確な目盛り

History/Academic

不正確な年代
不正確な史料
不正確な解釈
不正確な翻訳

Personal Life

不正確な記憶
不正確な道案内
不正確な噂
不正確な腹時計

Conversation Starters

"ネットで不正確な情報を見つけたとき、どうしますか？ (What do you do when you find inaccurate information online?)"

"不正確な時計のせいで困ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever been in trouble because of an inaccurate clock?)"

"自分の記憶が不正確だと感じたことはありますか？ (Have you ever felt that your own memory was inaccurate?)"

"不正確な翻訳機のせいで、変な意味になったことはありますか？ (Has a translation machine ever given you a weird meaning because it was inaccurate?)"

"ニュースの不正確な報道について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about inaccurate reporting in the news?)"

Journal Prompts

最近聞いた不正確なニュースについて書いてください。 (Write about an inaccurate news story you heard recently.)

不正確な記憶が引き起こした面白いエピソードを教えてください。 (Tell an interesting episode caused by an inaccurate memory.)

なぜ正確なデータが仕事において重要なのか説明してください。 (Explain why accurate data is important in work.)

不正確な言葉を使ってしまった時の失敗談を書いてください。 (Write about a mistake you made when using an inaccurate word.)

AIが不正確な情報を出すことのリスクについて考察してください。 (Consider the risks of AI providing inaccurate information.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. You shouldn't say 'Kare wa fuseikaku da' to mean he is unreliable. Use 'iikagen' or 'darashinai' instead. 'Fuseikaku' is for things like information, data, or clocks.

'Machigai' is a noun meaning 'mistake' (e.g., 'I made a mistake'). 'Fuseikaku' is an adjective meaning 'inaccurate' (e.g., 'The data is inaccurate'). 'Fuseikaku' focuses on the lack of precision.

Yes, it is relatively formal. It is used in news, business, and science. In casual conversation with friends, 'chigau' or 'machigatteru' is more common.

You can use 'fuseikaku-sa' to mean 'the degree of inaccuracy' or just use 'fuseikaku' as a noun in some contexts, but 'fuseikaku-sa' is more common for the abstract concept.

Yes, 'fuseikaku na hatsuon' means inaccurate or incorrect pronunciation. It's often used by teachers to correct students.

The direct opposite is 'seikaku' (正確), which means accurate or precise.

There isn't a single verb. You would say 'fuseikaku ni suru' (to make inaccurate) or 'fuseikaku ni naru' (to become inaccurate).

Yes, 'fuseikaku na tenki yosoku' is a very common phrase when the forecast is wrong.

Not necessarily. It just means the information isn't correct. It could be an honest mistake. 'Kyogi' (falsehood) is the word for an intentional lie.

You can say 'sukoshi fuseikaku' or 'wazuka ni fuseikaku'.