Translation guide
The English phrase 'white elephant' has two main uses: a literal albino elephant, and a figurative meaning of a burdensome, useless possession. This guide covers both.
Referring to an actual elephant with pale skin, often considered sacred in some cultures.
The direct translation, used in historical or religious contexts.
Something that is expensive to maintain or useless, often a gift or project that becomes a liability.
Do not translate the figurative 'white elephant' literally as 白象 (はくぞう) or 白い象 (しろいぞう). Those refer only to the animal. Use idioms like 無用の長物 for the burdensome possession meaning.
タイでは白象は神聖な動物とされています。
In Thailand, white elephants are considered sacred animals.
A more descriptive phrase, literally 'white elephant', used in general contexts.
A white elephant was depicted in the painting.
That vacation home costs too much to maintain; it's a white elephant.
Literally 'baggage', used figuratively for a burden or encumbrance. Less formal.
This project has become a complete white elephant.
A more literal description: 'something that becomes a burden'. Not an idiom, but clear.
That extravagant gift ended up being a white elephant.