Translation guide
How to express that something is worthless, useless, or of no value in Japanese. Covers objects, ideas, efforts, and people in a derogatory sense.
Describing a physical thing that has no value or is useless.
Literally 'thing without value'. A straightforward, neutral way to say something is worthless.
これは無価値なものだ。
This is a worthless thing.
Describing something intangible like an idea, plan, or effort that is futile or without merit.
Means 'meaningless thing'. Used for ideas, actions, or efforts that are pointless.
そんな努力は無意味なものだ。
Such effort is a worthless thing.
Insulting or harshly criticizing a person as worthless or good-for-nothing.
Directly translating 'worthless thing' as 無価値な物 is grammatically correct but can sound stiff. Use more natural expressions like 役立たず or がらくた depending on context.
無駄 (muda) emphasizes wastefulness or futility, while 無意味 (muimi) emphasizes lack of meaning or point. Choose based on whether you want to stress wasted effort or inherent pointlessness.
Means 'useless thing' or 'good-for-nothing'. Often used for objects that don't serve their purpose.
この機械は役立たずだ。
This machine is useless.
Junk, trash, worthless stuff. Casual and common for physical clutter.
そんながらくたは捨てなさい。
Throw away that worthless junk.
Literally 'boring thing', but often used to humbly refer to a gift or item as 'worthless' out of politeness.
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。
This is just a worthless little thing, but please accept it.
Means 'wasteful thing' or 'futile thing'. Emphasizes that it's a waste of time or resources.
その計画は無駄なものだった。
That plan was a worthless thing.
Similar to 無価値なもの, but slightly more conversational. 'Thing without value'.
彼の意見は価値のないものだ。
His opinion is a worthless thing.
Can also refer to a useless person. Strongly derogatory.
あいつは役立たずだ。
That guy is worthless.