Translation guide
How to express that something is small, unimportant, or trivial in Japanese, depending on context and nuance.
Describing something as a minor issue, not worth worrying about.
A common and natural way to say 'a trivial matter' or 'something insignificant'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
そんな些細なことは気にしないでください。
Please don't worry about such a trivial thing.
Literally 'a thing not worth taking up'. Emphasizes that something is negligible or worthless. Slightly more formal or literary.
Referring to a physically small item that may be considered insignificant.
A straightforward way to say 'a small thing'. Neutral and widely used.
机の上に小さなものが置いてある。
There's a small thing on the desk.
Expressing that something has no impact or importance.
A very common casual phrase meaning 'something that doesn't matter' or 'a trivial thing'. Often used when dismissing a topic.
そんなのどうでもいいことだよ。
That's just an insignificant thing.
Directly translating 'insignificant thing' as 無意味なもの (mumei na mono) or 重要でないもの (jūyō denai mono) sounds unnatural. Use the phrases above instead.
That's an insignificant thing.
A somewhat formal or literary term for 'trifle' or 'minor matter'. Not common in everyday speech.
彼は小事にこだわらない。
He doesn't fuss over insignificant things.
Emphasizes that something is tiny or puny, often with a nuance of insignificance. Casual.
そんなちっぽけなもの、気にするな。
Don't worry about such a tiny thing.
Means 'it's not a big deal' or 'it's nothing important'. Polite enough for most situations.
大したことではないので、心配しないで。
It's an insignificant thing, so don't worry.