Translation guide
Describes things, actions, or attitudes that are lighthearted, not serious, or lacking in depth or importance. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: playful vs. shallow vs. wasteful.
Describing a person, action, or thing that is cheerfully unserious, fun, or whimsical, without negative judgment.
Common adjective meaning 'light' in weight, mood, or seriousness. For a person or attitude, it implies being easygoing, casual, or not deeply committed. Often neutral or slightly positive.
彼は軽いノリで冗談を言った。
He made a joke in a lighthearted way.
軽い気持ちで始めた趣味が、今では本格的になった。
A hobby I started on a whim has now become serious.
Noun/na-adjective for playful, joking behavior, often to lighten the mood. Slightly colloquial. Can describe a person or action.
彼のおちゃらけた態度が会議の雰囲気を和ませた。
His playful attitude eased the tension in the meeting.
Phrase meaning 'having a playful spirit'. Used for designs, ideas, or actions that incorporate fun or whimsy. Positive nuance.
このデザインには遊び心があって、見ていて楽しい。
This design has a playful touch and is fun to look at.
Criticizing a person, idea, or activity as superficial, empty, or not worth serious consideration.
Na-adjective meaning shallow, thoughtless, or superficial. Often used for judgments, plans, or people lacking depth or foresight. Negative connotation.
そんな浅はかな考えでは成功できない。
You can't succeed with such a shallow way of thinking.
彼は見かけはいいが、中身は浅はかだ。
He looks good on the outside, but he's shallow inside.
Na-adjective meaning frivolous, shallow, and insincere. Often describes a person's character or speech that lacks seriousness or depth. Stronger negative nuance than 軽い.
Noun meaning surface, superficial appearance. Used in phrases like 上っ面だけ (only on the surface) to criticize shallowness.
Describing actions, especially spending money or time, on things that are not serious or necessary, often with a negative judgment.
Na-adjective meaning wasteful, useless, futile. When applied to spending or activities, it implies frivolous use of resources. Very common.
無駄な出費は避けるべきだ。
You should avoid frivolous spending.
そんな無駄なことに時間を使うな。
Don't waste time on such frivolous things.
I-adjective meaning trivial, silly, worthless. Strongly dismissive. Often used for talk, ideas, or activities considered a waste of time.
Verb/adjective describing flashy, shallow, or frivolous behavior, often about spending money on showy things or acting in a frivolous manner. Colloquial and slightly derogatory.
ちゃらちゃらした服を着て遊んでばかりいる。
He's always fooling around in flashy, frivolous clothes.
Specifically referring to a legal action that lacks merit or is brought in bad faith.
Means 'unjust lawsuit'. The standard term for a frivolous or groundless legal claim.
その会社は不当な訴訟を起こされた。
The company was hit with a frivolous lawsuit.
Noun meaning 'abusive litigation' or 'frivolous lawsuit'. A legal term for filing lawsuits recklessly or maliciously.
濫訴は司法制度の乱用だ。
Frivolous lawsuits are an abuse of the judicial system.
軽い (karui) is the most general and can be neutral or positive, meaning lighthearted. 軽薄 (keihaku) is explicitly negative, implying insincerity and shallowness. 浅はか (asahaka) focuses on lack of depth or thoughtfulness, often used for plans or judgments. Choose based on the degree of criticism.
彼の軽いジョークに皆が笑った。
Everyone laughed at his lighthearted joke.
彼の軽薄な態度に腹が立った。
I was annoyed by his frivolous attitude.
浅はかな計画はすぐに失敗した。
The shallow plan quickly failed.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'frivolous'. Translating directly as フリボラス (furiborasu) is not understood. Always choose a word based on the specific nuance: playful, shallow, or wasteful.
「フリボラス」と言っても通じません。
Saying 'furiborasu' won't be understood.
彼女は無駄なものにお金を使う。
She spends money on frivolous things.
彼の軽薄な態度が上司を怒らせた。
His frivolous attitude annoyed the boss.
ただの軽い発言だから、真に受けないで。
It was just a frivolous remark, don't take it seriously.
彼の軽薄な発言に周囲は呆れた。
People were disgusted by his frivolous remarks.
彼の親切は上っ面だけで、本心ではない。
His kindness is only superficial; it's not sincere.
そんなくだらない話はやめよう。
Let's stop this frivolous talk.