“不适当的”常见英文表达有 inappropriate、unsuitable、improper 等,具体使用哪个词取决于语境:
inappropriate: 侧重于表示“不恰当的、不合时宜的”,常用于描述行为、言语、穿着等与社会规范、场合或期望不符的情况。例如:
It's inappropriate to wear shorts to a formal dinner.(穿短裤去参加正式晚宴是不恰当的。)
His jokes were inappropriate for the occasion.(他的玩笑在这个场合不合适。)
unsuitable: 强调“不适合的、不相宜的”,通常用于描述人、事物或方法与特定目的、环境或要求不匹配。例如:
This job is unsuitable for someone with no experience.(这份工作不适合没有经验的人。)
The climate here is unsuitable for growing certain crops.(这里的气候不适合种植某些作物。)
improper: 指“不适当的、不正确的”,更侧重于违反了既定的规则、道德或行为准则。例如:
It is improper to interrupt others while they are speaking.(在别人说话时打断他们是不适当的。)
The officer was accused of improper conduct.(这名官员被指控行为不当。)