Translation guide
Describes a person who is lazy, useless, or worthless. Japanese has many colorful insults and colloquial terms for such a person, ranging from mild to very harsh.
To call someone a good-for-nothing in a general sense, implying they are lazy and contribute nothing.
Literally 'useless person'. A common, straightforward term for someone who is of no help or is incompetent. Can be used in various contexts, from mild criticism to strong insult.
He's really good-for-nothing.
That good-for-nothing is fired.
A very common colloquial term for a good-for-nothing, bum, or ne'er-do-well. Implies the person is irresponsible and worthless. Often used in exasperation.
My son is a good-for-nothing.
I left my good-for-nothing husband.
Literally 'grain-waster', implying someone who eats without working. A harsh, old-fashioned term for a useless person or freeloader. Stronger than 役立たず.
That good-for-nothing!
Means 'incompetent' or 'incompetent person'. More formal and direct, often used in workplace contexts to describe someone who lacks ability.
He's an incompetent (good-for-nothing) employee.
Literally 'no-good person'. A modern, self-deprecating or insulting term for a hopeless person. Often used in casual conversation or online.
I'm a good-for-nothing.
To express strong contempt for someone, emphasizing their worthlessness or despicable nature.
Literally 'trash' or 'scum'. A very strong, common insult for a worthless person. Extremely derogatory.
Very offensive; use with extreme caution.
That good-for-nothing should just die.
Literally 'dregs' or 'scum'. Similar to クズ but slightly less common. Still a strong insult.
Literally 'garbage'. Used as an insult for a worthless person. Common in anime and rough speech.
To describe someone who is habitually lazy and shirks responsibilities.
Literally 'lazy person'. A standard, neutral term for someone who is lazy. Not as harsh as 'good-for-nothing' but can be used in similar contexts.
He's a lazy good-for-nothing who doesn't work.
A colloquial term for a lazy, idle person. Often used for someone who lounges around all day.
Literally 'eater of useless meals'. A harsh, old-fashioned term for a freeloader or lazy person who doesn't earn their keep.
Get out, you good-for-nothing freeloader.
To express that someone has failed to meet expectations and is considered a disappointment.
Literally 'failed product' or 'defective'. Used for a person who is a failure or good-for-nothing. Often implies they didn't turn out right.
He's a failed doctor (good-for-nothing).
Literally 'dropout' or 'left-behind'. Refers to someone who has fallen behind or failed in society, often used in educational or corporate contexts.
Words like クズ, カス, and ゴミ are extremely offensive and can cause serious conflict. Use them only if you fully understand the social context and consequences. In most situations, milder terms like 役立たず or ろくでなし are sufficient to express frustration.
That guy is scum (good-for-nothing).
役立たず focuses on lack of utility or competence, while ろくでなし implies a more general worthlessness and irresponsibility. ろくでなし is more colloquial and often used for family members or close acquaintances.
He's useless but a good person.
A good-for-nothing father.
You're scum (good-for-nothing).
You piece of garbage (good-for-nothing).
ぐうたら息子に手を焼いている。
I'm at my wit's end with my good-for-nothing lazy son.
He was labeled a good-for-nothing dropout.