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.
Something that is expensive to maintain or useless, often a gift or project that becomes a liability.
A common idiom meaning 'a useless thing that is more trouble than it's worth'. Fits the figurative sense well.
あの別荘は維持費がかかりすぎて、無用の長物だ。
That vacation home costs too much to maintain; it's a white elephant.
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.
In Thailand, white elephants are considered sacred animals.
A more descriptive phrase, literally 'white elephant', used in general contexts.
その絵には白い象が描かれていた。
A white elephant was depicted in the painting.
Literally 'baggage', used figuratively for a burden or encumbrance. Less formal.
このプロジェクトは完全にお荷物になってしまった。
This project has become a complete white elephant.
A more literal description: 'something that becomes a burden'. Not an idiom, but clear.
その豪華な贈り物は結局負担になるものだった。
That extravagant gift ended up being a white elephant.