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.
That document is worthless.
Literally 'does not stand in use', meaning 'useless'. Very common in everyday speech.
This tool is completely worthless.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'has no value'. Slightly more colloquial than 無価値.
That information is worthless.
Means 'futile' or 'wasteful'. Often used for efforts or actions that yield no result.
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.
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.
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.
He is worthless scum.
To say that trying something is pointless or will yield no result.
To say something has no monetary value.
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.