Translation guide
The English word 'boring' describes something that is not interesting or exciting. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this, depending on the nuance: dullness, lack of stimulation, tediousness, or personal disinterest. The most common and versatile word is つまらない, but other options like 退屈な or 面白くない are also frequently used.
To describe something that fails to hold interest or is not fun, such as a movie, book, or event.
The most common and versatile word for 'boring'. It can describe anything from a dull party to a tedious task. It is an i-adjective.
この映画はつまらない。
This movie is boring.
彼の話はいつもつまらない。
His stories are always boring.
A na-adjective that emphasizes a feeling of boredom or monotony, often used for situations that drag on. Slightly more formal than つまらない.
Literally 'not interesting', the negative form of 面白い. It is a very natural and common way to say something is boring, especially in casual speech.
そのゲームは面白くない。
That game is boring.
あの先生の授業は面白くない。
That teacher's class is boring.
A colloquial contraction of つまらない, very common in casual conversation. It sounds more emphatic and informal.
このゲーム、つまんない！
This game is so boring!
To describe something repetitive or unchanging that causes boredom, like a routine task or a long, uneventful period.
Also used here, as it strongly conveys monotony. It fits well for describing a tedious job or a slow day.
毎日同じ仕事で退屈だ。
I'm bored with the same work every day.
A na-adjective meaning 'monotonous'. It focuses on the lack of variation and is often used for repetitive tasks or landscapes.
単調な作業で飽きてしまった。
I got tired of the monotonous work.
A verb meaning 'to get tired of' or 'to lose interest in'. It describes the feeling of boredom from repetition. Often used in the form 飽きた (I'm bored with it).
To express that something does not appeal to you personally, even if others might find it interesting.
Literally 'I have no interest'. This is a direct way to say you find something boring because it doesn't interest you.
スポーツには興味がない。
I'm not interested in sports. (I find sports boring.)
Means 'I don't think it's interesting'. It's a softer, more subjective way to express boredom.
あの映画は面白いと思わなかった。
I didn't think that movie was interesting.
To describe a person who is not fun or engaging to be around.
The standard way to call someone boring. It can be a bit blunt, so use with care.
彼はつまらない人だ。
He is a boring person.
Means 'lacks interesting qualities'. It's a slightly more analytical way to describe a dull personality.
あの人は面白みがない。
That person has no interesting qualities. (That person is boring.)
つまらない is the most common and general word for 'boring'. It can be used for anything uninteresting. 退屈な emphasizes a feeling of ennui or monotony, and is often used for situations that feel long and tedious. 退屈な is slightly more formal and less common in casual speech than つまらない.
この本はつまらない。
This book is boring (not interesting).
この本は退屈だ。
This book is boring (tedious, makes me feel bored).
In English, 'I am boring' means you are a dull person. In Japanese, saying 私はつまらない (Watashi wa tsumaranai) can be misinterpreted as 'I am bored' or 'I am trivial'. To say you are a boring person, use 私はつまらない人間です (Watashi wa tsumaranai ningen desu) or 私は面白みがない人間です (Watashi wa omoshiromi ga nai ningen desu). To say you are bored, use 退屈している (Taikutsu shite iru) or つまらない (Tsumaranai) without a subject, but context is key.
I'm already bored with this game.