Translation guide
The English word 'sustainable' is used in several distinct ways. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean environmentally sustainable, able to be maintained long-term, or something that can be endured.
Describing practices, products, or lifestyles that minimize environmental harm and can be continued long-term without depleting resources.
The standard translation for 'sustainable' in environmental, economic, and social contexts. Often used in formal or policy-related language.
持続可能な社会を目指しています。
We are aiming for a sustainable society.
持続可能な開発目標（SDGs）について学びました。
I learned about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A loanword from English, commonly used in marketing, fashion, and lifestyle contexts. Sounds trendy and modern.
このブランドはサステナブルな素材を使っています。
This brand uses sustainable materials.
Short for 'ecological', used in casual conversation for eco-friendly or sustainable choices. Less formal than 持続可能な.
エコな生活を心がけています。
I try to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Referring to a situation, system, or pace that can be kept up over time without failing.
Also used for non-environmental contexts where something can be continued long-term.
このペースは持続可能ではありません。
This pace is not sustainable.
Means 'to last long' or 'to be sustainable' in the sense of enduring over time. Often used for relationships, habits, or businesses.
このやり方では長続きしないよ。
This way of doing things isn't sustainable.
Literally 'able to maintain'. Used for systems, standards, or conditions that can be kept up.
現在の品質を維持できるかどうかが課題です。
Whether we can maintain the current quality is the issue.
Referring to something that can be tolerated or borne, often in a negative context.
The potential form of 耐える (to endure). Used for pain, hardship, or pressure that is bearable.
この痛みはもう耐えられない。
This pain is no longer sustainable.
Means 'able to put up with' or 'tolerable'. More about patience and self-restraint.
この騒音は我慢できるレベルではない。
This noise is not at a sustainable level.
持続可能な is the formal, standard term used in government, academic, and business contexts. サステナブル is a trendy loanword often seen in advertising and lifestyle media. For official documents or serious discussion, stick with 持続可能な.
政府は持続可能なエネルギー政策を発表した。
The government announced a sustainable energy policy.
サステナブルなファッションが若者に人気だ。
Sustainable fashion is popular among young people.
持続可能な is not used for personal physical or emotional endurance. For 'I can't sustain this pain', use 耐えられない or 我慢できない, not 持続可能ではない.
持続可能な解決策を見つける必要があります。
We need to find a sustainable solution.
この成長率は持続可能ですか？
Is this level of growth sustainable?
この仕事量はもう耐えられない。
I can't sustain this workload.