体によくない in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'unhealthy' or 'bad for the body'.
  • Used for food, habits, and lifestyle choices.
  • A common warning phrase in everyday Japanese.
  • Implies negative physical health effects.
Literal Meaning
Literally translates to 'not good for the body'.
Core Concept
It describes something that has a negative impact on one's physical health.
Usage Context
This phrase is commonly used to warn about food, habits, or environmental factors that can be detrimental to health.
Nuance
It's a general statement of unhealthiness, implying a lack of nutritional value or the presence of harmful components.

Sweets are often 体によくない.

Sweets are often unhealthy.

This fried food is 体によくない if you eat it too often.

This fried food is unhealthy if you eat it too often.
Common Associations
Often associated with sugary drinks, excessive processed foods, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Everyday Use
You'll hear this in casual conversations, especially when discussing diet, exercise, or health advice.
Basic Structure
The phrase 体によくない is an adjective phrase. It typically follows the noun it modifies, often with the particle 'は' (wa) or 'が' (ga) if the noun is the subject, or it can be used predicatively at the end of a sentence.
Sentence Patterns
1. [Noun] は/が 体によくないです。(Noun is unhealthy.)
2. 体によくない [Noun] (Unhealthy Noun)
3. [Noun] は 体によくない。(Noun is unhealthy. - more direct)

このお菓子は体によくないから、あまり食べないようにしよう。

This snack is unhealthy, so I should try not to eat it too much.

夜遅くに食べることは体によくないと言われています。

Eating late at night is said to be unhealthy.
Adding Emphasis
You can add adverbs like 'とても' (totemo - very) or '少し' (sukoshi - a little) to modify the degree of unhealthiness, though it's less common to say 'very unhealthy' in a direct way unless it's a serious matter.
Politeness
Adding 'です' (desu) at the end makes the statement more polite, suitable for general conversation. Omitting it makes it more direct and blunt.

運動不足は体によくない生活習慣です。

Lack of exercise is an unhealthy lifestyle habit.
Health Discussions
This phrase is very common in everyday conversations about health and diet. You'll hear it from friends, family, doctors, or even in media discussions about nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Food Reviews and Advice
When people talk about food, especially sweets, fried items, or highly processed snacks, they might use this phrase to describe them. It's a common way to express that something isn't good for you.
Medical Professionals
Doctors or health advisors might use this phrase to explain the consequences of certain behaviors or diets. For instance, a doctor might tell a patient that smoking is 体によくない.
Parental Advice
Parents often use this phrase to discourage their children from eating unhealthy foods or engaging in unhealthy habits. 'Too much sugar is 体によくないよ' (Too much sugar is unhealthy, you know).
Public Health Campaigns
You might see or hear this phrase in public health campaigns promoting healthy eating or lifestyle choices. It's a clear and simple message for the general public.

テレビの健康番組で、この料理は体によくないと解説していました。

On the TV health program, they explained that this dish is unhealthy.

母親が「そんなに甘いものは体によくないよ」と言っていました。

My mother said, 'That much sweets is unhealthy, you know.'
Overuse
Learners sometimes overuse this phrase for anything slightly unhealthy. While it's a general term, more specific vocabulary might be better if you want to convey a particular type of unhealthiness (e.g., too fatty, too salty).
Misunderstanding Nuance
Confusing it with phrases that imply immediate danger or severe illness. 体によくない is usually a general caution about long-term or cumulative effects, not an acute poisoning.
Grammatical Errors
Incorrect placement of the phrase in a sentence. For example, placing it before the noun without proper modification or using it as a verb.
Using it for Non-Physical Things
This phrase is specifically for physical health. Using it to describe something that is mentally or emotionally harmful (e.g., a toxic relationship) might not be the most natural fit, although context could allow it. More specific terms would be better.
Direct Translation Pitfalls
Trying to translate English idioms directly. For instance, 'junk food' is often described as 体によくない, but a direct literal translation of 'junk' wouldn't work.

Mistake: 勉強しないことは体によくない

Mistake: Not studying is unhealthy (physically).

Corrected: 勉強しないことは将来によくないかもしれない。

Corrected: Not studying might not be good for the future.
不健康 (fukenkō)
This is a direct noun meaning 'unhealthy' or 'ill health'. It's more formal and less conversational than 体によくない. You might say 健康状態が不健康だ (health condition is unhealthy).
体に悪い (karada ni warui)
This is a very close synonym, almost interchangeable with 体によくない. '悪い' (warui) means 'bad'. It's equally common and informal.
健康に良くない (kenkō ni yoku nai)
This means 'not good for health'. It's a more direct and slightly more formal way to express the same idea as 体によくない.
体に害がある (karada ni gai ga aru)
This means 'harmful to the body'. It implies a stronger, more direct negative impact, perhaps even dangerous. It's less common for everyday food items unless they are known toxins.
有害 (yūgai)
This is a more formal term meaning 'harmful' or 'toxic'. It's often used in official warnings or scientific contexts, like 有害物質 (harmful substances).

Comparison: 体によくない vs. 体に悪い

Both are very similar and commonly used.

Comparison: 体によくない vs. 有害

有害 is much stronger and more formal, often implying danger.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 体によくない is very common for food and lifestyle, the word 身体 (shintai) is often used for the physical body in more medical or formal contexts. However, for general health advice, 体 (karada) is more frequently used.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑːɹəˈdɑː ni ˈjɔːku ˈnɑɪ/
US /kɑːɹəˈdɑː ni ˈjɔːku ˈnaɪ/
The primary stress tends to fall on the first syllable of 'karada' (KA-ra-da) and the first syllable of 'yoku' (YO-ku). The 'nai' part is often pronounced with a slightly rising intonation when used at the end of a sentence.
Rhymes With
yoku nai warui sugiru shizuka atsui samui hayai osoi
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'u' in 'yoku' too strongly.
  • Not differentiating the 'n' sound in 'nai'.
  • Incorrectly stressing syllables.
  • Omitting the 'ni' particle.
  • Pronouncing 'karada' with a hard 'd' sound instead of a softer 'r' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

This phrase is frequently encountered in everyday reading materials such as blogs, health articles, and product labels. Its simple structure and common usage make it relatively easy to understand for learners at the B1 level and above.

