Translation guide
The English word 'useful' describes something that helps achieve a purpose or is practical. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 便利 (benri), but other words like 役に立つ (yaku ni tatsu) and 有用 (yūyō) are used depending on context and formality.
Describing tools, services, or things that make life easier or more convenient.
The most common word for 'useful' in the sense of convenient, handy, or practical. Used for everyday objects, apps, locations, etc.
このアプリはとても便利です。
This app is very useful.
駅の近くに住んでいて便利だ。
It's useful living near the station.
Literally 'to stand in a role', meaning to be of help or service. Used when something proves useful in a specific situation or for a task.
この辞書は勉強に役に立つ。
This dictionary is useful for studying.
彼のアドバイスがとても役に立った。
His advice was very useful.
Means 'useful' or 'handy', often implying something is treasured for its usefulness. Slightly more formal or written.
この小型ナイフはキャンプで重宝する。
This small knife is useful for camping.
Used in formal, academic, or technical contexts to describe something that has utility or is beneficial.
Formal word for 'useful' or 'beneficial'. Often used in written language, reports, or technical descriptions.
この研究は社会に有用な情報を提供する。
This research provides useful information to society.
Means 'beneficial' or 'profitable', often used for information, advice, or knowledge that is useful and advantageous.
Describing something that is usable or functional, not necessarily convenient but serves a purpose.
The potential form of 使う (to use), meaning 'can be used' or 'usable'. Often used in casual contexts to mean something is useful or functional.
この古いパソコンもまだ使える。
This old computer is still useful.
Means 'practical' or 'functional', emphasizing real-world usefulness rather than theoretical value.
Describing a person or their actions that are helpful or provide assistance.
Also used for people who are helpful or provide useful service.
彼は本当に役に立つ人だ。
He is a really useful person.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be saved' or 'to be a help'. Often used to express that something or someone is useful in a way that relieves a burden.
便利 (benri) emphasizes convenience and ease of use, often for everyday items. 役に立つ (yaku ni tatsu) emphasizes being of help or service in achieving a goal. For example, a smartphone is 便利, while a piece of advice is 役に立つ.
スマホは便利だが、この本は勉強に役に立つ。
Smartphones are convenient, but this book is useful for studying.
有用 (yūyō) is formal and can sound stiff in casual conversation. Stick to 便利 or 役に立つ in everyday speech.
有益なご意見をありがとうございます。
Thank you for your useful feedback.
This design is more useful than it looks.
It was useful that you helped me.