懒得

• Pinyin: lǎn de
• Hanzi breakdown: 懒 = 忄(heart) + 赖 (rely on) — lazy; 得 = resultative particle

Meaning

Can't be bothered to; too lazy to. Not wanting to make the effort.

Expresses unwillingness due to laziness, indifference, or considering something not worth the effort. Different from 不想 (don't want) — implies the action isn't worth the trouble.

Examples

1. 我懒得跟他解释这些。 I can't be bothered to explain this to him.
2. 天气太热了，我懒得出门。 It's too hot — I'm too lazy to go out.
3. 这种无聊的争论我懒得参与。 I can't be bothered to participate in this kind of pointless argument.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, casual conversation

Tone: dismissive

Do Say

• 我懒得做饭，叫外卖吧。(I can't be bothered to cook — let's order takeout.)
• 懒得理他。(Can't be bothered to pay attention to him.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合用懒得表达不愿意。(懒得 is casual — use 不愿意 or 不方便 in formal settings)

Origin & History

Compound of 懒 (lazy) + 得 (particle indicating degree/ability). Literally 'lazy to the point of not doing.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal