Harmless to humans and animals; used to describe substances or things considered non-dangerous.
この農薬は人畜無害とされ、使用基準が厳しく定められている。
This pesticide is considered harmless to humans and animals and has strict usage standards.
説明書には『人畜無害』と明記されているが、取り扱いには注意が必要だ。
The manual states 'harmless to humans and animals,' but handling still requires care.
Figuratively, meaning having no influence or being insignificant — harmless or of little consequence.
彼は人畜無害な人物だが、職場では目立たない存在だ。
He's a harmless person but is unremarkable at the workplace.
その意見は人畜無害で、議論にはあまり影響しなかった。
That opinion was harmless and didn't really affect the debate.