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.
Referring to a lack of qualification or fitness for a specific role, often in legal, medical, or professional contexts.
Referring to a person's mental inability to make decisions or manage affairs, often in a legal or medical sense.
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.
無能な政治家
an incompetent politician
自然の力の前では人間は無力だ。
Humans are powerless before the forces of nature.
彼は無能な上司だ。
He is an incompetent boss.
無能さを認めるのは難しい。
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.
自分が無力だと感じた。
I felt incompetent/powerless.
A more colloquial and derogatory term meaning 'useless person' or 'good-for-nothing'. Implies incompetence in a practical sense.
あいつは本当に役立たずだ。
That guy is really incompetent/useless.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'lacks ability'. Can be used in various contexts.
彼にはその仕事をする能力がない。
He doesn't have the ability to do that job.
Specifically means 'unqualified' or 'lacking credentials'. Used when someone does not have the required license or certification.
無資格で医療行為を行うのは違法だ。
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.
彼はその役職に不適格と判断された。
He was judged incompetent for the position.
A formal phrase meaning 'lacks the ability to perform one's duties'. Used in legal or HR contexts.
彼は職務を遂行する能力がないと見なされた。
He was deemed incompetent to perform his duties.
A legal term for 'diminished mental capacity' or 'mental incompetence'. Used in criminal law to indicate reduced responsibility.
被告は心神耗弱の状態だったと主張した。
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.
高齢による判断能力の欠如が認められた。
A lack of judgment due to old age was recognized.
A legal phrase meaning 'lacks mental capacity' or 'incapable of forming intent'. Used in civil law regarding contracts and wills.
その患者は意思能力がないと診断された。
The patient was diagnosed as lacking mental capacity.
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.
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.