Translation guide
Expresses that efforts, plans, or hopes end without result or success. Japanese uses verbs and set phrases that focus on futility, waste, or vanishing.
To say that an attempt, plan, or effort resulted in nothing, was futile, or came to naught.
Literally 'become wasted/useless'. The most common way to say efforts came to nothing. Used for time, effort, money, etc.
His efforts came to nothing.
All the preparations came to nothing.
Idiom: 'become bubbles on the water'. Vividly expresses that efforts vanished without trace. Slightly more emotive than 無駄になる.
Years of research came to nothing.
Literally 'end in fruitless labor'. Formal/written expression for efforts ending in vain.
That attempt came to nothing.
Literary idiom: 'end up as a painted rice cake' (something that looks good but is inedible). Used for grand plans that come to nothing.
The plan came to nothing.
To say that a hope, dream, or expectation turned out to be nothing, was dashed, or proved illusory.
Literally 'vanish like a dream'. Used when hopes or dreams come to nothing. Poetic but common.
His hopes came to nothing.
Literally 'end emptily'. Expresses that something ended without substance or result. Slightly formal.
His expectations came to nothing.
Literally 'vanish like bubbles'. Similar to 水の泡になる but emphasizes the fleeting nature of hopes.
His dream came to nothing.
To say that a planned event, meeting, or project was canceled and thus came to nothing.
Polite expression for a plan being canceled or called off. Literally 'become washed away'. Common in business and daily life.
The meeting came to nothing (was canceled).
Literally 'go out (like a flame)'. Used when a plan or project fizzles out without a clear conclusion.
That matter came to nothing.
Neutral 'be canceled'. Less idiomatic than お流れ but very common.
The trip came to nothing (was canceled).
To say that something ended without producing any result, often after a process.
無駄になる is the most general and neutral. 水の泡になる is more vivid and emotional, often used when a lot of effort was invested. 徒労に終わる is formal and written.
Efforts were wasted.
Efforts vanished into thin air.
Do not translate 'coming to nothing' literally as 無に来ている. Use the idiomatic phrases above.
All our hard work came to nothing.
The negotiations came to nothing.