Writing 2/5
Speaking 2/5
Listening 2/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

体 (karada) 良い (yoi/ii) ない (nai) です (desu) は (wa)

Learn Next

体に悪い (karada ni warui) 健康 (kenkō) 影響 (eikyō) 生活習慣 (seikatsu shūkan) 食べ物 (tabemono)

Advanced

体に害がある (karada ni gai ga aru) 不健康 (fukenkō) 有害 (yūgai) 健康に良くない (kenkō ni yoku nai) 病気 (byōki)

Grammar to Know

Using particles like は (wa) and が (ga) to mark the subject.

このジュース体に良くないです。 (This juice is unhealthy.)
このジュース体に良くないです。 (This juice is unhealthy. - emphasizes the juice itself)

Using the plain form of adjectives before nouns (pre-nominal modification).

体に良くない食べ物を避ける。 (Avoid unhealthy food.)

Using 〜から (kara) or 〜ので (node) to express reason.

体に良くないから、食べない。 (Because it's unhealthy, I won't eat it.)

Using 〜と言われています (to iwarete imasu) for hearsay or common knowledge.

ジャンクフードは体に良くないと言われています。 (Junk food is said to be unhealthy.)

Using 〜ようにする (yō ni suru) to express trying to do something.

体に良くないものを食べないようにします。 (I will try not to eat unhealthy things.)

Examples by Level

1

これは体に良くない。

This is not good for the body.

Basic sentence structure with 'kore wa' (this is) and the adjective phrase.

2

お菓子は体に良くない。

Sweets are not good for the body.

Using a general noun 'okashi' (sweets) as the subject.

3

このジュースは良くない。

This juice is not good.

Shorter form, implying 'for the body' from context.

4

体に良くないです。

It is not good for the body.

Adding 'desu' for politeness.

5

それは体に良くない。

That is not good for the body.

Using 'sore wa' (that is) as the subject.

6

体に良くない食べ物。

Unhealthy food.

Used as a modifier before a noun.

7

体に良くない飲み物。

Unhealthy drink.

Another example of pre-nominal modification.

8

これは体に良くないよ。

This is not good for the body, you know.

Adding 'yo' for emphasis or to inform.

1

このお菓子は体に良くないから、あまり食べません。

Because this snack is unhealthy, I don't eat it much.

Using 'kara' (because) to connect clauses.

2

夜遅くに食べるのは体に良くないらしい。

It seems eating late at night is unhealthy.

Using 'rashii' (it seems) to convey hearsay or general opinion.

3

運動不足は体に良くない生活習慣です。

Lack of exercise is an unhealthy lifestyle habit.

Using 'seikatsu shūkan' (lifestyle habit) with the adjective phrase.

4

ジャンクフードは体に良くないと言われています。

Junk food is said to be unhealthy.

Using passive voice 'to iwarete imasu' (is said to be).

5

タバコは体に良くないことはみんな知っています。

Everyone knows that smoking is unhealthy.

Using 'koto wa' to nominalize the clause.

6

もっと野菜を食べないと、体に良くないですよ。

If you don't eat more vegetables, it's not good for your body.

Using the conditional form 'nai to' (if not).

7

この地域では、水道水は体に良くないと言われています。

In this region, tap water is said to be unhealthy.

Specifying the location and using passive voice.

8

子供に、甘すぎるお菓子は体に良くないことを教えました。

I taught my child that overly sweet snacks are unhealthy.

Using 'koto o oshiemashita' (taught that...).

1

加工食品ばかり食べるのは、長期的に見ると体に良くない影響を与える可能性がある。

Eating only processed foods may have unhealthy long-term effects on the body.

Using 'chōki-teki ni miru to' (viewed long-term) and 'eikyō o ataeru' (to have an effect).

2

過度な飲酒は肝臓に負担をかけ、体に良くないことは明らかだ。

It is clear that excessive drinking burdens the liver and is unhealthy for the body.

Using 'kado na' (excessive), 'kamo' (liver), 'futan o kakeru' (to burden), and 'akiraka da' (is clear).

3

日々のストレスを溜め込むと、精神的にも肉体的にも体に良くない状態になる。

Accumulating daily stress leads to a state that is unhealthy both mentally and physically for the body.

Using 'sutoresu o tamekomu' (accumulate stress), 'seishin-teki ni mo nikutai-teki ni mo' (both mentally and physically).

4

この地域の水質は、残念ながら体に良くないという評価を受けている。

Unfortunately, the water quality in this region has received an evaluation of being unhealthy for the body.

Using 'suishitsu' (water quality), 'zannen nagara' (unfortunately), 'hyōka o ukete iru' (has received an evaluation).

5

現代社会では、座りっぱなしの生活が体に良くないという認識が広まっている。

In modern society, the recognition that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy for the body is spreading.

Using 'suwari-ppanashi no seikatsu' (sedentary lifestyle), 'ninshiki ga hirogatte iru' (recognition is spreading).

6

栄養バランスの偏った食事は、成長期の子供たちにとって体に良くない。

A diet with a skewed nutritional balance is unhealthy for growing children.

Using 'eiyō baransu no katayotta' (nutritional balance is skewed), 'seichōki no kodomo-tachi' (growing children).

