Translation guide
Describing something as poorly made, inferior, or not meeting standards.
To say something is of low quality, shoddy, or inferior.
Common word for low-quality, especially for products or materials. Often used in compounds like 粗悪品 (low-quality goods).
この製品は粗悪だ。
This product is low-quality.
Directly means 'low quality'. More formal and often used in technical or business contexts.
低品質な素材を使っている。
They are using low-quality materials.
A very common phrase meaning 'the quality is bad'. Can be used for objects, services, or even abstract things.
あの店の商品は質が悪い。
The products at that store are low-quality.
Means 'inferior and bad', often used for conditions, environments, or quality. Stronger than 粗悪.
劣悪な労働環境
low-quality working conditions
To emphasize that something is poorly constructed or made with cheap materials.
Means 'cheap-looking' or 'tacky'. Implies low quality due to cheap materials or poor design.
このバッグは安っぽいね。
This bag looks cheap, doesn't it?
Colloquial adjective meaning 'flimsy' or 'shoddy'. Often used for poorly made items.
ちゃちなおもちゃはすぐ壊れる。
Shoddy toys break easily.
Means 'crude' or 'rough'. Can describe something poorly made or treated carelessly.
To indicate something is below an expected standard or inferior to others.
Verb meaning 'to be inferior to'. Used in comparisons.
この製品は品質が劣る。
This product is inferior in quality.
Means 'second-rate'. Often used for people, products, or services that are not top-tier.
二流のレストラン
a second-rate restaurant
Specifically for low-grade materials, content, or substances.
Means 'low-grade' or 'low-class'. Often used for materials, products, or sometimes entertainment.
低級な紙を使っている。
They use low-grade paper.
Means 'inferior' or 'low-grade', but can also imply 'lowly' in a social sense. Less common.
crudely made furniture
low-quality goods