“Boring” in Japanese is つまらない, pronounced tsumaranai.
Pronunciation
The word has 5 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
Boring or dull. Also used modestly when giving a gift: つまらないものですが.
Example sentences
- この番組はつまらないです。このばんぐみはつまらないです。This programme is boring.
- 授業がつまらなかったです。じゅぎょうがつまらなかったです。The class was boring.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of つまらない. The rules are explained in い- vs. な-adjectives.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | つまらない | boring |
| Polite present | つまらないです | is boring |
| Negative | つまらなくないです | isn’t boring |
| Past | つまらなかったです | was boring |
| Past negative | つまらなくなかったです | wasn’t boring |
| て-form | つまらなくて | boring and… |
| Adverb (く) | つまらなく | adverb form (+ verb) |
Quick practice
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Related words: Adjectives
FAQ
How do you say boring in Japanese?
Boring in Japanese is つまらない, pronounced “tsumaranai”.
Is つまらない on the JLPT?
Yes. つまらない (tsumaranai) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.