7

環境汚染物質に長期間さらされることは、人体に非常に体に良くない影響をもたらす。

Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants brings very unhealthy effects to the human body.

Using 'kankyō osen busshitsu' (environmental pollutants), 'chōki kan sarasareru koto' (long-term exposure), 'jintai' (human body), 'motsurasu' (to bring about).

8

睡眠不足は集中力低下だけでなく、免疫機能にも影響し、体に良くない。

Lack of sleep not only reduces concentration but also affects immune function, making it unhealthy for the body.

Using 'suimin busoku' (lack of sleep), 'shūchūryoku teika' (reduction in concentration), 'men'eki kinō' (immune function).

1

現代の食文化においては、手軽さや保存性の向上のために添加物が多く使用されており、これが長期的に見ると体に良くないという指摘がある。

In modern food culture, many additives are used for convenience and improved preservation, and there are points being made that this is unhealthy for the body in the long term.

Using 'shokubunka' (food culture), 'tegarusa' (convenience), 'hozonsei' (preservability), 'tenkabutsu' (additives), 'shiteki ga aru' (there are points being made).

2

過剰な糖分の摂取は、肥満や糖尿病のリスクを高めるだけでなく、全身の炎症を引き起こす可能性があり、体に良くない。

Excessive sugar intake not only increases the risk of obesity and diabetes but also has the potential to cause systemic inflammation, making it unhealthy for the body.

Using 'kajō na tōbun no sesshu' (excessive sugar intake), 'hihan' (obesity), 'tōnyōbyō' (diabetes), 'risuku o takameru' (increase risk), 'zenshin no enshō' (systemic inflammation), 'kanōsei ga aru' (has potential).

3

都市部における大気汚染は、呼吸器系の疾患を誘発し、子供たちの発達にも悪影響を与えるため、体に良くない環境要因と言える。

Air pollution in urban areas can induce respiratory diseases and negatively affect children's development, thus it can be called an unhealthy environmental factor for the body.

Using 'toshi-bu' (urban areas), 'taiki osen' (air pollution), 'kokyū-ki-kei no shikkan' (respiratory diseases), 'yūhatsu suru' (to induce), 'hatsutatsu' (development), 'akueikyō o ataeru' (to negatively affect), 'kankyō yōin' (environmental factor).

4

現代人は、デジタルデバイスの長時間使用により、眼精疲労や睡眠障害に悩まされており、これは明らかに体に良くない。

Modern people suffer from eye strain and sleep disorders due to the prolonged use of digital devices, and this is clearly unhealthy for the body.

Using 'dejitaru debaisu' (digital devices), 'chōjikan shiyō' (prolonged use), 'gansei hiron' (eye strain), 'suimin shōgai' (sleep disorders), 'nayama rete iru' (are suffering from), 'akiraka ni' (clearly).

5

科学的見地からは、過度な運動も体の回復能力を超え、かえって体に良くない結果を招くことがある。

From a scientific perspective, excessive exercise can also exceed the body's recovery capacity, ironically leading to unhealthy results for the body.

Using 'kagaku-teki kenchi kara wa' (from a scientific perspective), 'kasen na undō' (excessive exercise), 'kaitai nōryoku' (recovery capacity), 'kaette' (on the contrary, ironically), 'kekka o maneku' (to invite/lead to results).

6

不規則な生活リズムは体内時計を狂わせ、ホルモンバランスを乱し、結果として体に良くない状態を招く。

An irregular life rhythm disrupts the body clock, disturbs hormonal balance, and consequently leads to an unhealthy state for the body.

Using 'fukisoku na seikatsu rizumu' (irregular life rhythm), 'tainai dokei o kurawase' (disrupt the body clock), 'horumon baransu o midashi' (disturb hormonal balance), 'kekka to shite' (consequently).

7

長期間にわたる精神的ストレスは、自律神経の乱れを引き起こし、心身ともに体に良くない影響を及ぼす。

Long-term mental stress causes autonomic nervous system imbalance, exerting unhealthy effects on both mind and body.

Using 'seishin-teki sutoresu' (mental stress), 'jiritsu shinkei no midare' (autonomic nervous system imbalance), 'shinshin tomo ni' (both mind and body), 'eikyō o oyobosu' (to exert influence).

8

化学物質を多用した建材や家具は、シックハウス症候群の原因となり、居住者の健康にとって体に良くない。

Building materials and furniture that heavily use chemical substances can cause sick house syndrome, which is unhealthy for the health of residents.

Using 'kagaku busshitsu o tayō shita' (heavily used chemical substances), 'kenzai' (building materials), 'shikku hausu shindorōmu' (sick house syndrome), 'kyojūsha' (residents).

1

現代社会における食のグローバル化は、多様な食文化をもたらす一方で、伝統的な食習慣の変容や、加工食品への依存度を高め、結果として体に良くない食環境を醸成しているとの批判がある。

While the globalization of food in modern society brings diverse food cultures, there are criticisms that it leads to the transformation of traditional eating habits and increased dependence on processed foods, consequently fostering an unhealthy food environment for the body.

Using 'shoku no gurōbaruka' (globalization of food), 'tayo na shoku bunka' (diverse food cultures), 'dentō-teki na shoku shūkan' (traditional eating habits), 'hen'yō' (transformation), 'izon-do' (degree of dependence), 'shokukankyō o jōsei suru' (foster a food environment), 'hihan ga aru' (there are criticisms).

2

都市化の進展に伴うライフスタイルの変化は、運動不足、睡眠の質の低下、精神的ストレスの増大といった要因を複合的に引き起こし、現代人の健康に体に良くない影響を与えている。

Changes in lifestyle accompanying the advancement of urbanization have cumulatively caused factors such as lack of exercise, decreased sleep quality, and increased mental stress, exerting unhealthy influences on the health of modern people.

