Translation guide
Expressing that something is hard to believe, either positively (amazing) or negatively (shocking, absurd). Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance.
Expressing admiration or pleasant surprise at something extraordinary.
Literally 'I can't believe it'. The most direct and versatile expression, used for both positive and negative situations. Tone and context determine the nuance.
この景色、信じられないくらい美しい。
This scenery is unbelievably beautiful.
A very common casual word meaning 'amazing' or 'incredible'. Often used as an exclamation.
すごい！本当にやったの？
Unbelievable! Did you really do that?
Means 'astonishing' or 'remarkable'. More formal and often used in writing or speeches.
彼の成果は驚くべきものだ。
His achievements are unbelievable.
Expresses that something is outrageous or extraordinary, often in a positive sense. Can also be used negatively.
とんでもない才能だね。
You have unbelievable talent.
Reacting to something bad, absurd, or unacceptable that is hard to believe.
Same phrase as the positive use, but with a negative tone. Often said with a falling intonation or followed by a negative comment.
信じられない！また遅刻？
Unbelievable! Late again?
Literally 'impossible' or 'can't exist'. Very common for expressing disbelief at something absurd or unacceptable.
そんなミス、ありえないよ。
That kind of mistake is unbelievable.
An interjection meaning 'No way!' or 'It can't be!'. Used when you hear shocking news.
Literally 'It's a lie, right?'. Very common casual reaction to surprising or unbelievable news.
嘘でしょ！宝くじが当たったの？
Unbelievable! You won the lottery?
Stating that something is difficult to accept as true, without strong emotional charge.
A more formal and objective way to say 'hard to believe'. Used in serious contexts.
彼の話は信じがたい内容だった。
His story was unbelievable.
Means 'hard to believe immediately' or 'not easily believable'. Often used when something is so surprising you need time to accept it.
その知らせはにわかには信じられなかった。
The news was unbelievable at first.
Literally 'unthinkable'. Used when something is beyond imagination or seems impossible.
彼がそんなことをするなんて考えられない。
It's unbelievable that he would do such a thing.
信じられない is a direct translation of 'unbelievable' and works in most situations. ありえない is stronger and implies something is logically impossible or unacceptable, often used when you're upset or criticizing.
While 信じられない is correct, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often use ありえない, 嘘でしょ, or まさか to express disbelief. Using 信じられない in every situation can sound a bit stiff or overly dramatic.
Unbelievable, I can't believe he's quitting.