Translation guide
How to express that something is worthless, useless, or of no value in Japanese. Covers objects, ideas, efforts, and people in a derogatory sense.
Describing a physical thing that has no value or is useless.
Literally 'thing without value'. A straightforward, neutral way to say something is worthless.
This is a worthless thing.
Means 'useless thing' or 'good-for-nothing'. Often used for objects that don't serve their purpose.
This machine is useless.
Junk, trash, worthless stuff. Casual and common for physical clutter.
Throw away that worthless junk.
Literally 'boring thing', but often used to humbly refer to a gift or item as 'worthless' out of politeness.
This is just a worthless little thing, but please accept it.
Describing something intangible like an idea, plan, or effort that is futile or without merit.
Means 'meaningless thing'. Used for ideas, actions, or efforts that are pointless.
Such effort is a worthless thing.
Means 'wasteful thing' or 'futile thing'. Emphasizes that it's a waste of time or resources.
That plan was a worthless thing.
Similar to 無価値なもの, but slightly more conversational. 'Thing without value'.
His opinion is a worthless thing.
Insulting or harshly criticizing a person as worthless or good-for-nothing.
Can also refer to a useless person. Strongly derogatory.
That guy is worthless.
Good-for-nothing, bum, worthless person. Very insulting.
Literally 'trash' or 'scum'. Extremely derogatory slang for a worthless person.
Directly translating 'worthless thing' as 無価値な物 is grammatically correct but can sound stiff. Use more natural expressions like 役立たず or がらくた depending on context.
無駄 (muda) emphasizes wastefulness or futility, while 無意味 (muimi) emphasizes lack of meaning or point. Choose based on whether you want to stress wasted effort or inherent pointlessness.
He's a worthless good-for-nothing.
You're worthless scum.