Translation guide
Describes something that cannot be physically reached, obtained, or achieved. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the obstacle is physical distance, ability, price, or abstract inaccessibility.
Something is too far away or too high to touch or grab.
Literally 'hand doesn't reach'. The most common and natural way to say something is physically out of reach.
棚の上の箱に手が届かない。
I can't reach the box on the top shelf.
Shorter version, often used when the object is clear from context.
ボールが遠くて届かない。
The ball is too far away; I can't reach it.
Literally 'cannot extend hand'. Used when physically unable to stretch out, e.g., due to injury or obstacle.
狭い隙間で手が伸ばせない。
I can't reach my hand out in this narrow gap.
Something is too expensive to buy.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'cannot afford' or 'out of one's price range'. Literally 'hand doesn't come out'.
この車は高すぎて手が出ない。
This car is too expensive; I can't afford it.
A goal, dream, or opportunity is unattainable.
Same phrase as physical reach, but used metaphorically for goals or dreams.
プロのレベルにはまだ手が届かない。
I still can't reach the professional level.
Literally 'a dream within a dream'. Emphasizes something is far beyond reach, almost impossible.
宇宙旅行なんて夢のまた夢だ。
Space travel is just a pipe dream.
Means 'cannot match' or 'fall short of'. Used in formal or written contexts.
彼の実力には遠く及ばない。
I am nowhere near his level of ability.
Something is too difficult or complex to comprehend or deal with.
Literally 'cannot handle'. Means something is beyond one's control or ability to manage.
この問題は私には手に負えない。
This problem is beyond me.
Formal phrase meaning 'beyond the scope of understanding'.
その理論は私の理解の範囲を超えている。
That theory is beyond my understanding.
Literally 'teeth don't stand'. Means unable to compete or make any progress against something difficult.
手が届かない is used for physical reach and metaphorical goals. 手が出ない is specifically for financial inability. Do not use 手が出ない for physical reach.
高い棚に手が届かない。
I can't reach the high shelf.
高級車には手が出ない。
I can't afford a luxury car.
Avoid directly translating 'out of reach' as 範囲外 (はんいがい) or 到達不能 (とうたつふのう). These sound technical and unnatural in everyday speech.
Literally 'flower on a high peak'. Describes something desirable but unattainable, often due to cost or status.
彼女は僕にとって高嶺の花だ。
She is out of my league (like a flower on a high peak).
Loanword 'over budget'. Casual way to say something exceeds one's budget.
この旅行は予算オーバーだ。
This trip is out of my budget.
I can't make any headway with this math problem.