Translation guide
Describes damage, loss, or mistakes that cannot be fixed or undone. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the focus is on physical repair, emotional recovery, or the finality of a situation.
The mistake is irreparable.
For mistakes or consequences
The speaker wants to say that something is broken beyond physical repair.
A straightforward compound meaning 'repair impossible'. Used for machines, devices, or physical items that cannot be fixed.
This smartphone is irreparable.
The negative potential form of 直す (to fix). Very common in speech. Means 'cannot fix'.
This watch is irreparable now.
Similar to 修理不可能 but often used for larger-scale restoration, like buildings or artworks.
The speaker wants to express that a mistake or damage to a relationship is permanent and cannot be taken back.
Literally 'cannot be taken back'. The most natural way to say something is irreparable in terms of consequences. Used for mistakes, lost opportunities, or ruined relationships.
His slip of the tongue led to irreparable consequences.
Things have already reached an irreparable point.
Means 'cannot return to the original state'. Used for situations or relationships that are permanently changed.
A technical term meaning 'irreversible'. Used in formal or academic contexts, such as describing irreversible processes or decisions.
The speaker wants to describe a deep, often emotional loss that cannot be compensated or healed.
Means 'cannot be compensated for'. Used for losses that cannot be made up for, such as time, trust, or life.
Lost time is irreparable.
Use 修理不可能 for physical objects that cannot be fixed. Use 取り返しがつかない for mistakes, actions, or situations that cannot be undone. Mixing them up can sound unnatural.
The computer is irreparable.
That choice back then is irreparable.
The English word 'irreparable' is often translated directly as 不可修復, but this is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Instead, choose a phrase that matches the context: physical repair, undoing a mistake, or compensating for loss.
The bridge became irreparable due to the earthquake.
Their relationship is irreparable now.
This decision will have an irreparable impact.
Literally 'recovery impossible'. Often used in medical or psychological contexts for irreversible conditions or trauma.
He suffered irreparable damage.