とても退屈
totemo taikutsu
The phrase "so boring" in Japanese is expressed as とても退屈 (totemo taikutsu).
とても退屈 is used to describe a feeling of tiredness or restlessness because there is nothing interesting to do.
Which one should you use?
While とても退屈 is a standard way to express the feeling, you might encounter the informal term つまんない to mean "boring" or "uninteresting." Additionally, replacing とても with めっちゃ in the phrase めっちゃ退屈 makes the expression "super boring" and much more colloquial, a style very common among younger speakers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a much more informal and colloquial tone, younger speakers often use めっちゃ退屈 or the term つまんない.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this in a complete sentence meaning "it is so boring," add the copula da to the end of the phrase to form とても退屈だ. When using taikutsu as an adjective to modify a noun, such as in "a boring movie," you must use the form 退屈な.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo taikutsu
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, expressing that you are 'bored' can sometimes be interpreted as a complaint that the host is not providing enough entertainment.
- The word 退屈 contains the kanji for 'retreat' and 'comfort', historically suggesting a state where one is removed from the active duties of life.
- While English speakers say 'I am bored', Japanese speakers often say 退屈している (taikutsu shite iru), which translates to 'I am doing boredom'. This treats the feeling as an ongoing activity.
Examples in context
- 会議はとてもつまらなかったです。The meeting was very boring.
- この本は非常に退屈でした。This book was extremely boring.
- あの映画、つまんなかったよ。That movie was so boring.
- 授業がうんざりするほどつまらない。The class is so boring that it's exhausting.
- この本、しょうもないからやめたほうがいいよ。This book is so boring and pointless. You should quit reading it.
- この映画はとても退屈だ。Kono eiga wa totemo taikutsu da.This movie is so boring.
- 待ち時間がとても退屈です。Machijikan ga totemo taikutsu desu.The waiting time is so boring.
- 雨の日はとても退屈に感じる。Ame no hi wa totemo taikutsu ni kanjiru.Rainy days feel so boring.
Example conversation
Two siblings are stuck at home on a rainy afternoon.
- 陽太 Yota外は雨だし、とても退屈だね。Soto wa ame dashi, totemo taikutsu da ne.It's raining outside, so it's so boring.
- 陽葵 Himari何か面白いゲームをしようよ。Nani ka omoshiroi geemu o shiyou yo.Let's play a fun game.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵の提案なら、いいよ。Himari no teian nara, ii yo.If it's your suggestion, Himari, I'm in.
- 陽葵 Himariやった！じゃあ、これを出してくるね。Yatta! Jaa, kore o dashite kuru ne.Yay! Okay, I'll go get this out.
