Translation guide
Describes something that is not currently in style or not following popular trends. In Japanese, this can be expressed with adjectives, verbs, or descriptive phrases, depending on whether you're talking about clothes, people, or general things.
To say that an item of clothing, accessory, or style is out of fashion or not trendy.
Those clothes are a bit unfashionable.
Literally 'behind the trends'. A neutral, descriptive term for something that is out of fashion. Can be used for clothes, music, etc.
This design is already unfashionable.
Means 'outdated' or 'behind the times'. Stronger than 流行遅れ, implying something is old-fashioned rather than just not currently trendy.
That way of thinking is outdated.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'not popular/trendy'. Can be used for anything, not just fashion.
This pattern isn't trendy right now.
Describes something as unfashionable in a dowdy, frumpy, or unsophisticated way. Often used for clothing or appearance.
That coat looks a bit frumpy, doesn't it?
To describe a person who lacks fashion sense or does not follow trends.
The negative form of おしゃれ (stylish/fashionable). A simple and common way to say someone is not fashionable.
He's not very fashionable.
Literally 'has no sense (of style)'. A common way to say someone lacks fashion sense.
That person has no fashion sense.
Can also describe a person as uncool or unfashionable. Be careful, as it's quite direct and can be rude.
To describe ideas, technology, or things that are no longer modern or relevant.
The go-to word for 'outdated' or 'behind the times'. Works for technology, ideas, methods, etc.
This computer is outdated.
Means 'old-fashioned' or 'stale'. Often has a negative nuance of being musty or out-of-touch. Used for ideas, styles, etc.
Means 'old-style' or 'old model'. Often used for machines, systems, or methods that are not the latest version.
There is no single direct adjective that perfectly matches 'unfashionable' in all contexts. Using 流行らない (はやらない) is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Instead, choose from the options above based on what you want to describe.
These clothes are not popular. (unnatural)
流行遅れ (りゅうこうおくれ) refers specifically to trends and fashion cycles, while 時代遅れ (じだいおくれ) refers to being behind the times in a broader sense, including technology, ideas, and social norms.
That skirt is out of fashion, but it's not outdated.
彼はダサいから、いつも同じ服を着ている。
He's unfashionable, so he always wears the same clothes.
That way of saying it is old-fashioned.
この工場の設備は旧式だ。
The equipment in this factory is old-fashioned.