Using 'toshika no shinten' (advancement of urbanization), 'raifu sutairu no henka' (lifestyle changes), 'fukugō-teki ni' (cumulatively), 'shippei' (diseases), 'kokyū-ki-kei no shikkan' (respiratory diseases), 'shinkei' (nerves).

3

環境ホルモン(内分泌かく乱物質)の体内への蓄積は、生殖機能の異常や代謝疾患のリスクを高める可能性が指摘されており、これは極めて体に良くない。

The accumulation of environmental hormones (endocrine disruptors) within the body is pointed out to potentially increase the risk of reproductive abnormalities and metabolic disorders, which is extremely unhealthy for the body.

Using 'kankyō horumon' (environmental hormones), 'naibunpi kakuran busshitsu' (endocrine disruptors), 'tainai e no chikuseki' (accumulation within the body), 'seishoku kinō no ijō' (abnormalities in reproductive function), 'metaborikku shikkan' (metabolic disorders), 'risuku o takameru kanōsei ga shiteki sarete iru' (is pointed out to potentially increase risk), 'kiwamete' (extremely).

4

現代医療においては、対症療法が中心となる場合が多いが、根本的な原因へのアプローチを怠ると、長期的に見れば体に良くない結果を招くことがある。

In modern medicine, symptomatic treatment is often central, but if the approach to the fundamental cause is neglected, it can lead to unhealthy outcomes for the body in the long term.

Using 'gendai iryō' (modern medicine), 'taishō ryōhō' (symptomatic treatment), 'chūshin to naru' (to become central), 'konpon-teki na gen'in' (fundamental cause), 'apurōchi o okotaru' (neglect the approach), 'kongō' (complex).

5

ソーシャルメディアの過度な利用は、自己肯定感の低下や他者との比較による劣等感を生み出し、精神的な健康を損なうだけでなく、間接的に体に良くない影響を及ぼす。

Excessive use of social media creates a decline in self-esteem and feelings of inferiority due to comparison with others, not only damaging mental health but also indirectly exerting unhealthy influences on the body.

Using 'sōsharu media' (social media), 'jiko kōteikan no teika' (decline in self-esteem), 'tasha to no hikaku' (comparison with others), 'rettōkan' (feelings of inferiority), 'seishin-teki na kenkō o sokonau' (to damage mental health), 'kansetsu-teki ni' (indirectly).

6

人工甘味料の長期的な人体への影響については、まだ研究途上であるが、一部の研究では腸内環境の悪化や代謝への影響が示唆されており、体に良くない可能性が指摘されている。

Regarding the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on the human body, research is still ongoing, but some studies suggest deterioration of the gut environment and effects on metabolism, pointing to a possibility of being unhealthy for the body.

Using 'jinkō kanmiryō' (artificial sweeteners), 'chōnai kankyō no akuka' (deterioration of the gut environment), 'metabōru e no eikyō' (effects on metabolism), 'shisaserarete iru' (is suggested), 'kenkyū tojō' (research is ongoing).

7

過度な情報過多は、脳の処理能力を超え、集中力の散漫や判断力の低下を招き、結果として学習効率や意思決定プロセスにおいて体に良くない状況を生み出す。

Information overload exceeding the brain's processing capacity leads to scattered concentration and impaired judgment, consequently creating unhealthy situations for learning efficiency and decision-making processes.

Using 'jōhō kata' (information overload), 'nō no shori nōryoku' (brain's processing capacity), 'shūchūryoku no sanman' (scattered concentration), 'handanryoku no teika' (impaired judgment), 'gakushū kōritsu' (learning efficiency), 'ishi kettei purosesu' (decision-making process).

8

遺伝的要因と環境要因が複雑に絡み合い、個人の健康状態を形成するが、不健康な生活習慣の継続は、遺伝的脆弱性を増幅させ、体に良くない結果を招きやすい。

Genetic and environmental factors intricately intertwine to shape an individual's health status, but the continuation of unhealthy lifestyle habits tends to amplify genetic vulnerabilities, easily leading to unhealthy outcomes for the body.

Using 'iden-teki yōin' (genetic factors), 'kankyō yōin' (environmental factors), 'fukuzatsu ni karamiai' (intricately intertwine), 'kenkō jōtai o keisei suru' (to shape health status), 'fukaken na seikatsu shūkan' (unhealthy lifestyle habits), 'iden-teki zeijakusei o zōfuku sase' (amplify genetic vulnerabilities), 'maneki yasu i' (tend to lead to).

1

現代社会における慢性的なストレスの蔓延は、自律神経系の機能不全、免疫抑制、さらには神経変性疾患のリスク増加といった多岐にわたる病態生理学的変化を誘発し、総体的に見て人体に極めて体に良くない。

The pervasive nature of chronic stress in modern society induces a wide range of pathophysiological changes, including dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, immunosuppression, and even an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, making it profoundly unhealthy for the human body overall.

Using 'man'en' (pervasive nature), 'jiritsu shinkei-kei no kinō fuzen' (dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system), 'men'eki yokusei' (immunosuppression), 'shinkei hensei shikkan' (neurodegenerative diseases), 'taki ni wataru byōtai seiri-gaku-teki henka' (wide range of pathophysiological changes), 'yūhatsu shi' (induce), 'sōtai-teki ni mite' (viewed overall), 'kiwamete' (profoundly).

2

食のグローバル化とそれに伴う加工食品の普及は、栄養価の低下、過剰な塩分・糖分・脂質の摂取、そして微量有害物質への曝露といった複合的な要因を通じて、生活習慣病のパンデミックを助長し、公衆衛生上の極めて体に良くない状況を呈している。

The globalization of food and the resulting proliferation of processed foods, through a combination of factors such as decreased nutritional value, excessive intake of salt, sugar, and fat, and exposure to trace harmful substances, are promoting a pandemic of lifestyle-related diseases, presenting an extremely unhealthy situation for public health.

