Translation guide
The English word 'negligible' describes something so small or unimportant that it can be ignored. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, adverbs, and set phrases that emphasize insignificance or lack of impact.
To describe an amount, difference, or effect that is too minor to matter.
Literally 'can be ignored'. A direct and common way to say something is negligible, often used in technical or everyday contexts.
The margin of error is negligible.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'not worth taking up' or 'trivial'. Conveys that something is so insignificant it doesn't deserve attention.
His objection was negligible.
Means 'trivial' or 'minor'. Often used for negligible matters or details. Note: it can also imply something is petty, so context matters.
The issue is negligible.
A somewhat formal adjective meaning 'insignificant' or 'trifling'. Often used with amounts or effects.
The match was decided by a negligible margin.
Literally 'almost nothing'. Emphasizes that something is practically zero or nonexistent. Stronger than 無視できる.
The effect is negligible.
To describe an action or state where the degree is so small it can be ignored.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'negligible' in all contexts. Instead, use phrases like 無視できる or 取るに足らない depending on the nuance.
無視できる focuses on the ability to ignore something (often quantitative), while 些細な emphasizes triviality or pettiness (often qualitative). Use 無視できる for errors, differences, or effects; use 些細な for matters, details, or concerns.
It decreased negligibly.