面白くない
omoshirokunai
The phrase "you're not funny" is translated into Japanese as 面白くない (omoshirokunai).
This phrase is used to state that a joke or a person's behavior is not amusing. In Japanese, the subject is often omitted, so 面白くない can mean both "it is not funny" and "you are not funny" depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective omoshiroi (interesting/funny) in its negative form omoshirokunai (not interesting/not funny).
Which one should you use?
While 面白くない targets a lack of humor or interest, the word つまらない carries a stronger nuance of being tedious, dull or worthless.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding desu to the end of 面白くない makes the phrase polite: 面白くないです.
How do you pronounce it?
omoshirokunai
Did you know?
- The word omoshiroi is written with the characters for 'interest' and 'face'. This suggests that something funny or interesting is literally 'face-opening' or eye-catching.
- In Japanese social settings, instead of saying 面白くない, people often use silence or a strained smile to signal that a joke has failed, as verbalizing the lack of humor can be seen as too aggressive.
- In Japanese variety shows, a 'straight man' called a tsukkomi often screams omoshirokunai! at a partner to create a comedic effect, making the statement itself a part of the joke.
Examples in context
- あなたのジョークは面白くありません。Your joke is not funny.
- お笑いのセンスがないですね。You lack a sense of humor, don't you?
- あんたの面白さがわからん。I don't get your humor.
- 笑えないネタばっかりだな。You only have unfunny jokes.
- その冗談、全然面白くないよ。Sono jōdan, zenzen omoshirokunai yo.That joke is not funny at all.
- 今の話、面白くない。Ima no hanashi, omoshirokunai.What you just said isn't funny.
Example conversation
Hiroki is telling bad jokes to Himari at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、その話面白くないよ。Hiroki-kun, sono hanashi omoshirokunai yo.Hiroki, that story is not funny.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、本当に？E', hontō ni?Eh, really?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、全然面白くない。Un, zenzen omoshirokunai.Yeah, it's not funny at all.
- 大翔 Hirotoごめん、次はもっと頑張るよ。Gomen, tsugi wa motto ganbaru yo.Sorry, I'll try harder next time.
