Translation guide
The English verb "squander" means to waste something valuable, especially money, time, or opportunities, in a reckless or foolish way. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on what is being wasted and the nuance of the wastefulness.
To spend money carelessly or extravagantly, often on unnecessary things, leading to its loss.
The most direct and common translation for 'squander' when referring to wasting money, time, or resources. It implies wasteful spending or consumption.
彼は給料を全部ギャンブルで浪費した。
He squandered his entire salary on gambling.
Stop wasting money and cut down on squandering.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to spend money like water,' emphasizing reckless, unlimited spending.
彼女はブランド品に金を湯水のように使っている。
She squanders money on designer goods like water.
A literary or formal term meaning to squander a fortune completely, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
彼は遺産を蕩尽してしまった。
He squandered his inheritance completely.
To fail to make good use of time, chances, or potential, often through inaction or poor decisions.
A versatile phrase meaning 'to waste' or 'to make useless,' commonly used for time, effort, or opportunities.
彼はチャンスを無駄にしてしまった。
He squandered the opportunity.
若い時間を無駄にするな。
Don't squander your youth.
A formal verb meaning 'to miss' or 'to let slip,' often used for opportunities. Implies a regrettable loss.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to waste' or 'to ruin' an effort, chance, or period of time, often due to a single mistake.
To use up resources, energy, or talents carelessly without achieving anything worthwhile.
Also used for wasting resources like electricity, water, or one's energy.
彼は自分の才能を浪費している。
He is squandering his talent.
Often used for wasting money or material things, but can extend to using resources carelessly.
水を無駄遣いしてはいけません。
Don't squander water.
浪費する (rōhi suru) emphasizes the act of using something up wastefully, often with a nuance of extravagance or carelessness. 無駄にする (muda ni suru) is broader and simply means to make something useless or to fail to utilize it. For money, 浪費する is closer to 'squander,' while 無駄にする is more like 'waste' in general.
Do not try to directly translate 'squander' as a single word in all contexts. Japanese often uses specific verbs or phrases depending on what is being wasted. Using 浪費する for time can sound slightly unnatural; 無駄にする is preferred for time and opportunities.
好機を逸してはいけない。
Don't squander a golden opportunity.
たった一度の失敗で今までの努力を棒に振った。
He squandered all his previous efforts with just one mistake.