Meaning

Primary

Bad

Alternatives

Substandard, Delinquent

Word Type

noun, な adjective, の adjective

Explanation

Something that's not good is bad or substandard. This usage is more formal and frequently paired with other kanji compounds. Alternatively, it can refer to someone who is a delinquent, in which case it is often used as a standalone word.

Reading

ふりょう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 不良少女

    delinquent girl

    不良少年

    delinquent boy

    不良グループ

    a group of delinquents

Context Sentences

ビエト、今日はちょっと不良な感じのヘアスタイルだね。

Viet's hair style today kind of looks like a delinquent's, don't you think?

不良パーツが見つかりました。

Malfunctioning parts were found.

あの不良少女は、急に成績が大幅に下がった後、ギャングの一員になったんです。

That delinquent girl’s grades suddenly dropped drastically and then she joined a gang.

Kanji Composition