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.
A very common casual word meaning 'uncool' or 'lame'. Often used for clothes or style. Can be insulting, so use with care.
その服、ちょっとダサいよ。
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.
このデザインはもう流行遅れだ。
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Means 'outdated' or 'behind the times'.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.
その考え方は時代遅れだ。
That way of thinking is outdated.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'not popular/trendy'. Can be used for anything, not just fashion.
この柄は今流行っていない。
This pattern isn't trendy right now.
Describes something as unfashionable in a dowdy, frumpy, or unsophisticated way. Often used for clothing or appearance.
そのコート、なんだか野暮ったいね。
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.
彼はあまりおしゃれじゃない。
He's not very fashionable.
Literally 'has no sense (of style)'. A common way to say someone lacks fashion sense.
あの人はファッションセンスがない。
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The go-to word for 'outdated' or 'behind the times'.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.
このコンピューターは時代遅れだ。
This computer is outdated.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.
この服は流行らない。
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.
そのスカートは流行遅れだが、時代遅れではない。
That skirt is out of fashion, but it's not outdated.
He's unfashionable, so he always wears the same clothes.
その言い方は古くさいよ。
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.