Translation guide
This guide helps you express the idea of 'being unsuccessful' in Japanese. It covers common verbs for failing, not going well, and making mistakes, as well as phrases for attempts that end in failure.
The plan ended in failure.
Literally 'doesn't go well'. A very natural, slightly softer way to say something is not successful. Often used for processes, relationships, or ongoing situations.
新しいやり方はうまくいかなかった。
The new method didn't work out.
彼との関係はうまくいっていない。
My relationship with him isn't going well.
Casual and common in spoken Japanese. Means 'it was no good' or 'it didn't work'. Implies the attempt was unsuccessful.
何度もやったけど、ダメだった。
I tried many times, but it was no good.
A more formal or written expression meaning 'to end in failure'. Often used in reports or news.
交渉は失敗に終わった。
The negotiations ended in failure.
To be unsuccessful because of an error or blunder.
To make a mistake. Focuses on the error itself rather than the overall failure.
計算を間違えた。
I made a mistake in the calculation.
Slang for 'to mess up' or 'to fail'. Often used for personal blunders or when you feel you've blown it.
To express that an effort did not lead to the intended outcome.
Literally 'does not bear fruit'. A slightly formal or literary way to say efforts were unsuccessful.
彼の努力は実を結ばなかった。
His efforts did not bear fruit.
Means 'no results come out'. Common in business or project contexts when efforts don't produce success.
新しい戦略はまだ成果が出ていない。
The new strategy hasn't produced results yet.
Specifically for not passing a test, interview, or selection process.
Literally 'to fall', but commonly used for failing exams or being rejected from a school/job. Very natural in conversation.
Formal term for 'to be rejected' or 'to fail' an exam or screening. Often used in official announcements.
筆記試験で不合格になった。
I failed the written exam.
When a business, project, or venture is unsuccessful.
To go bankrupt. Used for companies or businesses that fail financially.
その会社は倒産した。
That company went bankrupt.
Casual term for a business going under or failing. Can also mean 'to be crushed' metaphorically.
あの店、つぶれちゃったんだって。
I heard that shop went out of business.
失敗する is a direct statement of failure, while うまくいかない is softer and implies things just aren't going well. Use うまくいかない when you want to avoid sounding too negative or final.
ダイエットに失敗した。
I failed at my diet. (strong, final)
ダイエットがうまくいかない。
My diet isn't going well. (softer, ongoing)
The English word 'unsuccessful' is often translated as 不成功 (ふせいこう), but this is stiff and rarely used in natural Japanese. Instead, use the phrases above depending on context.
プレゼンでしくじった。
I messed up the presentation.