Using 'kakō shokuhin no fukyū' (proliferation of processed foods), 'eiyō-ka no teika' (decreased nutritional value), 'kajō na enbun, tōbun, shishitsu no sesshu' (excessive intake of salt, sugar, fat), 'biryō yūgai busshitsu e no bakuro' (exposure to trace harmful substances), 'fukugō-teki na yōin' (complex factors), 'seikatsu shūkan-byō no pandemikku' (pandemic of lifestyle-related diseases), 'josho shi' (promote), 'kōshū eisei-jō' (public health), 'tei shite iru' (is presenting).

3

近年の研究では、マイクロプラスチックが食物連鎖を通じて人体に蓄積し、細胞レベルでの炎症反応や内分泌かく乱作用を引き起こす可能性が示唆されており、これは長期的に見ても人体に極めて体に良くない。

Recent research suggests that microplastics accumulate in the human body through the food chain, potentially triggering inflammatory responses at the cellular level and endocrine-disrupting effects, which is extremely unhealthy for the human body even in the long term.

Using 'maikuropurasuchikku' (microplastics), 'shokumotsu rensa' (food chain), 'jin-tai ni chikuseki shi' (accumulate in the human body), 'saibō reberu de no enshō hannō' (inflammatory response at the cellular level), 'naibunpi kakuran sayō' (endocrine-disrupting effects), 'shisaserarete iru' (is suggested), 'chōki-teki ni mite mo' (even in the long term).

4

都市部における静脈性疾患や呼吸器疾患の有病率の高さは、複合的な環境要因、すなわち大気汚染、騒音公害、そして慢性的なストレスの相互作用に起因するものであり、住民の健康維持にとって体に良くない状況が常態化している。

The high prevalence of venous and respiratory diseases in urban areas is attributed to the interaction of complex environmental factors, namely air pollution, noise pollution, and chronic stress, creating a chronically unhealthy situation for residents' health maintenance.

Using 'jōmyaku-sei shikkan' (venous diseases), 'kokyū-ki shikkan' (respiratory diseases), 'yūbyō-ritsu no takasa' (high prevalence), 'sōon kōgai' (noise pollution), 'sōgo sayō' (interaction), 'kiin suru mono de ari' (is attributed to), 'kenkō iji' (health maintenance), 'jōtai ga jōtai-ka shite iru' (situation has become the norm).

5

遺伝子編集技術の進展は、疾患治療における画期的な可能性を秘める一方で、予期せぬオフターゲット効果や、長期的な人体への影響に関する倫理的・科学的懸念が払拭されておらず、現時点では体に良くない結果を招くリスクを孕んでいる。

While gene editing technology's advancement holds groundbreaking potential in disease treatment, ethical and scientific concerns regarding unexpected off-target effects and long-term impacts on the human body remain unaddressed, currently carrying the risk of leading to unhealthy outcomes.

Using 'idensi henshū gijutsu' (gene editing technology), 'gukki-teki na kanōsei' (groundbreaking potential), 'yosoku dekinai ofu tāgetto kōka' (unexpected off-target effects), 'rinri-teki・kagaku-teki kenen' (ethical and scientific concerns), 'fusshoku sarete iru' (have been dispelled/addressed), 'genjiten' (at present), 'risuku o harande iru' (carries the risk).

6

人間活動による気候変動は、熱波、異常気象、感染症の媒介生物の分布域拡大といった形で人体に直接的・間接的な影響を及ぼし、公衆衛生システム全体にとって極めて体に良くない負荷を強いている。

Climate change due to human activities directly and indirectly impacts the human body through forms such as heatwaves, extreme weather events, and the expansion of disease vector distribution ranges, imposing an extremely unhealthy burden on the entire public health system.

Using 'ningen katsudō' (human activities), 'kikō hendō' (climate change), 'neppa' (heatwaves), 'ijō kishō' (extreme weather events), 'kansenshō no baikai seibutsu' (disease vectors), 'bunpu-iki kakudai' (expansion of distribution range), 'choku-teki・kansetsu-teki na eikyō' (direct and indirect impact), 'kōshū eisei shisutemu zentai' (entire public health system), 'futanka o shiite iru' (is imposing a burden).

7

現代のデジタル社会における過剰な情報摂取は、認知資源の枯渇、注意力の断片化、そして意思決定能力の低下を招き、結果として学習、仕事、さらには人間関係といった広範な領域において、機能不全に陥りやすく、体に良くない状態を永続させる。

Excessive information consumption in modern digital society leads to depletion of cognitive resources, fragmentation of attention, and impaired decision-making abilities, consequently making it prone to dysfunction in a wide range of areas such as learning, work, and even interpersonal relationships, perpetuating an unhealthy state.

Using 'dejitaru shakai' (digital society), 'jōhō sesshu' (information consumption), 'ninchi shigen no kokatsu' (depletion of cognitive resources), 'chūiryoku no danpenka' (fragmentation of attention), 'ishikettei nōryoku no teika' (impaired decision-making abilities), 'kōkin fuzen ni ochi iriyasuku' (prone to falling into dysfunction), 'eigyō' (work), 'ningen kankei' (interpersonal relationships), 'eizoku saseru' (to perpetuate).

8

ナノテクノロジーの応用範囲は拡大の一途を辿っているが、ナノ粒子の生体への浸透性や長期的な健康影響に関する科学的知見は未だ十分ではなく、潜在的に体に良くないリスクを内包している可能性は否定できない。

Although the application range of nanotechnology is continuously expanding, scientific knowledge regarding the penetrability of nanoparticles into living organisms and their long-term health effects is still insufficient, and the possibility of potentially carrying unhealthy risks for the body cannot be denied.

