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.
彼は本当に役立たずだ。
He's really good-for-nothing.
あんな役立たずはクビだ。
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.
うちの息子はろくでなしだ。
My son is a good-for-nothing.
ろくでなしの夫と別れた。
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.
あの穀潰しめ！
That good-for-nothing!
Means 'incompetent' or 'incompetent person'. More formal and direct, often used in workplace contexts to describe someone who lacks ability.
彼は無能な社員だ。
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.
俺はダメ人間だ。
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.
あんなクズは死ねばいい。
That good-for-nothing should just die.
Literally 'dregs' or 'scum'. Similar to クズ but slightly less common. Still a strong insult.
お前はカスだ。
You're scum (good-for-nothing).
Literally 'garbage'. Used as an insult for a worthless person. Common in anime and rough speech.
ゴミ野郎が。
You piece of garbage (good-for-nothing).
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.
彼は怠け者で、仕事をしない。
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.
無駄飯食いは出て行け。
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.
彼は医者の出来損ないだ。
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.
あいつはクズだ。
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.
彼は役立たずだが、いい人だ。
He's useless but a good person.
ろくでなしの父親。
A good-for-nothing father.
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.
落ちこぼれのレッテルを貼られた。
He was labeled a good-for-nothing dropout.