Translation guide
How to express that something is valid, legitimate, or in effect in Japanese, depending on context.
Describing that a document, contract, ticket, or official status is valid or in effect.
The most common word for 'valid' in official contexts, such as documents, tickets, or contracts.
このパスポートはまだ有効です。
This passport is still valid.
クーポンの有効期限は来月までです。
The coupon is valid until next month.
More formal or written form of 'be valid', often used in legal or official documents.
この契約は依然として有効である。
This contract is still valid.
To become valid, to take effect.
新しい法律は来月から有効になります。
The new law will be valid from next month.
Describing that an argument, reason, or point is valid or sound.
Means 'valid' in the sense of being reasonable, appropriate, or well-founded. Often used for arguments or decisions.
彼の意見は妥当だと思います。
I think his opinion is valid.
その判断は妥当ではない。
That judgment is not valid.
Literally 'the logic goes through', meaning an argument is coherent and valid.
彼の説明は筋が通っている。
His explanation is valid (makes sense).
Means 'just' or 'legitimate', often used for rights, claims, or reasons. More formal.
Describing that something is acceptable or applicable under certain conditions.
Means 'to be accepted' or 'to be valid' in a particular context, like a rule, custom, or excuse.
この言い訳はもう通用しないよ。
That excuse is no longer valid.
海外ではその常識は通用しない。
That common sense is not valid overseas.
Also used for validity in specific contexts like tickets, passwords, or methods.
Specifically referring to something not being expired, like food or a deadline.
Means 'within the deadline/expiration date', often used for food, offers, or applications.
この食品はまだ期限内です。
This food is still valid (not expired).
Literally 'the expiration date has not run out', a more explicit way to say something is valid.
クレジットカードの有効期限が切れていないか確認してください。
Please check if your credit card is still valid.
有効 (ゆうこう) is for official validity (documents, tickets). 妥当 (だとう) is for logical validity (arguments, decisions).
パスポートは有効ですか？
Is the passport valid?
その提案は妥当ですか？
Is that proposal valid?
The English loanword バリッド is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use 有効 or 妥当 instead.
彼には正当な理由がある。
He has a valid reason.
このパスワードは有効ではありません。
This password is not valid.