It describes the feeling of boredom when there is nothing interesting to do.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes a state of boredom due to lack of stimulation.
- Used when time feels like it is passing very slowly.
- Commonly used in daily life when having nothing to do.
概要
退屈は、興味を引くものがないために生じる心理的な飽きや、単調な状態を指す形容詞です。精神的な不満や、時間がゆっくり流れるような感覚を伴います。2) 使用パターン: 「退屈だ」という形容詞として使うほか、「退屈しのぎ」のように名詞形（退屈）を伴う複合語としても使われます。また、「退屈な時間」「退屈な人」のように、対象を修飾する形でも使用されます。3) 一般的な文脈: 待ち時間、単調な作業、内容のない会話、あるいは何もすることがない休日など、日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。4) 類義語との比較: 「つまらない」は、価値がない、あるいは興味が持てないという評価に重点が置かれます。「退屈」は、刺激が不足しているという状態に重点が置かれるため、より「暇である」というニュアンスが強くなります。
Examples
毎日同じことの繰り返しで退屈だ。
everydayI'm bored because every day is just a repetition.
退屈な会議が二時間も続いた。
formalThe boring meeting lasted for two hours.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
退屈しのぎをする
To kill time
退屈で死にそうだ
Bored to death
Often Confused With
Refers to lack of quality or interest. You can say a movie is 'tsumaranai' even if you aren't bored.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'taikutsu' to describe a lack of stimulation. It is neutral in register but should be avoided in formal social settings. It is often used with the verb 'suru'.
Common Mistakes
Do not use 'taikutsu' to describe a person's personality. If someone is boring, use 'tsumaranai hito' instead. It is not an adjective to describe quality.
Tips
Use with 'suru' to express feeling
Adding 'suru' makes it a verb. It helps you express your current state of mind clearly.
Avoid saying to hosts
Never tell your host that you are bored. It is considered very rude in Japanese culture.
The value of patience
In Japan, enduring boredom is sometimes seen as a sign of patience or composure. Avoid complaining about boredom in public.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '退' (retreat/withdraw) and '屈' (bend/stifle). It literally means the spirit is stifled or withdrawn due to lack of interest.
Cultural Context
Boredom is often managed through hobbies or 'hima-tsubushi' (killing time). Publicly expressing boredom is discouraged in professional settings.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Tie-Kutsu' (tying shoes) being so boring you want to cry. It's a long, tedious process.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「退屈」は刺激がなくて暇な状態を指します。一方、「つまらない」は対象の質が低く、興味がわかないという評価的な意味が強くなります。
「退屈です」と伝えるのは少し失礼に聞こえる場合があります。目上の人には「手持ち無沙汰です」や「時間が余っております」と表現する方が丁寧です。
「退屈する」という形にすることで動詞的に使えます。例えば「毎日同じことの繰り返しで退屈する」のように使います。
退屈な時間を紛らわせるための手段を指します。暇つぶしと同じ意味で使われます。
Test Yourself
今日は何もすることがなくて___です。
何もすることがない状態は「退屈」と言います。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes the feeling of boredom when there is nothing interesting to do.
- Describes a state of boredom due to lack of stimulation.
- Used when time feels like it is passing very slowly.
- Commonly used in daily life when having nothing to do.
Use with 'suru' to express feeling
Adding 'suru' makes it a verb. It helps you express your current state of mind clearly.
Avoid saying to hosts
Never tell your host that you are bored. It is considered very rude in Japanese culture.
The value of patience
In Japan, enduring boredom is sometimes seen as a sign of patience or composure. Avoid complaining about boredom in public.
Examples
2 of 2毎日同じことの繰り返しで退屈だ。
I'm bored because every day is just a repetition.
退屈な会議が二時間も続いた。
The boring meeting lasted for two hours.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
