Translation guide
The English phrase "no good" is used to express that something is unacceptable, useless, hopeless, or not allowed. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various words and phrases are used depending on the nuance. This guide covers the most common ways to convey the idea of "no good" in natural Japanese.
Expressing that something is not permitted, not acceptable, or that a situation is hopeless. This is the most common and versatile meaning.
The most common and versatile word for "no good." It can mean not allowed, useless, hopeless, or broken. Used in casual and formal contexts.
Smoking here is no good. (You can't smoke here.)
Often used in the pattern 〜てはいけない to mean "must not" or "it's no good if you do..." Slightly more formal than 駄目.
Used in the pattern 〜てはならない, similar to いけない but more formal and often found in rules or written instructions.
Casual way to say "it's no good" or "you can't do that." The よ adds emphasis.
Doing that is no good, you know.
Polite way to ask "Is it no good?" or "Is it not allowed?"
Is this seat no good?
Describing something that doesn't function, is broken, or is futile.
Again, 駄目 is the go-to word. It can mean that a machine is broken, a plan is futile, or a person is hopeless.
Expressing that something is of low quality or unsatisfactory.
Can be used to say that a result or performance is no good.
Saying that an action or person is morally bad or misbehaving.
Often used to scold children or point out bad behavior.
The phrase "no good" cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Expressions like 良くない (not good) or 駄目 (no good) are used depending on context. Using いいえ良い (literally "no good") is incorrect.
駄目 is the most versatile and common in everyday speech. いけない and ならない are used in formal prohibitions (〜てはいけない/ならない). ならない is slightly more formal and often found in written rules.
This phone is no good. It won't turn on.
It's no good anymore. (I'm done for / It's hopeless.)
遅刻してはいけません。
Being late is no good. (You must not be late.)
ここに入ってはならない。
Entering here is no good. (You must not enter here.)
This computer is no good anymore. (It's broken.)
He's a no-good guy. (He's useless.)
Literally "doesn't serve a purpose." More specific than 駄目 for describing something as useless or unhelpful.
This tool is completely no good. (It's useless.)
Means futile, wasteful, or pointless. Used when effort or action yields no result.
Resistance is no good. (It's futile.)
This test score is no good.
Simply means "not good." A straightforward, less colloquial alternative.
This movie is not very good. (It's no good.)
Means "the worst" or "terrible." Stronger than 駄目, used when something is really bad.
That store's service is no good. (It's the worst.)
Telling lies is no good.
Simply means "bad." Can be used for moral judgments.
Deceiving people is no good. (It's a bad thing.)
ここに駐車しては駄目です。
You can't park here. It's no good.