Using 'nanotekunorojī no ōyō han'i' (application range of nanotechnology), 'kakudai no itto o tadoru' (to be on a continuous path of expansion), 'nano ryūshi no seitai e no shintōsei' (penetrability of nanoparticles into living organisms), 'chōki-teki na kenkō eikyō' (long-term health effects), 'kagaku-teki chiken' (scientific knowledge), 'mida jūbun de wa naku' (is still insufficient), 'senzai-teki ni' (potentially), 'naikō shite iru kanōsei wa hitei dekinai' (the possibility of containing cannot be denied).

Common Collocations

食べ物は体に良くない
生活習慣は体に良くない
それは体に良くない
体に良くない影響
体に良くない食べ物
体に良くない飲み物
体に良くない習慣
体に良くないことは
体に良くない
体に良くない状態

Common Phrases

体に良くない

— It is not good for the body / unhealthy.

このお菓子は体に良くないから、あまり食べないようにしている。

体に良くないよ

— It's unhealthy, you know. (More informal, often a gentle warning)

そんなに夜更かしするのは体に良くないよ。

体に良くない食べ物

— Unhealthy food.

ジャンクフードは体に良くない食べ物の例だ。

体に良くない生活習慣

— Unhealthy lifestyle habit.

運動不足は体に良くない生活習慣です。

体に良くない影響

— Unhealthy influence / negative impact on the body.

長期間のストレスは体に良くない影響を与える。

体に良くないと思われます

— It is thought to be unhealthy for the body.

この成分は体に良くないと思われます。

体に良くないって聞きました

— I heard it's unhealthy for the body.

そのサプリメントは体に良くないって聞きました。

体に良くないかもしれない

— It might be unhealthy for the body.

この薬は眠気を誘うので、運転には体に良くないかもしれない。

体に良くないとは限らない

— It's not necessarily unhealthy for the body.

低脂肪だからといって、必ずしも体に良くないとは限らない。

体に良くないことを避ける

— To avoid things that are unhealthy for the body.

健康のために、体に良くないことを避けるようにしている。

Often Confused With

体によくない vs 体に悪い

This is a very close synonym and often interchangeable in casual conversation. 体によくない might be perceived as slightly softer or more neutral, but the difference is minimal in everyday use.

体によくない vs 健康に良くない

This phrase is more direct about 'health' (健康). While similar, 体によくない is more focused on the physical body itself.

体によくない vs 体に害がある

This implies a stronger, more direct harm or danger to the body, whereas 体によくない is a more general statement of unhealthiness.

Idioms & Expressions

"体にこたえる"

— To take a toll on one's body; to be taxing or hard on the body. While not a direct synonym, it describes a negative physical effect that results from something.

長時間の立ち仕事は体にこたえる。

Neutral
"体に染み付く"

— To become ingrained in one's body (often referring to habits or effects). Can imply something unhealthy has become a part of you.

若い頃の不摂生が体に染み付いてしまった。

Neutral
"体に悪い油"

— Literally 'bad oil for the body', referring to unhealthy fats like trans fats or excessive saturated fats.

トランス脂肪酸は体に悪い油の代表格だ。

Informal/Colloquial
"体に合わない"

— To not agree with one's body; to cause an adverse reaction. This implies something is unhealthy *for you specifically*.

この食べ物は私には体に合わないようだ。

Neutral
"体に鞭打つ"

— To push one's body beyond its limits; to overexert oneself. Often leads to negative physical consequences.

試験前は体に鞭打って勉強した。

Neutral
"体に良い薬"

— Medicine that is good for the body (i.e., effective and beneficial). The opposite of something being 体によくない.

この薬は体に良い薬として知られている。

Neutral
"体に響く"

— To resonate with one's body; to have a profound physical effect. Can be positive or negative depending on context.

この音楽は体に響くようだ。

Neutral
"体に悪影響"

— Negative impact on the body. A more formal way to say something is 体によくない.

環境汚染は人体に悪影響を及ぼす。

Formal
"体に毒"

— Poison to the body. A very strong and direct way to say something is extremely unhealthy.

この人工甘味料は体に毒だ。

Informal/Strong
"体に染み渡る"

— To permeate one's body; to spread throughout. Can be used for good things (like warmth) or bad things (like illness).

風邪が体に染み渡るようだ。

Neutral

Easily Confused

体によくない vs 体に悪い

Both phrases mean 'unhealthy' or 'bad for the body' and are used in similar contexts.

体に悪い is slightly more direct and potentially stronger in its implication of 'badness'. 体によくない is often perceived as a bit softer or more neutral, focusing on the lack of 'goodness' for the body. However, they are largely interchangeable in casual conversation.

この揚げ物は体に悪いよ。(This fried food is bad for your body.) vs. この揚げ物は体に良くないよ。(This fried food is not good for your body.)

体によくない vs 健康に良くない

Both phrases relate to negative health impacts.

体に良くない specifically refers to the physical body (体). 健康に良くない is broader, referring to 'health' (健康) in general, which can encompass mental and physical well-being. 体によくない is more focused on the direct physical aspect.

この運動は体に良くない。(This exercise is not good for the body - perhaps too strenuous.) vs. この運動は健康に良くない。(This exercise is not good for health - possibly general lack of benefit or negative overall.)

体によくない vs 体に害がある

Both indicate a negative effect on the body.

体に害がある means 'harmful to the body' and implies a more direct, potentially stronger, or even dangerous negative effect. 体によくない is a more general statement of unhealthiness, often referring to less severe or cumulative negative impacts.

