Translation guide
Expressing that something is not wanted, undesired, or unwelcome. Japanese uses adjectives, verbs, and passive constructions depending on whether you're talking about objects, people, actions, or feelings.
Describing an object, item, or thing that is not desired or needed.
Common adjective meaning 'unnecessary' or 'unwanted'. Used for objects, documents, items. Neutral formality.
Please throw away unwanted items.
This document is unwanted/unnecessary.
Casual, everyday way to say 'don't need' or 'unwanted'. From the verb 要る (いる, to need). Very common in speech.
I donated unwanted clothes.
You don't want this? (Is this unwanted?)
Similar to 不要 but often used for things that are not used or have no use. Can appear in formal contexts like 'unwanted goods'.
We collect unwanted goods.
Describing a person whose presence is not welcome or desired.
Passive form meaning 'not welcomed'. Used for people who are unwanted in a place or group.
He was an unwanted guest at the party.
Literally 'hindrance person'. Means an unwanted person who is in the way or a nuisance. Somewhat strong.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'not invited' or 'unwanted'. Often used humorously or in set phrases like 'お呼びでない？' (Are you unwanted here?).
You're unwanted here. (lit. You're not called for here.)
Describing an action, event, or outcome that is not desired.
Adjective meaning 'undesirable' or 'unwanted'. Used for situations, results, behaviors. Formal nuance.
It led to an unwanted outcome.
That behavior is unwanted.
Means 'extra', 'unnecessary', or 'unwanted' when referring to actions, comments, or interference. Often used in admonishments.
Don't do anything unwanted/unnecessary.
Describing emotions, thoughts, or memories that are intrusive or undesired.
Verb phrase meaning 'do not desire'. Used for unwanted feelings, pregnancies, etc. Slightly formal.
unwanted pregnancy
Unwanted feelings welled up.
Means 'unwilling' or 'reluctant', often used for unwanted situations one is forced into. Formal.
I was ordered to take an unwanted transfer.
Describing unsolicited attention, calls, emails, etc.
Adjective meaning 'annoying', 'troublesome', or 'unwanted' (as in nuisance). Commonly used for spam, unwanted calls, harassment.
I get a lot of unwanted emails.
I blocked unwanted calls.
Also used for unwanted communications, especially in formal settings.
不要 (ふよう) is more formal and often used in written instructions or official contexts. いらない is casual and conversational. Use いらない with friends, 不要 in signs or documents.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'unwanted'. Translating directly as '欲しくない' (ほしくない) is only for things you personally don't want to possess, and can sound childish or blunt. Choose the expression based on context.
He was treated as an unwanted person.
余計なお世話だ。
Mind your own business. (lit. It's unwanted help.)
Please refrain from unwanted contact.