Translation guide
The English phrase 'waste of time' describes an activity that is pointless, unproductive, or not worth doing. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey futility or inefficiency. The most common and direct equivalent is 時間の無駄, but other expressions vary by nuance and formality.
It's a waste of time.
To say that something is a pointless or unproductive use of time.
The most direct and common translation. Used in both casual and formal contexts to describe an activity that is a waste of time.
Doing that is a waste of time.
The meeting was a waste of time.
Literally 'wasted time', often used to describe a period of time that was spent unproductively.
I ended up wasting time.
A noun/adjective meaning 'waste' or 'futility'. Can be used alone when context makes it clear you're talking about time.
A verb phrase meaning 'to waste time'. Useful when describing the action of wasting time.
I wasted time on games.
To emphasize that an action is not only a waste of time but also hopeless or pointless.
Literally 'wasted bones/effort'. Used when effort yields no result. Stronger than 時間の無駄.
Trying to persuade him is a waste of time and effort.
A proverb meaning 'all pain and no gain'. Very expressive but less common in daily speech.
To describe an activity that is not only unproductive but also dull or annoying.
Combines 'boring' with 'waste of time' to emphasize the unpleasantness.
That lecture was a boring waste of time.
To say that an activity is not worth the time investment.
Means 'not worth doing'. Often used when the outcome doesn't justify the time spent.
It's not worth the time to take that risk.
Literally 'not worth allocating time'. More formal and explicit about time.
The English verb 'waste' can be translated as 無駄にする, but in Japanese, it's more natural to use the noun phrase 時間の無駄 or the adjective 無駄な. Using 浪費する (to squander) is possible but sounds more formal or literary.
時間の無駄 is a noun phrase meaning 'a waste of time' (the act or thing). 無駄な時間 is an adjective-noun phrase meaning 'wasted time' (the time itself). Use 時間の無駄 to judge an activity, and 無駄な時間 to describe a period.
The meeting is a waste of time.
I spent wasted time.
Arguing with him is a waste of time.
I don't want to waste any more time.
That's a waste (of time).
This project was a complete waste of time and effort.
This issue isn't worth spending time on.