Translation guide
This English phrase is used to say that someone is not busy, has no plans, or is free. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on the context, such as having free time, being idle, or having no connection to something.
To say that you have nothing to do in the sense of having no plans or tasks, and are free.
Literally 'there is nothing to do.' More direct than 暇だ, often used when you are looking for something to do or are bored.
やることがなくて退屈だ。
I have nothing to do and I'm bored.
Similar to やることがない, meaning 'there is nothing to do.' Slightly more formal or written.
週末はすることがない。
I have nothing to do on the weekend.
To say that something is unrelated or has nothing to do with a particular matter.
Standard phrase meaning 'has nothing to do with ~.' Used in both formal and informal contexts.
それは私とは関係がない。
That has nothing to do with me.
この問題は年齢とは関係がない。
This problem has nothing to do with age.
More emphatic than 関係がない, meaning 'completely unrelated.' Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼はその事件とは無関係だ。
He has nothing to do with that incident.
Similar to 関係がない, but implies a lack of involvement or connection. Slightly more literary.
私はその計画とは関わりがない。
I have nothing to do with that plan.
To describe a state of idleness or having no tasks, often with a negative nuance of laziness or boredom.
Describes the feeling of having nothing to do with your hands or being at a loose end. Often used when you are waiting and feel awkward.
待っている間、手持ち無沙汰だった。
While waiting, I had nothing to do (and felt awkward).
A literary or formal word for having nothing to do; boredom. Rarely used in conversation.
無聊をかこつ。
To complain of having nothing to do.
The English phrase 'having nothing to do' can be split into two distinct meanings in Japanese: having free time (暇) and having no relation (関係がない). Using the wrong one can cause confusion. For example, 'I have nothing to do with it' should not be translated as 暇だ.
暇 (hima) is a state of being free, while やることがない (yaru koto ga nai) emphasizes the lack of tasks. 暇 can be positive (free time), but やることがない often implies boredom.
今日は暇だから、出かけよう。
I have nothing to do today, so let's go out.
それは今の話題とは関係がない。
That has nothing to do with the current topic.