Translation guide
This phrase describes someone who is out of touch with current trends, technology, or social norms. In Japanese, it is often expressed through adjectives, verbs, or set phrases that convey being behind the times, old-fashioned, or unable to keep up.
Describing a person who doesn't understand or follow current trends, especially in technology or pop culture.
Literally 'behind the times'. A common, neutral way to say someone or something is outdated.
彼は時代遅れだ。
He is behind the times.
その考え方は時代遅れだ。
That way of thinking is outdated.
Means 'to miss the trend' or 'to be late to catch on'. Emphasizes failing to keep up with what's popular.
彼はいつも流行に乗り遅れている。
He's always behind the trends.
Simply means 'old'. Can be used for ideas, methods, or people who are old-fashioned.
彼の考え方は古い。
His way of thinking is old.
Literally 'to be left behind by the times'. Stronger, more dramatic expression.
彼は時代に取り残されている。
He's been left behind by the times.
Describing someone who holds outdated views or fails to understand modern social changes.
Means 'way of thinking is old'. Directly addresses outdated mindset.
彼は考え方が古いから、今の若者を理解できない。
His way of thinking is old, so he can't understand today's youth.
Literally 'head is hard'. Means stubborn, inflexible, unable to accept new ideas.
彼は頭が固くて、新しいやり方を受け入れない。
He's stubborn and won't accept new ways of doing things.
Means 'conservative'. Often used for people resistant to social change.
Specifically about not understanding or using modern technology.
Means 'unfamiliar with IT'. Common way to say someone is not tech-savvy.
彼はITに疎くて、スマホも使えない。
He's clueless about IT and can't even use a smartphone.
Means 'weak with digital things'. Casual way to say someone struggles with technology.
うちの父はデジタルに弱くて、パソコンが苦手だ。
My dad is bad with digital stuff and struggles with computers.
Literally 'machine tone-deaf'. Means someone who is hopeless with machines or technology.
The English phrase 'not getting with the times' is idiomatic. Directly translating it word-for-word into Japanese will sound unnatural. Use the expressions above instead.
He's conservative and can't keep up with the changing times.
私は機械音痴で、新しいガジェットはいつも使いこなせない。
I'm hopeless with machines and can never figure out new gadgets.