Translation guide
Expresses that something is completely useless or serves no purpose at all. Japanese uses various negative constructions with words like 役に立つ (useful), 無駄 (waste), or 意味 (meaning) to convey this idea.
To say that something is entirely without utility or benefit.
A direct and common way to say 'completely useless.' 全く (mattaku) means 'completely' and 役に立たない (yaku ni tatanai) means 'not useful.'
この道具は全く役に立たない。
This tool is of no use whatsoever.
Literally 'doesn't stand for any use.' 何の (nan no) means 'what kind of' or 'any,' emphasizing the lack of usefulness.
そのアドバイスは何の役にも立たなかった。
That advice was of no use whatsoever.
Means 'it's completely futile/wasteful.' 無駄 (muda) implies waste or futility. Slightly more casual than 役に立たない.
そんなことをしてもまったく無駄だ。
Doing that is of no use whatsoever.
一切 (issai) means 'not at all' or 'absolutely not,' giving a strong sense of total uselessness. Slightly more formal or emphatic.
この説明書は一切役に立たない。
This manual is of no use whatsoever.
Literally 'doesn't become a usable thing.' Implies something is so broken or poor that it cannot serve its purpose. Often used for objects.
このパソコンはもう使い物にならない。
This computer is of no use whatsoever anymore.
To say that an action or effort is futile or has no meaning.
Means 'completely meaningless.' 意味 (imi) is 'meaning.' This is a straightforward way to express pointlessness.
そんなことをしても全く意味がない。
Doing that is of no use whatsoever.
Simply 'it's meaningless.' A concise and common expression.
この議論は無意味だ。
This argument is of no use whatsoever.
Means 'end in vain effort.' 徒労 (torou) is 'fruitless labor.' A more literary or formal expression.
彼の努力は徒労に終わった。
His efforts were of no use whatsoever.
To say that a person is completely incompetent or unhelpful.
Literally 'a person who is completely useless.' Can be used to describe someone's lack of ability or helpfulness.
彼は全く役に立たない人だ。
He is of no use whatsoever.
Similar to above, emphasizing 'any use at all.'
あの新人は何の役にも立たない。
That new employee is of no use whatsoever.
A noun meaning 'useless person' or 'good-for-nothing.' Slightly derogatory and casual.
Do not try to translate 'of no use whatsoever' word-for-word into Japanese. The phrase is an idiomatic intensifier in English. Use the natural Japanese patterns provided, which rely on adverbs like 全く (mattaku) or 何の (nan no) combined with negative forms of 'useful' or 'meaning.'
役に立たない (yaku ni tatanai) focuses on lack of practical utility. 無駄 (muda) emphasizes waste or futility. 意味がない (imi ga nai) stresses meaninglessness. Choose based on what aspect of 'uselessness' you want to highlight.
この本は役に立たない。
This book is not useful (doesn't provide help).
この本は無駄だ。
This book is a waste (of time/money).
この本は意味がない。
This book is meaningless (has no point).
この本は意味がない。
This book is meaningless (has no point).
あいつは本当に役立たずだ。
That guy is of no use whatsoever.