Translation guide
Describes things that cannot exist or work together due to fundamental differences.
Expressing that two things (people, ideas, systems, devices) do not match or cannot coexist.
The most direct and common translation for 'incompatible', used for ideas, personalities, or principles that cannot coexist.
Their opinions are incompatible.
Freedom and oppression are incompatible.
Literally 'cannot stand together', used when two things cannot be achieved or maintained simultaneously.
Balancing work and family is difficult (they are hard to make compatible).
Efficiency and safety are sometimes incompatible.
Casual and versatile; means 'don't match' or 'don't get along', used for people, things, or conditions.
I'm incompatible with that person (our personalities don't match).
This software is incompatible with my PC.
Means 'contradictory', used when statements or ideas logically conflict.
His actions are incompatible with his words.
Describing hardware, software, or systems that cannot work together.
Standard term for 'not compatible' in technical contexts, literally 'lacks compatibility'.
This printer is incompatible with Mac.
It is incompatible with older versions.
Means 'does not support' or 'is not compatible with', commonly used in specs.
Simple 'cannot use', implying incompatibility in casual speech.
It's incompatible with this cable (you can't use it).
Referring to blood types or medical conditions that cannot be mixed.
Medical term for incompatibility, such as blood type mismatch.
Blood type incompatibility becomes a problem during transfusions.
相容れない emphasizes inherent conflict in nature or principles, while 両立しない focuses on the practical impossibility of doing/having both at the same time.
His beliefs and company policy are incompatible (fundamentally clash).
Balancing study and part-time work is tough (hard to make compatible).
Direct translations like '非互換性' are rarely used outside technical patents. Use the options above for natural Japanese.
This app is incompatible with Android 5.0.