Translation guide
The English word "wasteful" describes using resources carelessly or without need. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that focus on the idea of something being a waste (mottainai), being extravagant or lavish (zeitaku), or using too much (muda). The most common and culturally significant word is もったいない, which carries a sense of regret over waste.
Expressing that something is too good to waste, or feeling regret over wasting a resource, opportunity, or item. This is the most common and natural way to say 'wasteful' in Japanese.
An adjective meaning 'wasteful' in the sense of 'too good to waste' or 'what a waste'. It expresses regret over not using something fully. It can be used for food, time, talent, opportunities, etc. Very common in daily speech.
It's wasteful to throw it away when you can still eat it.
It's a waste not to use his talent.
A phrase meaning 'to do something wasteful'. Often used when someone is being wasteful.
Please don't be so wasteful.
Describing actions or habits that use too much money, time, space, etc., without good reason. Focuses on excess or lack of efficiency.
A na-adjective meaning 'wasteful', 'useless', or 'futile'. It describes something that serves no purpose or is done in vain. Often used for effort, time, money. 無駄遣い (むだづかい) means 'wasteful spending'.
Leaving the lights on is wasteful.
Let's stop the wasted effort.
A na-adjective meaning 'uneconomical' or 'wasteful' in terms of efficiency or cost. Slightly more formal.
This system is wasteful.
Describing a lifestyle, spending, or use of resources that is excessively luxurious or showy. Implies wastefulness through overindulgence.
A na-adjective meaning 'luxurious' or 'extravagant'. It can be positive (treating oneself) or negative (wasteful excess). Context determines nuance.
Eating out every day is extravagant (wasteful).
A luxurious lifestyle is a waste of resources.
A verb meaning 'to waste' or 'to squander', especially money, time, or resources. Often used in formal contexts.
He wasted his entire salary.
Specifically referring to wasting money on unnecessary things.
もったいない expresses regret over waste, implying the thing wasted had value. 無駄 simply means 'useless' or 'futile', without the emotional regret. For example, leaving lights on is 無駄 (pointless waste), but throwing away perfectly good food is もったいない (a shameful waste).
In English, you might say 'He is wasteful.' In Japanese, it's more natural to describe the action: 彼は無駄遣いが多い (He does a lot of wasteful spending) or 彼はもったいないことをする (He does wasteful things). Avoid directly saying 彼は無駄だ, which would mean 'He is useless.'
Don't be wasteful with water.
It's wasteful to print everything.