余計な
yokei na
The English word unnecessary is expressed in Japanese as 余計な (yokei na). Wiktionary also lists 不要な (fuyō na).
Meaning: not necessary (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 余計な | yokei na |
| 不要な | fuyō na |
Japanese has several ways to express that something is not needed. The phrase 余計なこと (yokei na koto) is a very common way to refer to 'meddling' or 'saying/doing things one shouldn't have'.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun part of 余計な literally means 'surplus' or 'excess'.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, 不要な is a more neutral, formal and objective term used to describe things that are simply not needed or required, such as unnecessary expenses or unnecessary items.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both 余計な and 不要な are na-adjectives, meaning they require the particle な when directly modifying a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
yokei na
Did you know?
- If you are told 余計なお世話 (yokei na osewa), it is a sharp, idiomatic way of saying 'mind your own business'. It literally translates to 'unnecessary help', turning a helpful act into a criticism of meddling.
- The character 余 (yo) used in 余計 (yokei) is the same character used in Japanese mathematics to denote the 'remainder' in a division problem.
- The word 余計 (yokei) can function as an intensifier meaning 'even more' or 'all the more'. In this context, it describes a situation where an existing condition is made even more extreme.
Examples in context
- 余計なことしやがって。That is unnecessary, damn it!This sentence uses 余計な to express frustration at someone doing something unnecessary.Tatoeba #10976989 by small_snow, translation #13693326 by terrywallwork
- トムがまた余計なこと言わなければいいんだけど。It would be nice if Tom didn't keep making unnecessary remarks.This sentence uses 余計な to describe someone making unnecessary remarks.Tatoeba #2906664 by tommy_san, translation #2915791 by patgfisher
- その提案は不要です。That proposal is unnecessary.
- お手伝いは必要でないです。Help is not necessary.
- これは要らないよ。This is unnecessary.
- お金はいらねえから。Because I don't need money.
Example conversation
Ren is helping Himari pack for a trip.
- 蓮 Renその服は余計な気がするよ。Sono fuku wa yokeina ki ga suru yo.I feel like those clothes are unnecessary.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、予備があったほうがいいと思う。Demo, yobi ga atta hou ga ii to omou.But I think it's better to have spares.
- 蓮 Ren荷物が重くなるだけだよ。Nimotsu ga omoku naru dake da yo.It will just make your luggage heavier.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった。じゃあ、一つ減らすね。Wakatta. Jaa, hitotsu herasu ne.I understand. I'll take one out then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unnecessary” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