この化学薬品は体に害がある。(This chemical is harmful to the body - implies danger.) vs. このお菓子は体に良くない。(This snack is unhealthy - general lack of nutritional value.)

体によくない vs 不健康

Both describe a state of being unhealthy.

不健康 is a noun meaning 'unhealthiness' or 'ill health'. It's more formal and often used to describe a condition or state. 体によくない is an adjective phrase used to describe specific things that cause unhealthiness.

彼の生活習慣は不健康だ。(His lifestyle habits are unhealthy - noun.) vs. 彼の生活習慣は体に良くない。(His lifestyle habits are not good for the body - adjective phrase.)

体によくない vs 有害

Both indicate something negative or damaging.

有害 is a more formal and stronger term meaning 'harmful' or 'toxic'. It's typically used in scientific, legal, or official contexts. 体によくない is much more common in everyday conversation for general unhealthiness.

有害物質の排出。(Emission of harmful substances - formal.) vs. この食品は体に良くない。(This food is unhealthy - casual.)

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Noun] は 体によくないです。

このお菓子は体に良くないです。

A2

体に良くない [Noun]

体に良くない食べ物を買わない。

B1

[Verb-stem] のは 体によくない。

夜更かしするのは体に良くない。

B2

[Noun] は 体によくない 影響がある。

この化学物質は体に良くない影響がある。

C1

体に良くないという意見がある。

加工食品は体に良くないという意見がある。

C2

体に良くない結果を招く可能性がある。

不健康な生活は、体に良くない結果を招く可能性がある。

All

体に良くないから、〜

体に良くないから、食べないようにしよう。

All

体に良くないかもしれない。

この薬は眠くなるので、体に良くないかもしれない。

Word Family

Nouns

体 (karada - body)
健康 (kenkō - health)
影響 (eikyō - influence, effect)
習慣 (shūkan - habit)
食事 (shokuji - meal, diet)

Verbs

悪化する (akkasuru - to worsen)
影響する (eikyō suru - to affect)
与える (ataeru - to give, to exert)

Adjectives

悪い (warui - bad)
健康な (kenkō na - healthy)
不健康な (fukenkō na - unhealthy)
有害な (yūgai na - harmful)

Related

体に悪い (karada ni warui)
健康に良くない (kenkō ni yoku nai)
体に害がある (karada ni gai ga aru)
不健康 (fukenkō)
健康 (kenkō)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes
  • Using 体によくない to describe mental stress directly. 精神的なストレスは体に良くない。

    While mental stress can affect the body, the phrase 体によくない primarily refers to physical well-being. For mental aspects, it's better to use phrases like '精神的に良くない' (seishin-teki ni yoku nai - mentally not good) or mention the physical symptoms caused by stress.

  • Confusing 体によくない with 体に害がある for minor issues. このお菓子は体に良くない。

    体に害がある implies direct harm or danger. 体によくない is a more general term for being unhealthy or not beneficial. Using 体に害がある for a simple snack would be an overstatement.

  • Incorrectly placing 体によくない before a noun without proper conjugation. 体に良くない食べ物

    When modifying a noun directly, the phrase 体によくない functions as an adjective and can be placed before the noun as is. Incorrect usage might involve adding particles that don't fit the pre-nominal position.

  • Using 体によくない for something that is simply not preferred, rather than unhealthy. この味は好きじゃない。

    体によくない specifically refers to negative health impacts. If you dislike a taste or texture, use phrases like '好きじゃない' (suki ja nai - don't like) or '苦手だ' (nigate da - am not good at/dislike).

  • Omitting the particle に (ni) when using it predicatively. これは体に良くないです。

    The particle に is crucial for indicating what the phrase is 'not good for'. Omitting it would make the sentence grammatically incorrect or nonsensical.

Tips

Mind the 'U' in Yoku

The 'u' in 'yoku' is often a short, unstressed sound. Avoid over-pronouncing it. Focus on a clear 'yo' sound followed by a light 'ku'.

Body as a Car

Imagine your body is like a car. 'Karada' sounds a bit like 'car-a-da'. Just as you wouldn't put bad fuel in your car (bad for the car!), you shouldn't consume things that are 'karada ni yoku nai' (bad for the body-car).

Adjective Phrase

Remember that 体によくない functions as an adjective phrase. It can directly modify a noun (e.g., 体によくない食べ物 - unhealthy food) or be used predicatively at the end of a sentence (e.g., これは体に良くないです - This is unhealthy).

体に悪い is a Close Twin

The phrase 体に悪い is almost a perfect synonym for 体によくない in casual speech. Don't hesitate to use either when speaking informally, as both are widely understood.

Health is Valued

Japanese culture often emphasizes health and balance. Using 体によくない is a common way to express caution and encourage healthier choices, reflecting this cultural value.

Describe Your Diet

Try describing a few things you ate today using 体によくない or its opposite, 体に良い. This active recall will solidify your understanding and usage.

Physical vs. General Health

While 体によくない primarily refers to physical health, 健康に良くない is broader and can include mental aspects. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context you want to convey.

Don't Overuse for Serious Issues

Avoid using 体によくない for immediate, severe health threats or poisoning. For such cases, stronger terms like 危険 (kiken - dangerous) or 有毒 (yūdoku - poisonous) are more appropriate.

Listen for It

Pay attention when listening to Japanese media or conversations about health and food. You'll hear 体によくない frequently, helping you internalize its natural usage and rhythm.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your body (体 - karada) is like a car. If you put bad fuel (like junk food) in it, it won't run well. So, bad fuel is 'karada ni yoku nai' (not good for the car/body).

Visual Association

Picture a sad-looking body figure being offered unhealthy food (like a greasy burger or a sugary soda) and shaking its head, saying 'Karada ni yoku nai!'

