Translation guide
How to express that something has value, is worthwhile, or deserves effort/cost in Japanese.
Express that an action is worth the effort, time, or trouble involved.
Literally 'there is value in doing V'. A direct and common way to say something is worth doing.
この映画は見る価値がある。
This movie is worth watching.
その本は読む価値がある。
That book is worth reading.
Emphasizes that the effort or hardship was rewarded. Often used when the result justifies the struggle.
一生懸命勉強した甲斐があった。
It was worth studying so hard.
早起きした甲斐があって、美しい朝日が見られた。
It was worth waking up early; we saw a beautiful sunrise.
In some contexts, 'it's worth doing' can be softened to 'it's okay to do', implying the benefit outweighs the cost. Use carefully; it's less direct.
このレストランは少し高いけど、行ってもいいと思う。
This restaurant is a bit expensive, but I think it's worth going.
Express that something is worth its price or has monetary value.
Directly states that something has the value of N (often money).
この絵は100万円の価値がある。
This painting is worth one million yen.
Formal/literary expression meaning 'to be worthy of N'. Often used for abstract worth.
その作品は賞に値する。
That work is worth an award.
Means 'a good deal' or 'worth the money' in a bargain sense. Common in everyday speech.
このセットはお得だよ。
This set is a great deal (worth the money).
Express that something is meaningful, valuable, or worthwhile in a broad sense.
Means 'meaningful' or 'worthwhile'. Often used for experiences or activities.
ボランティアは有意義な経験だった。
Volunteering was a worthwhile experience.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'valuable' or 'worthwhile'. Can modify nouns.
これは価値のある情報だ。
This is valuable information.
Express that something is not worth the effort, time, or cost.
Direct negation of 'worth doing'.
あの映画は見る価値がない。
That movie is not worth watching.
Means 'not worth the effort/cost' or 'the return doesn't match the input'. Common in work or financial contexts.
この仕事は給料が安くて割に合わない。
This job doesn't pay enough; it's not worth it.
価値がある is a general statement of value. 甲斐がある emphasizes that the effort or hardship was rewarded, often with a sense of personal satisfaction. Use 甲斐がある when you want to highlight that the struggle paid off.
苦労した甲斐があった。
It was worth the trouble.
Do not directly translate 'be worth' as 〜である価値. While understandable, it's unnatural. Use the patterns above instead.
行く価値はありますか？
Is it worth going?
そのリスクを冒す価値はない。
It's not worth the risk.