Translation guide
Describes a business, activity, or investment that does not yield financial gain or benefit. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 儲からない (moukaranai), but other expressions exist for formal, written, or nuanced contexts.
To say that a business, product, or activity does not make money.
The most common and natural way to say 'unprofitable' in everyday conversation. It is the negative form of 儲かる (to be profitable).
This shop is not profitable at all.
I can't continue an unprofitable job.
A slightly more formal or analytical way to say 'unprofitable', literally 'profit does not come out'. Used in business contexts.
This business is unprofitable.
Means 'unprofitable' in the sense of not breaking even or not covering costs. Common in business and economic discussions.
This project is unprofitable.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'unprofitable' or 'unremunerative'. Often used in formal business reports or news.
Close unprofitable divisions.
To describe an activity or effort that does not bring any advantage or benefit, not necessarily monetary.
Means 'not worth the effort' or 'unprofitable' in a broad sense. It implies that the return (money, satisfaction, etc.) does not match the input.
This job is not worth the effort.
It's not worth the time spent.
Similar to 割に合わない, meaning 'unprofitable' or 'not paying off'. Slightly more colloquial.
Means 'unprofitable' in the sense of 'futile' or 'useless'. More literary or formal.
儲からない is the most common and casual way to say something is not profitable. 利益が出ない is more formal and often used in business reports. 採算が取れない specifically refers to not covering costs.
This product is unprofitable. (casual)
This product does not yield profit. (formal)
Avoid directly translating 'unprofitable' as 非営利的 (hieiriteki), which means 'non-profit' (as in a non-profit organization). For business contexts, use the expressions above.
It's not profitable if it's this cheap.
無益な議論はやめよう。
Let's stop this unprofitable discussion.