Translation guide
Expresses that someone or something deserves a particular treatment, recognition, or outcome. Japanese uses various patterns depending on whether the focus is on deserving praise, being worth doing, or meeting a standard.
To say that a person, action, or thing merits positive regard or admiration.
A formal pattern meaning 'to be worthy of' or 'to deserve'. Used with nouns indicating praise, respect, trust, etc.
彼の努力は称賛に値する。
His efforts are worthy of praise.
This movie is worth watching.
Means 'suitable for' or 'worthy of' in the sense of being appropriate or fitting. Often used for people or roles.
彼はその賞にふさわしい人物だ。
He is a person worthy of the award.
Used to acknowledge that someone or something lives up to expectations or reputation. Often translated as 'worthy of' in context.
さすがプロだけのことはある。
He's a pro, so he's worthy of his reputation.
To express that an action or experience has enough value to justify the effort or time.
The most common way to say 'it is worth doing'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
この本は読む価値がある。
This book is worth reading.
その美術館は訪れる価値がある。
That museum is worth visiting.
Means 'it is worth doing' with an emphasis on the reward or effect. Often used with verbs in 〜た form.
努力したかいがあった。
It was worth the effort.
A formal, somewhat literary pattern meaning 'worthy of' or 'sufficient to'. Often used in written language.
信頼に足る人物
a person worthy of trust
To say that something qualifies for a particular status or treatment.
Means 'to be equivalent to' or 'to correspond to', often used when something meets a certain level or standard.
この成果は賞に相当する。
This achievement is worthy of an award.
Literally 'to endure', but used in formal contexts to mean 'to be worthy of' or 'to stand up to' (e.g., criticism, appreciation).
鑑賞にたえる作品
a work worthy of appreciation
〜に値する is more formal and often used with nouns (e.g., 賞賛に値する 'worthy of praise'). 〜価値がある is more common in everyday speech and attaches to verbs (e.g., 読む価値がある 'worth reading').
この映画は賞賛に値する。
This movie is worthy of praise.
この映画は観る価値がある。
This movie is worth watching.
Direct translations like '〜の価値がある' can sound unnatural. Use the patterns above depending on context. For 'worth doing', always use 〜する価値がある, not 〜の価値がある.
彼の献身は称賛に値する。
His dedication is worthy of admiration.
行く価値はある？
Is it worth going?