(ふつごう)

ふつごう
na-adjective, noun
inconvenient; disadvantageous; improper
formalabstract
1. inconvenient; unsuitable; disadvantageous
Something that causes difficulty or is not favorable. Often used when a schedule, situation, or condition does not work well.
(なに)不都合(ふつごう)あります
Is there any inconvenience?
その()不都合(ふつごう)(べつ)()にしましょう。
That day is inconvenient, so let's choose another day.
Please let us know if there is anything inconvenient.
2. improper; inappropriate; wrong
Something morally questionable or socially unacceptable. Often used in formal or business contexts for misconduct or scandalous behavior.
不都合(ふつごう)事実(じじつ)
An inconvenient truth.
(かれ)(なに)不都合(ふつごう)なことあるらしい。
It seems he has something improper going on.
Improper conduct was discovered, and he was forced to resign.

Combines () (not) + 都合(つごう) (convenience, circumstances). Functions both as a na-adjective (不都合(ふつごう)な) and as a noun (不都合(ふつごう)ある). The word carries a slightly formal tone and is common in business and polite speech.

Usage

Sense 1 is straightforward — something is inconvenient or unsuitable. Sense 2 has a euphemistic quality: calling something 不都合(ふつごう) often implies wrongdoing or scandal without stating it directly, as in the common phrase 不都合(ふつごう)真実(しんじつ) (inconvenient truth).

Common collocations

  • 不都合(ふつごう)ある — there is an inconvenience
  • 不都合(ふつごう)(てん) — an inconvenient point
  • 不都合(ふつごう)事実(じじつ) — an inconvenient fact
  • 不都合(ふつごう) — inconvenience (polite)

Similar words