Translation guide
Expresses that something is useless, futile, or serves no purpose. Japanese offers several common adjectives and phrases depending on the nuance.
Describing an object, action, or situation that has no practical value or effect.
The most common word for 'useless' or 'wasteful'. Can describe actions, efforts, or things. Often used in the phrase 無駄になる (to come to nothing).
そんなことをしても無駄だ。
It's no use doing that.
Expressing that an action is futile or won't produce results.
Pattern: Verb-te form + も + 無駄だ. Means 'even if you do ~, it's useless'.
今さら謝っても無駄だ。
It's no use apologizing now.
Describing a person who is incompetent or unhelpful.
The phrase 'of no use' is often translated as 無駄 or 役に立たない, but a direct word-for-word translation like 使用のない is unnatural. Use the patterns and words provided.
His efforts came to nothing.
Literally 'does not stand in a role', meaning 'useless' or 'of no help'. A very direct and common phrase.
この道具は役に立たない。
This tool is of no use.
Means 'meaningless' or 'pointless'. Emphasizes lack of significance rather than just practical uselessness.
その議論は無意味だ。
That argument is pointless.
Means 'unusable' or 'good for nothing'. Often used for broken or defective objects.
このパソコンはもう使い物にならない。
This computer is of no use anymore.
A more formal or literary term meaning 'unprofitable' or 'futile'.
無益な争いは避けるべきだ。
Futile conflicts should be avoided.
Pattern: Verb-te form + も + 仕方がない. Means 'there's no point in doing ~' or 'it can't be helped'.
泣いても仕方がない。
It's no use crying.
Pattern: Verb-te form + も + 始まらない. Means 'doing ~ won't get you anywhere' or 'it's no use starting that'.
今更文句を言っても始まらない。
It's no use complaining now.
A noun meaning 'useless person' or 'good-for-nothing'. Can be harsh.
彼は本当に役立たずだ。
He's really useless.
Means 'incompetent' or 'inefficient'. Stronger and more formal than 役立たず.
無能な上司に困っている。
I'm troubled by an incompetent boss.