Translation guide
Expressing value, merit, or advisability in Japanese. The most common pattern uses 〜価値がある (worth doing / worth the value). Other patterns include 〜甲斐がある (worth the effort), 〜に値する (worthy of), and 〜たものだ (it's worth doing for the experience). For monetary worth, use 〜の価値がある or 〜に相当する.
Expressing that an action is worthwhile, advisable, or beneficial to do.
The most direct and common way to say 'worth doing'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
この映画は見る価値がある。
This movie is worth watching.
I think that book is worth reading.
Emphasizes that the effort or trouble was worth it, often after a struggle. Attach to the past tense (た-form) or noun + の.
頑張った甲斐があった。
It was worth the effort.
早起きした甲斐があって、美しい日の出を見られた。
Waking up early was worth it; I got to see a beautiful sunrise.
Used to say that doing something is a worthwhile experience, often with a nostalgic or advisory tone. Attach to the past tense.
若いうちに旅行はしておくものだ。
It's worth traveling while you're young.
Expressing that something is worth its price or has equivalent value.
Used for monetary or inherent value. Attach to a noun or amount.
この絵は100万円の価値がある。
This painting is worth one million yen.
その指輪はそれだけの価値がある。
That ring is worth that much.
Means 'equivalent to' in value or amount. More formal.
この仕事は月給50万円に相当する。
This job is worth a monthly salary of 500,000 yen.
Means 'good value' or 'worth the money' in a bargain sense. Often used in shopping contexts.
このセットはお得だ。
This set is a great deal (worth the money).
Expressing that someone or something deserves a particular quality or action.
Formal pattern meaning 'worthy of' or 'deserving of'. Attach to nouns or verbs (dictionary form).
彼は信頼に値する人物だ。
He is a person worthy of trust.
その提案は検討に値する。
That proposal is worth considering.
Used to acknowledge that someone/something lives up to their reputation or is worthy of praise. Often follows a reason.
さすがプロだけのことはある。
As expected of a pro; he's worth his salt.
Expressing that something is not worth the trouble or has no value.
Direct negative of 'worth doing'.
そんな映画を見る価値はない。
That kind of movie is not worth watching.
Means 'it's useless even if you do ~', implying it's not worth the effort.
彼に説明しても無駄だ。
It's not worth explaining to him (it's useless).
Means the effort was not worth it.
こんなに練習したのに、負けてしまっては甲斐がない。
After all this practice, it's not worth it if we lose.
Expressing that something is significant enough to be mentioned.
Formal/literary pattern meaning 'worth ~ing' or 'sufficient to ~'. Often used in fixed phrases like 言うに足る (worth mentioning).
それは言うに足る問題ではない。
That is not a problem worth mentioning.
Means 'worthy of special mention'. Very formal.
彼の功績は特筆に値する。
His achievements are worth special mention.
価値がある is the general 'worth doing' pattern. 甲斐がある emphasizes that the effort or hardship was rewarded. Use 甲斐がある when you want to highlight that the result justified the struggle.
この本は読む価値がある。
This book is worth reading (general value).
徹夜して勉強した甲斐があった。
Staying up all night to study was worth it (effort rewarded).
Saying 彼は価値がある (He has value) can sound objectifying. Use 〜に値する or 〜だけのことはある to describe a person's worthiness.
彼は信頼に値する。
He is worthy of trust.