Translation guide
Describes a person or situation that cannot be helped, saved, or improved, often implying hopelessness or extreme difficulty.
To say that someone or something is so bad that no help can improve it.
Means 'there's nothing that can be done'. Very common for hopeless situations or incorrigible people.
あの人はどうしようもない嘘つきだ。
That person is a hopeless liar.
Literally 'there is no way to save'. Emphasizes that someone or something is beyond salvation or redemption.
彼の性格は救いようがない。
His personality is beyond help.
Means 'throwing up one's hands' in defeat. Used when you give up because a situation is beyond your ability to help.
Means 'already too late'. Used when the opportunity to help has passed.
救助が来た時には、もはや手遅れだった。
By the time rescue arrived, it was already too late.
To describe a person whose bad behavior or character cannot be fixed.
Same as above, but specifically for people. Very common.
彼はどうしようもない怠け者だ。
He's a hopelessly lazy person.
Stronger, implying moral or character flaws beyond redemption.
Avoid directly translating 'beyond help' as 「助けを超えて」 or similar. It sounds unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases above.
Literally 'there is no way to apply a remedy'. Used for situations or people that are beyond any possible help or repair.
彼の病状はもう手の施しようがない。
His condition is beyond help now.
この問題はもうお手上げだ。
I'm at my wits' end with this problem.
あんな嘘つきは救いようがない。
A liar like that is beyond help.
Means 'unmanageable' or 'out of control'. Often used for unruly children or difficult people.
あの子は手に負えない。
That child is beyond help.