Translation guide
Describing someone who lacks the ability or skill to do their job or task properly. Japanese has many nuanced terms ranging from blunt insults to softer, indirect expressions.
To say someone is generally incompetent, useless, or incapable.
A direct and common word for 'incompetent person'. Can be used as a noun or adjective. Often used in workplace contexts.
He is incompetent.
I've never seen such an incompetent employee.
Literally 'useless person'. Stronger and more insulting than 無能. Implies the person is a burden.
Can be very offensive. Use with care.
You are really useless.
A more formal or literary term for an incompetent person. Less common in daily speech.
He was driven out of the company as an incompetent.
To describe someone who is unskilled, clumsy, or bad at something.
Means 'unskillful' or 'poor at'. Used for specific tasks. Can be softened with ちょっと.
He is a bad driver.
I'm not good at cooking.
Clumsy, awkward, lacking dexterity. Can refer to physical or social clumsiness.
A very casual and blunt way to say 'terrible at something'. Stronger than 下手.
Rude; avoid in polite conversation.
To say someone is unfit for their job or position.
As above, but specifically in a professional context. Often used with 上司 (boss) or 社員 (employee).
Our boss is incompetent and it's a problem.
Irresponsible. Often implies incompetence through lack of responsibility.
Literally 'cannot do the job'. A common, indirect way to say someone is incompetent at work.
To call someone a fool or idiot, often implying incompetence.
Means 'fool' or 'idiot'. Very common, can be used jokingly or seriously.
Can be offensive; use with close friends or in anger.
You can't even do something that simple? Are you stupid?
Kansai dialect for 'fool'. Similar to 馬鹿 but regionally flavored.
To express that someone is completely worthless or a waste of space.
Japanese has many strong insults, but they are less commonly used in daily life compared to some Western cultures. Using words like くず or 役立たず can severely damage relationships. It's often safer to use indirect expressions like 仕事ができない or ちょっと下手.
He is a bit slow at work, isn't he?
無能 implies a fundamental lack of ability, often in a professional or serious context. 下手 is for specific skills and is less harsh. You can be 下手 at cooking but not necessarily 無能 as a person.
He is bad at cooking, but he is competent at work.
彼は不器用で、よく物を壊す。
He is clumsy and often breaks things.
His singing is terrible.
あの政治家は無責任だ。
That politician is irresponsible.
He can't do his job, so he's causing trouble for the team.
Are you an idiot?
You are garbage.