Translation guide
The English word 'worthy' describes someone or something that deserves respect, attention, or a particular outcome. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering adjectives, verbs, and set phrases for different contexts.
To say that a person, cause, or action is deserving of respect, praise, or support.
An adjective meaning 'splendid', 'admirable', or 'fine'. Often used for people, actions, or things that are worthy of respect.
彼は立派な指導者だ。
He is a worthy leader.
立派な行いですね。
That's a worthy deed.
A phrase meaning 'has value' or 'is worth'. Used to say something is worthy of attention, effort, or consideration.
この問題は議論する価値がある。
This issue is worthy of discussion.
彼の意見は聞く価値がある。
His opinion is worthy of being heard.
A more formal phrase meaning 'worthy of respect'. Used in written or formal contexts.
彼の献身は尊敬に値する。
His dedication is worthy of respect.
To say that someone or something merits a specific result, such as praise, blame, or attention.
A pattern meaning 'worthy of ~' or 'deserves ~'. Attach a noun or verb phrase before に値する.
彼の努力は称賛に値する。
His efforts are worthy of praise.
その映画は見るに値する。
That movie is worth watching.
Means 'it is worth doing' or 'there is value in doing'. Often used with verbs in the た-form or nouns.
努力した甲斐があった。
It was worth the effort.
生きている甲斐がある。
Life is worth living.
A phrase meaning 'is worth doing' or 'has enough value to do'. Used to emphasize that something merits the action.
この本は読むだけの価値がある。
This book is worthy of reading.
To describe a competitor, cause, or person that is respectable and deserving of serious consideration, even if not the best.
Also used here to mean 'respectable' or 'worthy' in the sense of being a good opponent or cause.
彼は立派な敵だった。
He was a worthy opponent.
立派な目標に向かって頑張ろう。
Let's work hard toward a worthy goal.
Means 'tough' or 'formidable'. Often used for a worthy opponent in sports or competition.
To say that something is important or significant enough to be mentioned or recorded.
Means 'worthy of attention' or 'noteworthy'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼の業績は注目に値する。
His achievements are worthy of note.
A formal phrase meaning 'worthy of special mention' or 'notable'. Often used in written reports.
特筆すべき成果だ。
It's a noteworthy achievement.
Both express 'worthy', but 価値がある is more common in everyday speech for general value, while に値する is slightly more formal and often used with abstract nouns like 尊敬 (respect) or 称賛 (praise).
この映画は見る価値がある。
This movie is worth watching.
この映画は称賛に値する。
This movie is worthy of praise.
English often uses 'worthy' as a prenominal adjective (e.g., 'a worthy cause'). Japanese does not have a single adjective that covers all uses. Instead, use phrases like 立派な or 価値がある depending on the nuance.
彼は立派な後継者だ。
He is a worthy successor.
それは支援する価値のある活動だ。
That's a cause worthy of support.
彼女はその称号にふさわしいことを証明した。
She proved herself worthy of the title.
Uses ふさわしい (suitable/worthy) instead of 値する for a more natural fit.
手強い相手だった。
It was a worthy opponent.