Translation guide
Expresses that something is beyond what can be imagined, often implying extreme degree, impossibility, or shock.
Describing something so extreme, large, or intense that it cannot be imagined.
A common phrase meaning 'beyond imagination', often used for extreme situations, suffering, or scale.
その被害は想像を絶するものだった。
The damage was unimaginable.
Expressing that something is so unlikely or unacceptable that it cannot be considered.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'unthinkable' or 'inconceivable'.
彼が失敗するなんて考えられない。
It's unimaginable that he would fail.
Emphasizing that something is so amazing or terrible that it cannot be described.
想像を絶する emphasizes the extreme scale or intensity beyond imagination, while 考えられない focuses on the impossibility or unacceptability of an event. Use 想像を絶する for things like vast destruction or immense pain, and 考えられない for situations that defy belief.
Literally 'cannot even imagine', used for things that are hard to picture or believe.
彼がそんなことをするなんて想像もつかない。
It's unimaginable that he would do such a thing.
Means 'exceeding imagination', often used for scale or quality.
その美しさは想像を超えていた。
Its beauty was unimaginable.
Casual and common, meaning 'impossible' or 'no way'. Often used in speech.
そんなことありえないよ。
That's unimaginable!
Means 'unexpected' or 'beyond what one could think of', often for surprising events.
思いもよらない結果になった。
The result was unimaginable.
A formal phrase meaning 'indescribable', often used in writing for profound experiences.
その苦しみは筆舌に尽くしがたい。
The suffering is unimaginable.
Literally 'cannot express in words', a more everyday way to say indescribable.
その感動は言葉では表せない。
The emotion is unimaginable.