Translation guide
This English idiom means that it is futile to oppose or challenge a large, powerful, bureaucratic organization, especially the government. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through various proverbs and set phrases that convey the idea of powerlessness against authority, the wisdom of yielding to superior force, or the futility of resistance.
Expressing that it is useless to resist or challenge a powerful organization or government.
A common proverb meaning 'If you can't beat them, join them' or 'It is wise to yield to a stronger force.' It suggests that when faced with a powerful entity, it's better to go along with it rather than resist.
役所に文句を言っても無駄だよ。長いものには巻かれろって言うだろ。
It's no use complaining to the city office. You know the saying, 'If you can't beat them, join them.'
Conveying resignation to a situation where fighting back is pointless.
A common expression meaning 'It can't be helped' or 'There's nothing you can do about it.' Used when a situation is beyond one's control, including against bureaucratic decisions.
市役所の決定にはどうにもならない。
There's nothing we can do about the city hall's decision.
Do not translate 'you can't fight City Hall' literally into Japanese. Phrases like '市役所と戦えない' sound odd and do not convey the idiomatic meaning. Use the proverbs or expressions above instead.
The choice of expression depends on the situation. '長いものには巻かれろ' is a general proverb about yielding to power, while 'どうにもならない' is a more direct statement of helplessness. For specifically opposing government authority, '官軍に逆らうな' is more pointed but less common.
税金の決定に異議を申し立てようとしたが、長いものには巻かれろだ。
I tried to appeal the tax decision, but you can't fight City Hall.
また申請が却下された。どうにもならないよ。
They rejected my application again. You can't fight City Hall.
A proverb meaning 'You cannot win against a crying child or a feudal lord (authority).' It emphasizes the futility of arguing with someone who won't listen to reason, like a powerful official.
泣く子と地頭には勝てぬというから、今回は諦めよう。
They say you can't win against a crying child or a feudal lord, so let's give up this time.
Literally 'Don't oppose the government army.' A more direct warning not to resist authority, often used in contexts of clear power imbalance.
官軍に逆らうなと言われても、納得できない。
Even if they say 'Don't oppose the government,' I can't accept it.
Means 'It can't be helped' or 'There's no other way.' Often used to express resignation when facing an unchangeable situation, such as a bureaucratic ruling.
規則だから仕方がない。
It's the rules, so it can't be helped.
Literally 'to cry oneself to sleep,' meaning to accept an unjust situation without protest because resistance is futile. Often used when one is forced to give up against a powerful entity.
役所の不当な扱いに泣き寝入りするしかなかった。
I had no choice but to swallow my tears and accept the unfair treatment by the city office.