Translation guide
The English word "irrelevant" is used to indicate that something is not connected to or does not affect the current topic or situation. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this, depending on the context and level of formality.
To say that something is not related to the current subject or discussion.
A common and versatile phrase meaning 'not related' or 'has nothing to do with'. Can be used in casual and semi-formal contexts.
それは今の話に関係ないよ。
That's irrelevant to what we're talking about now.
彼の意見はこの問題に関係ない。
His opinion is irrelevant to this issue.
A more formal noun/adjective meaning 'unrelated' or 'irrelevant'. Often used in written or formal speech.
その情報は本件とは無関係です。
That information is irrelevant to this matter.
Polite form of 関係ない. Suitable for formal situations or when speaking to superiors.
それは私の仕事に関係ありません。
That is irrelevant to my work.
Literally 'off the mark', used to describe a comment or point that is irrelevant or misses the point. Slightly colloquial.
彼の質問は的外れだった。
His question was irrelevant (off the point).
To express that something does not matter or is not significant in the current context.
A very common casual phrase meaning 'it doesn't matter' or 'whatever'. Implies that the thing is irrelevant or unimportant. Can sound dismissive.
そんなことはどうでもいい。
That's irrelevant (I don't care about that).
A neutral and clear way to say 'not important'. More formal than どうでもいい.
その点は重要ではない。
That point is irrelevant (not important).
A formal, literary term meaning 'trivial' or 'minor'. Used to dismiss something as irrelevant details.
To indicate that a rule, condition, or statement does not apply to the current situation.
Means 'does not apply' or 'is not applicable'. Used when something is irrelevant because it doesn't fit the criteria.
そのルールはこの場合に当てはまらない。
That rule is irrelevant (does not apply) in this case.
Formal term meaning 'not applicable' or 'not relevant', often used in official documents or procedures.
この条件に該当しない場合は、申請できません。
If you do not meet this condition (if it is irrelevant/applicable), you cannot apply.
The English word 'irrelevant' is often translated directly as 無関係, but in casual conversation, 関係ない is much more natural. Using 無関係 in casual speech can sound stiff or overly formal.
関係ない simply states that something is unrelated. どうでもいい implies a lack of interest or care, and can be rude if used about someone else's concerns. Use 関係ない for neutral statements of irrelevance.
Don't waste time on irrelevant (trivial) issues.