Translation guide
Expressing that something is hard to believe, either positively (amazing) or negatively (shocking, absurd). Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance.
unbelievable (amazing)
Expressing admiration or pleasant surprise at something extraordinary.
Literally 'I can't believe it'. The most direct and versatile expression, used for both positive and negative situations. Tone and context determine the nuance.
This scenery is unbelievably beautiful.
A very common casual word meaning 'amazing' or 'incredible'. Often used as an exclamation.
Means 'astonishing' or 'remarkable'. More formal and often used in writing or speeches.
His achievements are unbelievable.
Expresses that something is outrageous or extraordinary, often in a positive sense. Can also be used negatively.
Reacting to something bad, absurd, or unacceptable that is hard to believe.
Same phrase as the positive use, but with a negative tone. Often said with a falling intonation or followed by a negative comment.
Unbelievable! Late again?
Literally 'impossible' or 'can't exist'. Very common for expressing disbelief at something absurd or unacceptable.
An interjection meaning 'No way!' or 'It can't be!'. Used when you hear shocking news.
Literally 'It's a lie, right?'. Very common casual reaction to surprising or unbelievable news.
Unbelievable! You won the lottery?
Stating that something is difficult to accept as true, without strong emotional charge.
A more formal and objective way to say 'hard to believe'. Used in serious contexts.
His story was unbelievable.
Means 'hard to believe immediately' or 'not easily believable'. Often used when something is so surprising you need time to accept it.
Literally 'unthinkable'. Used when something is beyond imagination or seems impossible.
It's unbelievable that he would do such a thing.
信じられない is a direct translation of 'unbelievable' and works in most situations. ありえない is stronger and implies something is logically impossible or unacceptable, often used when you're upset or criticizing.
While 信じられない is correct, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often use ありえない, 嘘でしょ, or まさか to express disbelief. Using 信じられない in every situation can sound a bit stiff or overly dramatic.
すごい！本当にやったの？
Unbelievable! Did you really do that?
You have unbelievable talent.
そんなミス、ありえないよ。
That kind of mistake is unbelievable.
Unbelievable, I can't believe he's quitting.
The news was unbelievable at first.