Translation guide
How to describe long, boring, or repetitive speech in Japanese.
To describe a talk, lecture, or story that is dull and goes on too long.
Literally 'long talk', this is the most common and neutral way to refer to a speech or story that drags on and becomes tedious.
To describe speech that is tedious because it repeats the same points over and over, like nagging or preaching.
Describes talk that is long-winded, repetitive, and tiresome. 'くどい' means verbose or tedious.
彼のくどい話にはもう我慢できない。
I can't stand his tedious, repetitive talk anymore.
To describe talk that is tedious because it lacks substance or is just idle chatter.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'tedious talk'. Instead, combine words for 'boring' (退屈な), 'long' (長い), or 'repetitive' (くどい) with 'talk' (話).
長話 simply means a long talk, which may or may not be tedious. くどい話 explicitly means tedious, repetitive talk. Use くどい話 when the tediousness comes from repetition, and 長話 when the length itself is the problem.
彼の長話にはいつもうんざりする。
I'm always fed up with his tedious talk.
Means 'boring talk/story'. A straightforward way to say something is tedious.
その会議は退屈な話ばかりだった。
The meeting was nothing but tedious talk.
Usually means 'joke', but in some contexts can refer to rambling or tedious talk (often in the phrase 冗談を言う). However, it's not a direct equivalent and can be misleading.
Primarily means 'joke'; only use in specific contexts where the tediousness comes from pointless chatter.
彼の話は冗談にしか聞こえなかった。
His talk sounded like nothing but tedious rambling.
Means 'sermon' or 'preaching'. Used for tedious moralizing talk, often from a parent or boss.
また父の長い説教が始まった。
Dad's tedious lecture started again.
Literally 'repeat the same story'. Describes the act of tedious repetition.
彼はいつも同じ話を繰り返して、本当に退屈だ。
He always repeats the same tedious talk; it's really boring.
Means 'idle talk', 'waste of words'. Perfect for tedious, pointless conversation.
無駄話はやめて、本題に入ろう。
Let's stop the tedious talk and get to the point.
Means 'small talk' or 'chit-chat'. Can be tedious if it goes on too long, but not inherently negative.
会議の前の雑談が長すぎて疲れた。
The tedious small talk before the meeting went on too long and tired me out.