Translation guide
Describes something with no value, use, or importance. Japanese has many nuanced words for worthlessness, from formal to slang, and often uses negative potential forms or set phrases.
To say something is useless, of no value, or not worth anything.
Directly means 'worthless' or 'valueless'. Neutral and formal, used for objects, ideas, or abstract things.
その書類は無価値だ。
That document is worthless.
Literally 'does not stand in use', meaning 'useless'. Very common in everyday speech.
この道具は全然役に立たない。
This tool is completely worthless.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'has no value'. Slightly more colloquial than 無価値.
その情報は価値がない。
That information is worthless.
Means 'futile' or 'wasteful'. Often used for efforts or actions that yield no result.
そんなことをしても無駄だ。
It's worthless to do such a thing.
Means 'trivial' or 'worthless' in a dismissive way. Often used for ideas, jokes, or things considered silly.
そんな話はくだらない。
That story is worthless.
To describe a person as good-for-nothing, incompetent, or lacking worth.
A noun meaning 'good-for-nothing' or 'useless person'. Common and direct.
彼は役立たずだ。
He is worthless.
A derogatory term for a worthless person, often implying laziness or irresponsibility.
Literally 'human trash', a very strong insult meaning utterly worthless person.
Extremely offensive; use with caution.
彼は人間のくずだ。
He is worthless scum.
To say that trying something is pointless or will yield no result.
Pattern meaning 'even if you do ~, it's futile/worthless'. Attach to te-form of verb.
今さら謝っても無駄だ。
It's worthless to apologize now.
Means 'not worth the effort' or 'no point in doing'. Attach to verb stem or noun.
行く甲斐がない。
It's not worth going (worthless to go).
To say something has no monetary value.
Same as above, but specifically for monetary worthlessness.
その株は無価値になった。
Those stocks became worthless.
Literally 'same as waste paper', meaning completely worthless financially.
その契約書は紙くず同然だ。
That contract is worthless.
無価値 is more formal and often used for abstract or objective worthlessness. 役に立たない is everyday language for something that doesn't function or help.
Directly translating 'worthless' as 価値がない is grammatically correct but can sound stiff. Use 役に立たない or 無駄 for natural speech.
That guy is worthless.