Translation guide
Expresses that something is insignificant, trivial, or of little value or consequence. Often used to downplay achievements, amounts, or importance.
To say that something is not important, not a big deal, or of little consequence.
A common, neutral way to say 'it's not a big deal' or 'it's nothing much'. Can be used in various contexts.
その問題は大したことではない。
That problem is not amounting to much.
What he said didn't amount to much.
Literally 'not worth taking up'. Means trivial, insignificant, or negligible. Slightly more formal or written.
彼の意見は取るに足らないものだ。
His opinion doesn't amount to much.
Implies that something is limited or not as great as it seems. Often used when downplaying someone's ability or the extent of something.
彼の才能なんてたかが知れている。
His talent doesn't amount to much.
Similar to 大したことではない, but emphasizes the thing itself is not impressive. Slightly more concrete.
この絵は大したものではない。
This painting doesn't amount to much.
To indicate that an amount, sum, or result is very small or negligible.
Means 'a trifling amount' or 'insignificant sum'. Often used for money, numbers, or results.
彼の貯金は微々たるものだ。
His savings don't amount to much.
その差は微々たるものだった。
The difference didn't amount to much.
Also used for quantities, implying 'it's only so much' or 'it's not that much'.
彼の収入なんてたかが知れている。
His income doesn't amount to much.
Means 'only', 'merely', 'a little'. Can be used to say something is a small amount, but needs context to convey 'not amounting to much'.
To express that someone or something fails to be impressive or significant, often contrary to what was expected.
A very common way to say someone or something is 'not much', 'nothing special'. Can be used dismissively.
彼は大したことはないよ。
He doesn't amount to much.
あの映画は大したことはなかった。
That movie didn't amount to much.
Casual contraction of 大したものではない. Common in spoken Japanese.
彼の料理はたいしたものじゃない。
His cooking doesn't amount to much.
Stronger negative nuance: 'not worth much', 'no good'. Implies something is worthless or of poor quality.
彼の作品はろくなものではない。
His work doesn't amount to much.
大したことではない is the most common and neutral way to say 'not a big deal'. 取るに足らない is more literary and emphasizes triviality or worthlessness. In casual speech, 大したことない is often used.
大したことないよ。
It's no big deal.
そんな意見は取るに足らない。
Such an opinion is not worth considering.
Avoid directly translating 'not amounting to much' word-for-word. Phrases like 多くに達しない are unnatural. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.
多くに達しない
(Unnatural literal translation)
The results didn't amount to much.