Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Good for nothing" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "good for nothing", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
不甲斐ない
ふがいない (fugainai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
穀潰し
ごくつぶし (gokutsubushi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "good for nothing" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 不甲斐ない and 穀潰し.
In Japanese, 不甲斐ない (ふがいない (fugainai)) is typically associated with "good-for-nothing, pathetic, spineless, disappointing" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a person or action lacking spirit, courage, or strength, often leading to disappointment. 期待に応えられず、意気地がない様子や、情けない気持ちを表します。.
On the other hand, 穀潰し (ごくつぶし (gokutsubushi)) maps to "good-for-nothing, idle person, sponger, parasite (literally 'grain waster')" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A derogatory term for someone who lives off others without contributing, wasting resources, or not working. Implies idleness and burden.. A literal translation of "good for nothing" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "不甲斐ない"
不甲斐ない結果に終わり、チームに申し訳ない。
The result was disappointing, and I feel sorry for the team.
Bilingual Context for "穀潰し"
働かずに親のすねをかじる彼は、近所では穀潰しと呼ばれていた。
He, who lived off his parents without working, was called a good-for-nothing by the neighbors.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 結果に終わり、チームに申し訳ない。" (Meaning: "The result was disappointing, and I feel sorry for the team.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "不甲斐ない" fits here because it means "good-for-nothing, pathetic, spineless, disappointing" in the context of: "The result was disappointing, and I feel sorry for the team.". "穀潰し" represents "good-for-nothing, idle person, sponger, parasite (literally 'grain waster')".