Translation guide
Expressing value, merit, or advisability in Japanese. The most common pattern uses 〜価値がある (worth doing / worth the value). Other patterns include 〜甲斐がある (worth the effort), 〜に値する (worthy of), and 〜たものだ (it's worth doing for the experience). For monetary worth, use 〜の価値がある or 〜に相当する.
This movie is worth watching.
I think that book is worth reading.
Emphasizes that the effort or trouble was worth it, often after a struggle. Attach to the past tense (た-form) or noun + の.
It was worth the effort.
Waking up early was worth it; I got to see a beautiful sunrise.
Used to say that doing something is a worthwhile experience, often with a nostalgic or advisory tone. Attach to the past tense.
It's worth traveling while you're young.
Expressing that something is worth its price or has equivalent value.
Used for monetary or inherent value. Attach to a noun or amount.
This painting is worth one million yen.
That ring is worth that much.
Means 'equivalent to' in value or amount. More formal.
Means 'good value' or 'worth the money' in a bargain sense. Often used in shopping contexts.
This set is a great deal (worth the money).
Expressing that someone or something deserves a particular quality or action.
Formal pattern meaning 'worthy of' or 'deserving of'. Attach to nouns or verbs (dictionary form).
He is a person worthy of trust.
That proposal is worth considering.
Used to acknowledge that someone/something lives up to their reputation or is worthy of praise. Often follows a reason.
As expected of a pro; he's worth his salt.
Expressing that something is not worth the trouble or has no value.
Expressing that something is significant enough to be mentioned.
価値がある is the general 'worth doing' pattern. 甲斐がある emphasizes that the effort or hardship was rewarded. Use 甲斐がある when you want to highlight that the result justified the struggle.
This book is worth reading (general value).
Staying up all night to study was worth it (effort rewarded).
Saying 彼は価値がある (He has value) can sound objectifying. Use 〜に値する or 〜だけのことはある to describe a person's worthiness.
He is worthy of trust.
Is it worth going?
It's not worth the risk.
It was worth the wait.
This job is worth a monthly salary of 500,000 yen.
It's not worth explaining to him (it's useless).
After all this practice, it's not worth it if we lose.
His achievements are worth special mention.