Translation guide
Apathy is a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. In Japanese, it can be expressed through nouns describing emotional indifference, adjectives for feeling unmotivated, or phrases about not caring.
Expressing a state of not caring about things in general, often due to tiredness or disillusionment.
A noun meaning lethargy or lack of motivation. Commonly used for a state of apathy where one has no energy or will to act.
最近、無気力で何もする気が起きない。
Lately, I feel so apathetic that I can't bring myself to do anything.
Literally 'no interest/concern'. Used when someone is indifferent or unconcerned about something specific or in general.
彼は政治に無関心だ。
He is apathetic about politics.
A common phrase meaning 'have no motivation'. Used in casual and spoken contexts to express apathy toward tasks or activities.
今日はやる気がなくて、ずっと寝ていた。
I had no motivation today and just slept all day.
A more formal or medical term for a feeling of weariness or lassitude, often implying physical and mental apathy.
倦怠感に襲われて、仕事が手につかない。
Overcome by apathy, I can't focus on work.
Showing that you don't care about a particular topic, event, or individual.
A very common casual phrase meaning 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter'. Can sound dismissive or apathetic.
そんなこと、どうでもいいよ。
I don't care about that stuff.
An adjective meaning indifferent, cold, or apathetic in attitude. Often used for a lack of emotional warmth.
彼女の冷淡な態度に傷ついた。
I was hurt by her apathetic attitude.
Literally 'have no interest'. A straightforward way to express apathy toward something.
スポーツには全く興味がない。
I have absolutely no interest in sports.
Means indifferent or unconcerned, often about one's appearance or social norms. Implies a carefree apathy.
Describing a state where one feels emotionally flat or unable to care, often due to depression or burnout.
Literally 'no emotion'. Used for a state of being emotionally unresponsive or apathetic.
彼は無感動にその知らせを聞いた。
He listened to the news with apathy.
Means 'emotions are paralyzed'. A vivid way to describe emotional apathy or numbness.
疲れすぎて感情が麻痺している。
I'm so exhausted that I feel emotionally numb.
A feeling of emptiness or nihilism, often associated with existential apathy.
The English word 'apathy' is often translated as 無気力 or 無関心, but these can sound stiff in casual conversation. In everyday speech, phrases like やる気がない or どうでもいい are more natural.
無気力 (mukiryoku) emphasizes lack of energy or motivation, while 無関心 (mukanshin) emphasizes lack of interest or concern. Use 無気力 for general lethargy and 無関心 for indifference to specific things.
彼は服装に無頓着だ。
He is apathetic about his clothing.
I am tormented by a feeling of apathy and emptiness.