Translation guide
Describes something that cannot be undone, reversed, or returned to its original state. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on whether the focus is on a process, decision, change, or damage.
Expressing that an action, process, or change is permanent and cannot be reversed.
The most direct equivalent, often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts. Can describe processes, changes, or decisions.
これは不可逆な変化です。
This is an irreversible change.
不可逆的な決断を下した。
We made an irreversible decision.
Literally 'cannot return to the original state.' Common in everyday speech for actions or situations that cannot be undone.
一度削除したら元に戻せないよ。
Once you delete it, it's irreversible.
この操作は元に戻せません。
This operation cannot be undone.
Means 'irretrievable' or 'cannot be undone,' often used for serious mistakes or losses. Carries a nuance of regret.
取り返しのつかない失敗をしてしまった。
I made an irreversible mistake.
Literally 'cannot go back,' used for situations where retreat or reversal is impossible, often in progress or life choices.
もう後戻りできないところまで来た。
We've reached a point of no return.
Describing damage to objects, body, or environment that cannot be repaired or healed.
Means 'irreparable' or 'beyond repair.' Used for physical objects, data, or sometimes relationships.
ハードディスクが修復不可能な状態だ。
The hard drive is in an irreversible state.
Adjectival form of 不可逆, used in medical or scientific contexts for irreversible conditions.
不可逆的な臓器損傷
irreversible organ damage
Everyday expression meaning 'won't be the same as before,' used for changes that are permanent.
この傷は元通りにならないかもしれない。
This scar might be irreversible.
Emphasizing that a choice or course of action cannot be taken back.
Literally 'cannot turn back,' used when you have passed a point of no return in a plan or journey.
ここまで来たら引き返せない。
We can't turn back now; it's irreversible.
Means 'cannot be overturned,' used for decisions, rulings, or established facts.
この判決は覆せない。
This verdict is irreversible.
Describing the unstoppable passage of time or societal changes.
Simple phrase for things that won't go back to how they were, often used for trends or time.
時代の流れは元に戻らない。
The tide of the times is irreversible.
Means 'cannot go against the flow,' used for irreversible trends or natural processes.
この流れはもう逆行できない。
This trend is already irreversible.
While 不可逆 is the direct translation, it sounds technical. In everyday conversation, use phrases like 元に戻せない or 取り返しがつかない to sound natural.
元に戻せない is neutral and factual ('cannot be undone'). 取り返しがつかない carries a stronger sense of regret or irretrievable loss, often used for mistakes.