Translation guide
The English word 'indescribable' is used to express that something is so extreme or extraordinary that it cannot be put into words. In Japanese, this concept is often conveyed through set phrases, adjectives, or descriptive expressions rather than a single direct equivalent.
Expressing that a feeling, experience, or quality is so intense or extraordinary that it cannot be described in words.
A common and natural phrase meaning 'cannot be expressed in words'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
その美しさは言葉では言い表せない。
The beauty is indescribable.
Literally 'cannot say anything', used to express that something is hard to describe or define, often for vague or mixed feelings.
その気持ちは何とも言えない。
That feeling is indescribable.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'difficult to describe with brush and tongue'. Used in writing or formal speech.
その光景は筆舌に尽くしがたいものだった。
The scene was indescribable.
Means 'hard to describe' or 'hard to put into words'. Slightly formal, often used in written contexts.
彼の表情は形容しがたいものだった。
His expression was indescribable.
A literary term meaning 'indescribable' or 'unnameable', often used for eerie or mysterious things.
名状しがたい恐怖に襲われた。
I was struck by an indescribable fear.
Emphasizing that something is so wonderful or beautiful that words fail.
A very common and emotional phrase meaning 'cannot put into words'. Often used for deep feelings or beauty.
この感動は言葉にできない。
This emotion is indescribable.
Means 'there is no way to compare it', implying something is beyond comparison or description.
その景色はたとえようがないほど美しかった。
The scenery was indescribably beautiful.
Expressing that something is so awful or disgusting that it defies description.
Literally 'cannot say with one's mouth', used when something is too terrible or embarrassing to describe.
その現場は口では言えないほどひどかった。
The scene was indescribably awful.
Means 'unbearable to look at', often used for something so terrible or pitiful that it's hard to describe.
その有様は見るに堪えないものだった。
The state of things was indescribable.
「言葉では言い表せない」 is more direct and emphasizes the inability to express in words, often for strong positive or negative experiences. 「何とも言えない」 is more vague and can be used for ambiguous or mixed feelings, or when you're at a loss for words.
言葉では言い表せない喜び
indescribable joy
何とも言えない味
an indescribable taste (neither good nor bad)
The English word 'indescribable' is often translated directly as 「不可解な」 (fukakai na) or 「説明できない」 (setsumei dekinai), but these mean 'incomprehensible' or 'unexplainable', not 'indescribable' in the sense of being beyond words. Use the phrases above instead.
その痛みは言葉では言い表せなかった。
The pain was indescribable.
彼女は何とも言えない悲しみを感じた。
She felt an indescribable sadness.