Translation guide
The English verb "deserve" expresses that someone or something is worthy of a particular outcome, reward, or punishment. Japanese has no single direct equivalent; instead, it uses various expressions depending on whether the outcome is positive or negative, and whether it is based on effort, inherent worth, or a natural consequence.
To say that someone has earned something good through their actions, qualities, or hard work.
His efforts deserve praise.
This movie is worth watching.
Used when effort or hardship results in a worthwhile outcome. Often translated as 'it was worth it' or 'the effort paid off'. Attaches to past tense verbs or nouns indicating effort.
My hard work paid off. / It was worth the effort.
The practice paid off and we won the game.
Expresses that someone or something lives up to expectations based on their reputation, effort, or price. Often used as a compliment.
As expected of a pro. / He really deserves to be called a pro.
It's expensive, but it's worth it — it's delicious.
Literally 'natural reward/retribution'. Used for deserved outcomes, often in a moral or karmic sense. Can be positive or negative, but frequently negative.
His success is well-deserved.
To say that someone should receive a bad consequence because of their actions.
A set phrase meaning 'you reap what you sow' or 'it serves you right'. Used when someone suffers the natural consequences of their own bad actions.
His failure is his own fault. / He deserved to fail.
Literally 'to be struck by divine punishment'. Used when someone gets a deserved comeuppance, often with a sense of moral or karmic justice.
Means 'it's natural that...' and can imply that a negative outcome is deserved. Often used with verbs like 怒られる (get scolded), 負ける (lose).
Also used for negative outcomes, especially in formal or written contexts. Attaches to nouns like 罰 (punishment), 非難 (criticism).
His actions deserve criticism.
To express that someone is entitled to something because of who they are or what they have achieved.
Means 'suitable for' or 'worthy of'. Used when someone matches the requirements or status for something. Often used for awards, positions, or honors.
He deserves that award.
We're looking for someone who deserves this job.
Literally 'natural right'. Used when someone deserves something as a basic right.
Means 'has the value of...' or 'is worth...'. Used to say someone or something merits a particular treatment or recognition.
He deserves to be trusted.
To say that someone has earned a pleasant thing because they have been working hard or suffering.
A soft way to say someone deserves to do something. Literally 'it's okay if you...'. Often used with verbs like 休む (rest), 楽しむ (enjoy).
You deserve a good rest today.
You deserve to treat yourself once in a while.
Can also be used positively to say someone naturally deserves a good thing.
Literally 'reward'. Often used in the phrase 自分へのご褒美 (a reward for oneself) to express that one deserves a treat.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'deserve'. Translating 'deserve' literally often results in unnatural Japanese. Instead, choose an expression that matches the specific nuance: effort-based reward, moral desert, suitability, or natural consequence.
〜に値する is more about objective worth or merit, often used in formal evaluations. 〜にふさわしい is about suitability or matching a role/status, and can be used in more personal contexts.
You got what you deserved.
You'll get what you deserve if you do that.
He got his just deserts.
If you were that lazy, you deserve to be scolded.
Everyone deserves the right to be happy.
After all that hard work, you deserve to succeed.
これは自分へのご褒美です。
This is a reward for myself (because I deserve it).