Translation guide
The English word 'vain' has two main meanings: (1) having excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements, and (2) producing no result; useless. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both senses.
Describing a person who is overly concerned with their looks or accomplishments, often in a self-admiring way.
A common adjective meaning 'conceited' or 'full of oneself'. It implies an inflated self-image, often about abilities or charm.
彼は自分の容姿にうぬぼれている。
He is vain about his appearance.
Loanword from 'narcissist'. Commonly used for someone who is excessively self-admiring, especially about looks. Slightly colloquial.
彼女はちょっとナルシストだね。
She's a bit vain, isn't she?
Literally 'drunk on oneself'. Describes someone who is self-absorbed and vain, often in a theatrical or self-congratulatory way.
彼は自分の成功に酔っている。
He is vain about his success.
Means 'having strong vanity'. More formal and literary, often used in psychological or descriptive contexts.
彼は虚栄心が強い人だ。
He is a vain person.
Refers to someone who is showy or ostentatious, often concerned with appearances and social status. Slightly old-fashioned.
彼女は見栄っ張りで、いつもブランド品を買っている。
She is vain and always buys brand-name goods.
Describing efforts, attempts, or hopes that are unsuccessful or pointless.
The most common word for 'useless' or 'futile'. Used for wasted effort, time, or resources.
彼を説得しようとしても無駄だ。
It is vain to try to persuade him.
無駄な努力だった。
It was a vain effort.
Means 'no effect' or 'no reward for the effort'. Often used after a verb in the ～た form to indicate that an action was in vain.
待った甲斐がなかった。
Waiting was in vain.
Literally 'end in fruitless labor'. A formal expression for efforts that come to nothing.
彼の試みは徒労に終わった。
His attempt ended in vain.
Describing an action done without success or result.
Adverbial form of 無駄. Used to say 'in vain' or 'wastefully'.
彼は無駄に時間を過ごした。
He spent his time in vain.
Adverb meaning 'in vain', 'emptily', or 'fruitlessly'. Often used in literary or emotional contexts.
彼女はむなしく助けを求めた。
She vainly called for help.
When 'vain' means 'futile', do not use words for pride like うぬぼれている. Use 無駄な or 甲斐がない instead.
彼を探したが無駄だった。
I searched for him in vain.
無駄 is a general word for waste or futility. 甲斐がない specifically emphasizes that effort did not yield a worthwhile result. Use 甲斐がない when you want to highlight the lack of reward for hard work.