Word Web

Body Unhealthy Bad for health Diet Lifestyle Warning Food Habits

Challenge

Try to describe three of your favorite foods using either 体によくない or its opposite, 体に良い. Think about why you'd use each phrase.

Word Origin

The phrase is a direct combination of the noun 体 (karada, meaning 'body') and the negative form of the adjective 良い (yoi/ii, meaning 'good'), which is 良くない (yoku nai). The particle に (ni) indicates the target or recipient of the action or state, so 'ni yoku nai' means 'not good for'.

Original meaning: Literally, 'not good for the body'.

Japonic

Cultural Context

The phrase is generally not considered offensive. It's a factual statement about health. However, like any health advice, it should be delivered with consideration for the listener's feelings, especially if they are discussing personal habits.

In English, we might say 'unhealthy', 'bad for you', 'detrimental to health', or 'not good for your body'. The Japanese phrase is a direct and commonly used equivalent.

Many Japanese health magazines and websites frequently use this phrase when discussing nutrition and wellness. Public health campaigns in Japan often employ simple, direct language like 体によくない to convey health advice. Traditional Japanese proverbs related to diet and health often implicitly or explicitly touch upon the concept of 体によくない.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Discussing food and diet

  • この食べ物は体に良くない。
  • もっと野菜を食べないと体に良くないよ。
  • 体に良くない食べ物は避けています。

Giving health advice

  • それは体に良くないですよ。
  • 体に良くない習慣をやめましょう。
  • 体に良くないことはしない方がいい。

Talking about lifestyle habits

  • 夜更かしは体に良くない。
  • 運動不足は体に良くない生活習慣だ。
  • 体に良くない習慣を改善したい。

Describing unhealthy items

  • この飲み物は体に良くない。
  • 加工食品は体に良くないものが多い。
  • 体に良くない成分が含まれている。

General warnings

  • それは体に良くないかもしれない。
  • 体に良くないことはわかっているが、やめられない。
  • 体に良くない影響を心配している。

Conversation Starters

"最近、体に良くないと思いつつも、ついつい食べてしまうものってありますか?"

"健康のために、体に良くない習慣を何か変えたいと思っています。どんなことから始めればいいと思いますか?"

"体に良くない食べ物や飲み物について、皆さんはどんなことに気をつけていますか?"

"子供に体に良くないことを教えるとき、どんな言葉を使いますか?"

"体に良くないと感じる食品や状況について、何かエピソードがあれば教えてください。"

Journal Prompts

今日食べたもので、これは体に良くないな、と思ったものはありましたか?その理由を具体的に書いてみましょう。

自分の生活習慣の中で、体に良くないと感じるものは何ですか?それを改善するために、今日からできる小さな一歩を考えてみましょう。

体に良くない食べ物や飲み物について、なぜそれが体に良くないのか、少し調べてみましょう。そして、その情報と自分の食生活を結びつけて考えてみてください。

健康的な食事や生活習慣について、どのような情報に触れることが多いですか?それらの情報が、体に良くないものに対するあなたの考え方にどう影響しているか書いてみましょう。

もし、体に良くないものを「体に良いもの」に変えるとしたら、具体的にどのような変化が考えられますか?その変化が、あなたの心身にどのような影響を与えるか想像してみましょう。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The literal translation is 'not good for the body'. 体 (karada) means 'body', に (ni) is a particle indicating direction or target, and 良くない (yoku nai) is the negative form of 良い (yoi/ii), meaning 'good'. So, it directly translates to 'not good for the body'.

Primarily, 体によくない refers to physical health. While a highly stressful situation might indirectly affect the body, it's more common to use other phrases for mental or emotional well-being, such as '精神的に良くない' (seishin-teki ni yoku nai - not good mentally) or 'ストレスが溜まる' (sutoresu ga tamaru - to accumulate stress).

It's a versatile phrase that can be used in both informal and neutral contexts. Adding 'です' (desu) at the end makes it more polite and suitable for general conversation. For very formal situations, you might opt for phrases like '健康に悪影響を及ぼす' (kenkō ni akueikyō o oyobosu - to have a negative impact on health).

They are very similar and often interchangeable in casual conversation. 体に悪い (karada ni warui) literally means 'bad for the body' and might be perceived as slightly more direct or stronger. 体によくない is often seen as a bit softer, meaning 'not good for the body'. Both are widely understood and used.

Yes, you can, but it usually implies side effects or that the medicine itself is not beneficial in the long run, or perhaps not suitable for a particular person. For medicine that is effective and beneficial, you'd use 体に良い (karada ni yoi) or 体に効く (karada ni kiku).

You can say 体によくない食べ物 (karada ni yoku nai tabemono). The phrase 体によくない acts as an adjective modifying the noun 食べ物 (tabemono - food).

Yes, commonly described items include sugary drinks, excessive sweets, fried foods, processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a lack of exercise. These are frequently cited as examples of things that are 体によくない.

No, 体によくない is an adjective phrase. To use it as a noun, you would typically nominalize it by adding 'こと' (koto) or 'ということ' (to iu koto), for example, '体に良くないこと' (karada ni yoku nai koto - the fact that it is unhealthy).

The most direct opposite is 体に良い (karada ni yoi), meaning 'good for the body'. Other related terms include 健康的 (kenkō-teki - healthy) and 滋養がある (jiyō ga aru - nutritious).

You might use 体によくない when you want to emphasize the direct impact on the physical body itself. 健康に良くない is broader and refers to health in general, which can include mental aspects. For example, if a specific exercise is too intense for your current physical condition, you might say it's 体によくない. If a diet lacks essential nutrients, it might be described as 健康に良くない.

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