Translation guide
The state of not being able to exist or work together. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that describe mismatches, contradictions, or lack of harmony.
Describing that two things, ideas, or systems cannot coexist or work together.
Literally 'there is no compatibility'. Used for technical or functional incompatibility, like software or devices.
This software is incompatible with older operating systems.
Means 'cannot coexist' or 'are mutually exclusive'. Used for ideas, principles, or personalities that clash.
Their opinions are incompatible.
Means 'to contradict'. Used when statements, facts, or actions are logically incompatible.
His explanation is contradictory (incompatible with the facts).
Means 'cannot coexist' or 'cannot be achieved simultaneously'. Often used for goals, lifestyles, or conditions.
Balancing work and family is difficult (they are often incompatible).
A formal noun meaning 'incompatibility' or 'non-conformity'. Used in technical or legal contexts.
This part was judged to be incompatible.
Describing that two people do not get along or are not suited for each other.
The most common way to say two people are incompatible. Literally 'compatibility is bad'. Used for friends, partners, colleagues.
I seem to be incompatible with him.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'don't get along' or 'don't see eye to eye'. Slightly more casual than 相性が悪い.
I just don't get along with that person.
Similar to 馬が合わない, meaning personalities clash. Often used for people who are fundamentally different.
Literally 'personalities don't match'. A straightforward way to say you are incompatible due to personality differences.
We broke up because we were incompatible.
Specifically describing that a couple is not well-suited for a long-term relationship.
Describing that medical factors prevent a procedure or cause a reaction.
All three mean 'incompatible' for people. 相性が悪い is the most general and can be used in any situation. 馬が合わない and そりが合わない are more colloquial and imply a gut feeling of not getting along. そりが合わない often suggests a fundamental personality clash.
I'm not compatible with him. (neutral)
I just don't click with him. (casual)
We're fundamentally incompatible. (casual, stronger)
The English word 'incompatibility' is often translated directly as 不適合 or 非互換性, but these sound technical and are rarely used in everyday conversation. For most situations, use the phrases listed above.
This app has incompatibility. (unnatural, too technical)
He and I are incompatible.
I think he is incompatible with marriage.
Means 'rejection reaction', used for organ transplant incompatibility.
A rejection reaction occurred after the transplant (due to incompatibility).
This app is not compatible. (natural)