Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that a statement, question, or action is irrelevant, misses the main topic, or is not addressing the core issue. It includes common Japanese phrases, words, and patterns for pointing out or describing something as being off the point.
To say that a remark, argument, or question is not relevant to the main subject or does not address the key issue.
Literally 'off the mark/target', this is the most direct and common way to say something is off the point, irrelevant, or misses the point. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Directly or indirectly telling someone that what they are saying is not relevant or missing the main issue.
Means 'the conversation is digressing'. A softer way to point out someone is off the point, focusing on the flow of conversation rather than directly criticizing the person.
ちょっと話がそれてるよ。
You're getting a bit off the point.
The phrase 'off the point' does not have a single direct translation. Avoid trying to translate it word-for-word. Instead, use the expressions above depending on context.
的外れ is stronger and more direct, meaning completely off the mark. ピントがずれている is softer, implying slightly off or not quite right, like a camera slightly out of focus. Use 的外れ for clear irrelevance, and ピントがずれている for minor deviations.
彼の意見は的外れだ。
His opinion is off the point.
的外れな質問をしてしまった。
I asked a question that was off the point.
Literally 'missing the main point'. A clear and slightly more formal way to say something is off the point. Often used in discussions or critiques.
その説明は要点を外している。
That explanation is off the point.
From 'pinto' (focus), meaning 'out of focus' or 'off the mark'. Used when something is slightly off or not quite right, including being off the point. Casual to neutral.
彼のコメントはいつもピントがずれている。
His comments are always off the point.
Specifically means 'the point of argument is off/shifted'. Used in debates or logical discussions when someone's argument misses the issue.
それは論点がずれているよ。
That's off the point, you know.
Means 'wide of the mark' or 'irrelevant'. Stronger than 的外れ, implying a complete misunderstanding or misdirected effort. Can be used for guesses or assumptions that are off the point.
見当違いな指摘だった。
It was an off-the-point remark.
Means 'unrelated' or 'irrelevant'. Can be used to say something is off the point, but it's more about lack of connection rather than missing the target. Often used as '～とは無関係だ'.
その話は今の議題とは無関係だ。
That story is off the point of the current topic.
Literally 'that has no relation'. A direct but common way to say something is off the point. Can sound blunt, so use with care.
それは関係ないでしょ。
That's off the point, isn't it?
Means 'let's get back to the main topic'. An indirect way to steer conversation back when it has gone off the point. Polite and constructive.
本題に戻りましょう。
Let's get back on point.
Means 'please get to the point'. Used when someone is rambling or not addressing the main issue. Direct but polite.
要点を言ってくれませんか。
Could you get to the point?
A pattern to correct someone by saying 'not that, but this'. For example, 'そうじゃなくて、～' (Not that, but...). This indirectly indicates the previous statement was off the point.
そうじゃなくて、問題はお金だよ。
That's not the point; the problem is money.