Translation guide
Describes something not useful or sensible in real situations, often because it is too idealistic, inefficient, or difficult to implement.
Describing an idea, plan, or object that is not effective or convenient in practice.
The most direct and common way to say 'impractical'. It literally means 'not practical'.
このデザインは見た目はいいけど、実用的ではない。
This design looks good, but it's impractical.
A more formal or technical term for 'impractical'. Often used in written contexts.
Describing a person, idea, or approach that is too focused on ideals and not on practical realities.
Means 'too idealistic', often implying impracticality. Used for people or plans.
彼の考えは理想主義的すぎて、実現は難しい。
His ideas are too idealistic and impractical to realize.
Describing methods or systems that waste time, effort, or resources.
Means 'inefficient', often used when a process is impractical due to wasted effort.
このやり方は非効率的で、時間の無駄だ。
This method is impractical and a waste of time.
実用的ではない is the everyday way to say 'impractical'. 非実用的 is more formal and often appears in written reports or technical evaluations.
このシステムは実用的ではない。
This system is impractical.
このシステムは非実用的である。
This system is impractical (formal).
In English, you might say 'He is impractical' meaning he is not good at dealing with real-life matters. In Japanese, it's more natural to describe the specific trait, e.g., 彼は現実的な考え方ができない (He can't think realistically) or 彼は生活力がない (He lacks life skills).
The proposal was judged to be impractical.
Means 'not realistic', often used when an idea is too idealistic or not feasible.
その計画はコストがかかりすぎて現実的ではない。
That plan is too expensive and impractical.
Specifically for objects or tools that are hard to use, implying impracticality in design.
このキッチンツールは見た目は面白いけど、使いにくい。
This kitchen tool looks interesting, but it's impractical.
Means 'unrealistic', often used for plans or expectations that are not grounded in reality.
その目標は非現実的だ。
That goal is impractical.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'armchair theory' or 'impractical theory'. Used for ideas that sound good in theory but don't work in practice.
彼の提案は机上の空論にすぎない。
His proposal is just an impractical theory.
Means 'takes too much effort', implying impracticality for everyday use.
このレシピは手間がかかりすぎて、平日には作れない。
This recipe is too impractical to make on a weekday.