Translation guide
Describes a business, activity, or investment that does not yield financial gain or benefit. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 儲からない (moukaranai), but other expressions exist for formal, written, or nuanced contexts.
To say that a business, product, or activity does not make money.
The most common and natural way to say 'unprofitable' in everyday conversation. It is the negative form of 儲かる (to be profitable).
この店は全然儲からない。
This shop is not profitable at all.
儲からない仕事は続けられない。
I can't continue an unprofitable job.
To describe an activity or effort that does not bring any advantage or benefit, not necessarily monetary.
Means 'not worth the effort' or 'unprofitable' in a broad sense. It implies that the return (money, satisfaction, etc.) does not match the input.
この仕事は割に合わない。
This job is not worth the effort.
儲からない is the most common and casual way to say something is not profitable. 利益が出ない is more formal and often used in business reports. 採算が取れない specifically refers to not covering costs.
この商品は儲からない。
This product is unprofitable. (casual)
この商品は利益が出ない。
This product does not yield profit. (formal)
Avoid directly translating 'unprofitable' as 非営利的 (hieiriteki), which means 'non-profit' (as in a non-profit organization). For business contexts, use the expressions above.
A slightly more formal or analytical way to say 'unprofitable', literally 'profit does not come out'. Used in business contexts.
この事業は利益が出ない。
This business is unprofitable.
Means 'unprofitable' in the sense of not breaking even or not covering costs. Common in business and economic discussions.
このプロジェクトは採算が取れない。
This project is unprofitable.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'unprofitable' or 'unremunerative'. Often used in formal business reports or news.
不採算部門を閉鎖する。
Close unprofitable divisions.
It's not worth the time spent.
Similar to 割に合わない, meaning 'unprofitable' or 'not paying off'. Slightly more colloquial.
こんなに安いと引き合わない。
It's not profitable if it's this cheap.
Means 'unprofitable' in the sense of 'futile' or 'useless'. More literary or formal.
無益な議論はやめよう。
Let's stop this unprofitable discussion.