Translation guide
The state or quality of being unable to do something properly, lacking the necessary skill, ability, or qualification.
Describing a person, action, or system that is generally incapable or ineffective.
The most direct and common translation for 'incompetence' or 'incompetency'. Refers to a lack of ability or talent. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
He is an incompetent boss.
It's hard to admit one's incompetence.
Literally 'powerless'. Often used for incompetence in the sense of being unable to effect change or lacking influence, rather than lacking skill.
I felt incompetent/powerless.
A more colloquial and derogatory term meaning 'useless person' or 'good-for-nothing'. Implies incompetence in a practical sense.
That guy is really incompetent/useless.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'lacks ability'. Can be used in various contexts.
He doesn't have the ability to do that job.
Referring to a lack of qualification or fitness for a specific role, often in legal, medical, or professional contexts.
Specifically means 'unqualified' or 'lacking credentials'. Used when someone does not have the required license or certification.
Performing medical procedures without a license is illegal.
Means 'disqualified' or 'ineligible'. Often used in formal or legal contexts to indicate someone is not fit for a position.
A formal phrase meaning 'lacks the ability to perform one's duties'. Used in legal or HR contexts.
Referring to a person's mental inability to make decisions or manage affairs, often in a legal or medical sense.
A legal term for 'diminished mental capacity' or 'mental incompetence'. Used in criminal law to indicate reduced responsibility.
The defendant claimed to be in a state of mental incompetence.
A more general term meaning 'lack of judgment' or 'inability to make decisions'. Used in medical and legal contexts.
A legal phrase meaning 'lacks mental capacity' or 'incapable of forming intent'. Used in civil law regarding contracts and wills.
無能 (munō) is the standard word for incompetence, focusing on lack of skill or ability. 無力 (muryoku) emphasizes powerlessness or inability to influence a situation. 役立たず (yakutatazu) is a harsh, colloquial term for a useless person, often used in frustration.
an incompetent politician
Humans are powerless before the forces of nature.
You really are useless.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches the English noun 'incompetency' in all contexts. The translation depends heavily on the specific nuance: general inability, lack of qualification, or mental incapacity. Using 無能 as a catch-all may sound unnatural in legal or medical settings.
彼はその役職に不適格と判断された。
He was judged incompetent for the position.
He was deemed incompetent to perform his duties.
A lack of judgment due to old age was recognized.
The patient was diagnosed as lacking mental capacity.