Translation guide
The English word 'deadwood' can refer to dead branches on a tree, or figuratively to useless people or things in an organization. This guide covers both meanings.
Referring to dead branches or wood still attached to a tree, or dead wood in general.
Referring to people or things that are no longer useful or productive, often in a workplace or group context.
A direct way to say 'useless personnel' or 'deadwood' in a company. Can be blunt.
会社は無駄な人材を整理する必要がある。
The company needs to get rid of the deadwood.
There is no single Japanese word that covers both the literal and figurative meanings of 'deadwood'. Use different expressions depending on context.
I cut the deadwood off the tree in the garden.
Refers to a dead tree or dead wood, often used for a whole tree that has died.
山には枯れ木がたくさんあります。
There is a lot of deadwood on the mountain.
Literally 'dead branch', a slightly more descriptive phrase.
枯れた枝は折れやすいです。
Deadwood breaks easily.
Literally 'burden' or 'luggage', used figuratively for a person who is a burden or deadwood. Slightly informal.
彼はチームのお荷物だ。
He's deadwood on the team.
Means 'useless person' or 'good-for-nothing'. Stronger and more derogatory than 'deadwood'.
あいつは役立たずだ。
That guy is deadwood.
A Japanese business term for employees who have been sidelined with little work, literally 'window-side tribe'. Similar to deadwood but specific to Japanese corporate culture.
彼は窓際族になってしまった。
He ended up as deadwood in the company.