Translation guide
The English word "indifferent" covers a range of attitudes from neutral lack of interest to cold disregard. Japanese expresses these nuances with different words and phrases depending on whether you mean "not caring," "unconcerned," "apathetic," or "mediocre."
Expressing that someone does not care about something, is not interested, or feels it doesn't matter.
He is indifferent to politics. · I'm indifferent about what we eat. · She seems indifferent to my feelings.
A very common, casual phrase meaning "I don't care" or "it doesn't matter." Often used when the speaker is dismissive or uninterested.
そんなことはどうでもいい。
I don't care about that.
He is indifferent about his clothes.
A noun or na-adjective meaning "indifference" or "apathy." More formal than どうでもいい. Often used in serious contexts like social issues.
彼は政治に無関心だ。
He is indifferent to politics.
若者の投票率の低さは無関心の表れだ。
The low voter turnout among young people is a sign of indifference.
A na-adjective meaning "cold," "indifferent," or "apathetic." Implies a lack of warmth or emotional engagement, often toward people.
彼女は私に冷淡な態度をとった。
She acted indifferent toward me.
A na-adjective meaning "indifferent" or "unconcerned," often about one's appearance, fashion, or social norms.
彼は服装に無頓着だ。
He is indifferent to his clothes.
Literally "have no interest." A straightforward way to say you are not interested in something.
私はスポーツに興味がない。
I'm indifferent to sports.
Expressing that any option is acceptable, or that the speaker has no preference.
I'm indifferent to the choice of restaurant. · He was indifferent about which movie to watch.
Means "either is fine" or "I don't mind either way." Used when given a choice and you have no preference.
コーヒーと紅茶、どちらでもいいです。
Coffee or tea, I'm indifferent.
Casual version of どちらでもいい.
どっちでもいいよ。
I don't care either way.
"Anything is fine." Used when you don't care what is chosen.
食べるものはなんでもいい。
I'm indifferent about what to eat.
Describing something as neither good nor bad; average, unremarkable.
The food was indifferent. · His grades were indifferent.
A set phrase meaning "neither good nor bad; so-so." Often used for reviews or evaluations.
その映画は可もなく不可もなくだった。
The movie was indifferent.
Means "ordinary," "mediocre," or "commonplace." Slightly negative nuance of being unremarkable.
彼の演技は平凡だった。
His performance was indifferent.
Colloquial adverb meaning "not quite good enough; lacking something." Often used to express mild disappointment.
Describing a person or stance that does not favor any side; objective.
The judge must remain indifferent. · She tried to stay indifferent in the argument.
Means "neutral" in the sense of not supporting any side in a conflict or debate.
その国は戦争中中立を保った。
The country remained indifferent during the war.
While 無関心 is a direct translation, it sounds formal and serious. For everyday "I don't care," use どうでもいい or 興味がない.
昼ごはんはどうでもいい。
I'm indifferent about lunch.
冷淡 implies coldness or lack of warmth, often toward a person. 無関心 is a broader lack of interest or concern, not necessarily cold.
彼は私に冷淡だ。
He is cold/indifferent to me.
彼は政治に無関心だ。
He is indifferent to politics.
この料理はいまいちだ。
This dish is indifferent.
A formal, literary term meaning "impartial and unaffiliated." Used in journalism or politics.
報道は不偏不党であるべきだ。
Reporting should be indifferent.