取るに足らない

• Reading: とるにたらない
• Romaji: toru ni taranai
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (toru/shu) — take, pick up; 足 (ta/soku) — sufficient, enough
• Pronunciation: /to.ɾɯ.ni.ta.ɾa.na.i/

Meaning

Insignificant; inconsequential; trifling; not worth considering.

A set expression (慣用句) combining 取る (to take) + に + 足る (to be sufficient/worthy) + ない (not). Literally 'not worth taking up.' Used to dismiss something as unimportant or beneath attention. Functions as an i-adjective phrase modifying nouns directly — 取るに足らない問題 (a trivial problem). Common in formal writing, speeches, and intellectual discussion.

Examples

1. 彼の発言は取るに足らないものだった。 His remarks were utterly inconsequential.
2. 取るに足らないミスを気にしすぎないほうがいい。 It's better not to worry too much about trivial mistakes.
3. そんな取るに足らない噂を信じてはいけない。 You shouldn't believe such a trifling rumor.

Usage Guide

Context: essays, formal speech, debate

Tone: dismissive

Origin & History

From classical Japanese: 取る (to take up, to deal with) + に足る (to be worthy of). The negative form creates 'not worthy of taking up' — a literary way of expressing insignificance that has persisted into modern usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated