Translation guide
Expressing that someone does not have the skill, talent, or capacity to do something. Japanese often uses nouns like 能力不足 or adjectives like 下手, and the phrasing changes depending on whether it's a general lack or inability to perform a specific action.
Describing someone as unskilled, incompetent, or lacking in ability in a broad sense.
A formal noun meaning 'lack of ability' or 'incompetence'. Often used in professional or evaluative contexts.
彼は能力不足で解雇された。
He was fired due to lack of ability.
A strong noun meaning 'incompetence' or 'inability'. Can be harsh when applied to a person.
Can sound very direct and insulting. Use with care.
あの上司は無能だ。
That boss is incompetent.
Literally 'have no ability'. A straightforward way to say someone lacks the necessary skills.
私にはその仕事をする能力がない。
I don't have the ability to do that job.
Means 'have no talent'. Used for innate lack of aptitude, especially in arts or sports.
彼女は歌の才能がない。
She has no talent for singing.
Saying someone is unskilled or poor at a particular task or subject.
Na-adjective meaning 'unskillful' or 'poor at'. Used with が to mark the activity.
私は料理が下手です。
I am bad at cooking.
Na-adjective meaning 'weak point' or 'not good at'. Softer than 下手, often implies personal discomfort.
Pattern meaning 'cannot do ~'. Directly states inability to perform an action.
私は泳ぎができない。
I can't swim.
Expressing that circumstances or inherent limitations prevent one from doing something.
Formal pattern for 'cannot do ~'. Emphasizes inability due to lack of ability or circumstances.
彼は英語を話すことができない。
He cannot speak English.
Casual potential negative form. Used in everyday speech.
こんな難しい問題は解けない。
I can't solve such a difficult problem.
下手 (へた) is a more objective statement of poor skill, while 苦手 (にがて) implies a subjective feeling of being bad at something or disliking it. 苦手 can be used even if you are actually capable but lack confidence.
The phrase 'lack of ability' is often translated too literally as 能力の欠如, which sounds stiff and unnatural in most contexts. Use the options above for more natural Japanese.
数学は苦手です。
I'm not good at math.
Noun meaning 'lack of power/ability'. Often used humbly about oneself.
私の力不足で申し訳ありません。
I'm sorry for my lack of ability.