Translation guide
Describes things that cannot exist or work together due to fundamental differences.
Expressing that two things (people, ideas, systems, devices) do not match or cannot coexist.
Describing hardware, software, or systems that cannot work together.
Standard term for 'not compatible' in technical contexts, literally 'lacks compatibility'.
このプリンターはMacと互換性がない。
This printer is incompatible with Mac.
Referring to blood types or medical conditions that cannot be mixed.
相容れない emphasizes inherent conflict in nature or principles, while 両立しない focuses on the practical impossibility of doing/having both at the same time.
彼の信念と会社の方針は相容れない。
His beliefs and company policy are incompatible (fundamentally clash).
勉強とアルバイトの両立は大変だ。
Balancing study and part-time work is tough (hard to make compatible).
Direct translations like '非互換性' are rarely used outside technical patents. Use the options above for natural Japanese.
The most direct and common translation for 'incompatible', used for ideas, personalities, or principles that cannot coexist.
彼らの意見は相容れない。
Their opinions are incompatible.
自由と抑圧は相容れない。
Freedom and oppression are incompatible.
Literally 'cannot stand together', used when two things cannot be achieved or maintained simultaneously.
仕事と家庭の両立は難しい。
Balancing work and family is difficult (they are hard to make compatible).
効率と安全性は時に両立しない。
Efficiency and safety are sometimes incompatible.
Casual and versatile; means 'don't match' or 'don't get along', used for people, things, or conditions.
あの人とは性格が合わない。
I'm incompatible with that person (our personalities don't match).
このソフトは私のPCに合わない。
This software is incompatible with my PC.
Means 'contradictory', used when statements or ideas logically conflict.
彼の行動は彼の言葉と矛盾している。
His actions are incompatible with his words.
It is incompatible with older versions.
Means 'does not support' or 'is not compatible with', commonly used in specs.
このアプリはAndroid 5.0に対応していません。
This app is incompatible with Android 5.0.
Simple 'cannot use', implying incompatibility in casual speech.
このケーブルだと使えないよ。
It's incompatible with this cable (you can't use it).
Medical term for incompatibility, such as blood type mismatch.
血液型不適合は輸血の際に問題になる。
Blood type incompatibility becomes a problem during transfusions.