Translation guide
The English phrase 'unworthy of' expresses that someone or something does not deserve a particular thing, status, or treatment. In Japanese, this concept is often conveyed through phrases indicating lack of merit, inadequacy, or not living up to a standard. The most common and natural ways to express this depend on the context: whether it's about a person's character, a reward, or a comparison.
Expressing that someone or something does not merit a positive thing due to lack of quality, effort, or worth.
He is unworthy of the award.
This movie is unworthy of high praise.
Means 'not suitable/appropriate for', often implying unworthiness. Used for people, roles, or honors. More about lacking the proper qualities.
He is unworthy of being a leader.
That behavior is unworthy of him.
Expresses that something is too good for someone/something, implying unworthiness. Often used humbly or to compliment. Casual to neutral.
Those words are too kind for me (I'm unworthy of such praise).
This room is too good for me.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'not a person worthy of'. Used in serious or written contexts.
He is not worthy of trust.
Expressing that someone's actions or character are below what is expected, often in a moral or qualitative sense.
Also used for abstract qualities like trust or respect. See above for details.
His actions are unworthy of respect.
Again, emphasizes lack of suitability. Works for behavior or character.
That remark is unworthy of a gentleman.
Means 'shameful as a ~', implying the person is not living up to the role. More emotional and direct.
That play is unworthy of a professional.
Politely declining or downplaying one's own merit, often in formal situations.
A humble expression meaning 'I am unworthy (of such an honor)' or 'I feel undeserving'. Very polite.
I am unworthy of such words.
Literally 'exceeding one's station', used to humbly say something is too great an honor. Formal.
As above, but explicitly with '私には'. Common in humble speech.
「〜に値しない」 focuses on lacking inherent worth or merit, often for abstract things like trust, praise, or awards. 「〜にふさわしくない」 focuses on lacking suitability or appropriateness for a role, status, or person. They overlap but have different nuances.
He is unworthy of trust. (He doesn't deserve trust because of his character.)
He is unworthy of being a teacher. (He lacks the qualities suitable for a teacher.)
While '価値がない' means 'worthless', it is not a natural translation for 'unworthy of'. It refers to lacking value, not lacking merit for something specific. Use the phrases above instead.
身に余る光栄です。
It is an honor I am unworthy of.
Receiving such a wonderful award, I am unworthy of it.