Translation guide
Describes something that cannot be undone, reversed, or returned to its original state. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on whether the focus is on a process, decision, change, or damage.
Expressing that an action, process, or change is permanent and cannot be reversed.
The most direct equivalent, often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts. Can describe processes, changes, or decisions.
This is an irreversible change.
We made an irreversible decision.
Literally 'cannot return to the original state.' Common in everyday speech for actions or situations that cannot be undone.
Once you delete it, it's irreversible.
This operation cannot be undone.
Means 'irretrievable' or 'cannot be undone,' often used for serious mistakes or losses. Carries a nuance of regret.
I made an irreversible mistake.
Literally 'cannot go back,' used for situations where retreat or reversal is impossible, often in progress or life choices.
We've reached a point of no return.
Describing damage to objects, body, or environment that cannot be repaired or healed.
Means 'irreparable' or 'beyond repair.' Used for physical objects, data, or sometimes relationships.
The hard drive is in an irreversible state.
Adjectival form of 不可逆, used in medical or scientific contexts for irreversible conditions.
Everyday expression meaning 'won't be the same as before,' used for changes that are permanent.
Emphasizing that a choice or course of action cannot be taken back.
Describing the unstoppable passage of time or societal changes.
While 不可逆 is the direct translation, it sounds technical. In everyday conversation, use phrases like 元に戻せない or 取り返しがつかない to sound natural.
元に戻せない is neutral and factual ('cannot be undone'). 取り返しがつかない carries a stronger sense of regret or irretrievable loss, often used for mistakes.
irreversible organ damage
This scar might be irreversible.