Translation guide
The English verb "deserve" expresses that someone or something is worthy of a particular outcome, reward, or punishment. Japanese has no single direct equivalent; instead, it uses various expressions depending on whether the outcome is positive or negative, and whether it is based on effort, inherent worth, or a natural consequence.
To say that someone has earned something good through their actions, qualities, or hard work.
A formal expression meaning 'to be worthy of' or 'to deserve'. Used for both positive and negative things, but often in serious or written contexts. Attaches to nouns or verbs (dictionary form + に値する).
彼の努力は称賛に値する。
His efforts deserve praise.
この映画は見るに値する。
This movie is worth watching.
Used when effort or hardship results in a worthwhile outcome. Often translated as 'it was worth it' or 'the effort paid off'. Attaches to past tense verbs or nouns indicating effort.
頑張った甲斐があった。
My hard work paid off. / It was worth the effort.
練習の甲斐があって、試合に勝った。
The practice paid off and we won the game.
Expresses that someone or something lives up to expectations based on their reputation, effort, or price. Often used as a compliment.
さすがプロだけのことはある。
As expected of a pro. / He really deserves to be called a pro.
高いだけのことはあって、とても美味しい。
It's expensive, but it's worth it — it's delicious.
Literally 'natural reward/retribution'. Used for deserved outcomes, often in a moral or karmic sense. Can be positive or negative, but frequently negative.
彼の成功は当然の報いだ。
His success is well-deserved.
To say that someone should receive a bad consequence because of their actions.
A set phrase meaning 'you reap what you sow' or 'it serves you right'. Used when someone suffers the natural consequences of their own bad actions.
彼が失敗したのは自業自得だ。
His failure is his own fault. / He deserved to fail.
自業自得だよ。
You got what you deserved.
Literally 'to be struck by divine punishment'. Used when someone gets a deserved comeuppance, often with a sense of moral or karmic justice.
Means 'it's natural that...' and can imply that a negative outcome is deserved. Often used with verbs like 怒られる (get scolded), 負ける (lose).
あんなに怠けていたら、怒られて当然だ。
If you were that lazy, you deserve to be scolded.
Also used for negative outcomes, especially in formal or written contexts. Attaches to nouns like 罰 (punishment), 非難 (criticism).
彼の行為は非難に値する。
His actions deserve criticism.
To express that someone is entitled to something because of who they are or what they have achieved.
Means 'suitable for' or 'worthy of'. Used when someone matches the requirements or status for something. Often used for awards, positions, or honors.
彼はその賞にふさわしい。
He deserves that award.
この仕事にふさわしい人を探している。
We're looking for someone who deserves this job.
Literally 'natural right'. Used when someone deserves something as a basic right.
誰でも幸せになる当然の権利がある。
Everyone deserves the right to be happy.
Means 'has the value of...' or 'is worth...'. Used to say someone or something merits a particular treatment or recognition.
彼は信頼するだけの価値がある。
He deserves to be trusted.
To say that someone has earned a pleasant thing because they have been working hard or suffering.
A soft way to say someone deserves to do something. Literally 'it's okay if you...'. Often used with verbs like 休む (rest), 楽しむ (enjoy).
今日はゆっくり休んでもいいよ。
You deserve a good rest today.
たまには自分にご褒美をあげてもいい。
You deserve to treat yourself once in a while.
Can also be used positively to say someone naturally deserves a good thing.
あれだけ頑張ったんだから、成功して当然だ。
After all that hard work, you deserve to succeed.
Literally 'reward'. Often used in the phrase 自分へのご褒美 (a reward for oneself) to express that one deserves a treat.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'deserve'. Translating 'deserve' literally often results in unnatural Japanese. Instead, choose an expression that matches the specific nuance: effort-based reward, moral desert, suitability, or natural consequence.
〜に値する is more about objective worth or merit, often used in formal evaluations. 〜にふさわしい is about suitability or matching a role/status, and can be used in more personal contexts.
そんなことをすると罰が当たるよ。
You'll get what you deserve if you do that.
彼に罰が当たった。
He got his just deserts.
This is a reward for myself (because I deserve it).