Translation guide
Expressing that something is not wanted, undesired, or unwelcome. Japanese uses adjectives, verbs, and passive constructions depending on whether you're talking about objects, people, actions, or feelings.
Describing an object, item, or thing that is not desired or needed.
Common adjective meaning 'unnecessary' or 'unwanted'. Used for objects, documents, items. Neutral formality.
不要な物は捨ててください。
Please throw away unwanted items.
この書類は不要です。
This document is unwanted/unnecessary.
Casual, everyday way to say 'don't need' or 'unwanted'. From the verb 要る (いる, to need). Very common in speech.
いらない服を寄付した。
I donated unwanted clothes.
これ、いらない？
You don't want this? (Is this unwanted?)
Similar to 不要 but often used for things that are not used or have no use. Can appear in formal contexts like 'unwanted goods'.
不用品を回収します。
We collect unwanted goods.
Describing a person whose presence is not welcome or desired.
Passive form meaning 'not welcomed'. Used for people who are unwanted in a place or group.
彼はパーティーで歓迎されない客だった。
He was an unwanted guest at the party.
Literally 'hindrance person'. Means an unwanted person who is in the way or a nuisance. Somewhat strong.
彼は邪魔者扱いされた。
He was treated as an unwanted person.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'not invited' or 'unwanted'. Often used humorously or in set phrases like 'お呼びでない？' (Are you unwanted here?).
ここはお呼びでないよ。
You're unwanted here. (lit. You're not called for here.)
Describing an action, event, or outcome that is not desired.
Adjective meaning 'undesirable' or 'unwanted'. Used for situations, results, behaviors. Formal nuance.
望ましくない結果になった。
It led to an unwanted outcome.
その行動は望ましくない。
That behavior is unwanted.
Means 'extra', 'unnecessary', or 'unwanted' when referring to actions, comments, or interference. Often used in admonishments.
余計なことをしないで。
Don't do anything unwanted/unnecessary.
余計なお世話だ。
Mind your own business. (lit. It's unwanted help.)
Describing emotions, thoughts, or memories that are intrusive or undesired.
Verb phrase meaning 'do not desire'. Used for unwanted feelings, pregnancies, etc. Slightly formal.
望まない妊娠
unwanted pregnancy
望まない感情が湧いてきた。
Unwanted feelings welled up.
Means 'unwilling' or 'reluctant', often used for unwanted situations one is forced into. Formal.
不本意な転勤を命じられた。
I was ordered to take an unwanted transfer.
Describing unsolicited attention, calls, emails, etc.
Adjective meaning 'annoying', 'troublesome', or 'unwanted' (as in nuisance). Commonly used for spam, unwanted calls, harassment.
迷惑メールがたくさん来る。
I get a lot of unwanted emails.
迷惑電話をブロックした。
I blocked unwanted calls.
Also used for unwanted communications, especially in formal settings.
不要 (ふよう) is more formal and often used in written instructions or official contexts. いらない is casual and conversational. Use いらない with friends, 不要 in signs or documents.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'unwanted'. Translating directly as '欲しくない' (ほしくない) is only for things you personally don't want to possess, and can sound childish or blunt. Choose the expression based on context.
Please refrain from unwanted contact.