Translation guide
The English word 'unimportant' describes things that lack significance, value, or priority. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on context: whether you're describing a trivial matter, a minor detail, or something not worth worrying about. Common expressions include 重要ではない, 大したことではない, and どうでもいい.
Describing something as not important, not significant, or not worth attention.
A direct and neutral way to say 'not important'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
その問題は重要ではない。
That issue is unimportant.
Literally 'it's not a big thing'. Very common in spoken Japanese to downplay something.
そんなの大したことじゃないよ。
That's not a big deal.
Expresses that something doesn't matter or is of no concern. Can sound dismissive or indifferent.
彼の意見はどうでもいい。
His opinion is unimportant (I don't care).
Means 'trivial' or 'minor'. Often used for small, unimportant details.
些細な間違いを気にするな。
Don't worry about unimportant mistakes.
Literally 'not worth taking up'. A more literary expression for something insignificant.
彼の反論は取るに足らないものだった。
His counterargument was unimportant.
Indicating that something is not a priority or can be ignored for now.
Means 'it can be put off' or 'it's not urgent'. Implies the matter is unimportant relative to other tasks.
その仕事は後回しでいいよ。
That task is unimportant (can be done later).
Literally 'low priority'. Used in business or planning contexts.
この案件は優先度が低い。
This matter is unimportant (low priority).
Reassuring someone that something is not important enough to cause concern.
Means 'you don't need to worry about it'. Very common in casual reassurance.
そんなの気にしなくていいよ。
That's unimportant, don't worry about it.
Literally 'it doesn't become a problem'. Used to say something is not an issue.
その程度のミスは問題にならない。
A mistake of that level is unimportant.
Direct translations like '重要じゃない' are grammatically correct but can sound stiff. In casual speech, phrases like '大したことない' or 'どうでもいい' are more natural depending on the nuance.
どうでもいい implies indifference or dismissiveness, while 重要ではない is a neutral statement of fact. Use どうでもいい carefully as it can sound rude.