Translation guide
The English phrase 'be in vain' describes an effort or action that fails to achieve its intended result, is useless, or produces no effect. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several common words and phrases, each with slightly different nuances and contexts.
To say that an effort, attempt, or action was pointless and did not lead to the desired outcome.
The most common and versatile word for 'in vain' or 'futile'. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Often used in the phrase 無駄になる (to come to nothing) or 無駄に終わる (to end in vain).
His efforts were in vain.
Don't waste your time.
A more formal or literary term meaning 'fruitless effort' or 'vain attempt'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
That attempt ended in vain.
Literally 'bubbles on water', this idiomatic phrase means that something has come to nothing or been in vain, often with a sense of disappointment. Used in the phrase 水の泡になる.
His plan came to nothing.
To express that someone's death or sacrifice did not achieve its purpose or was meaningless.
Literally 'dog's death', meaning a meaningless or futile death. Often used to describe a death that served no purpose.
His sacrifice was in vain.
A compound meaning 'dying in vain' or 'wasted death'. More direct than 犬死に and can be used in various contexts.
To say that what one says or advises is not heeded or has no effect.
A proverb meaning 'like chanting a sutra to a horse', i.e., speaking to someone who doesn't listen or understand. Equivalent to 'preaching to deaf ears'.
Warning him is in vain; it's like talking to a wall.
Literally 'pushing against a shop curtain', meaning an effort that meets no resistance and is futile. Often used when arguing or debating with someone who doesn't engage.
Arguing with him is in vain; it's like punching a curtain.
無駄 is the everyday word for 'futile' or 'wasteful', used in both spoken and written Japanese. 徒労 is more formal and emphasizes the effort that was wasted, often used in literary or reflective contexts.
The English phrase 'be in vain' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Instead, choose the expression that best fits the context: 無駄 for general futility, 犬死に for meaningless death, or idiomatic phrases for specific situations.
彼の死は無駄死にではなかった。
His death was not in vain.