やたら

• Reading: やたら
• Romaji: yatara
• Pronunciation: /ja.ta.ɾa/

Meaning

Excessively; thoughtlessly; randomly; unreasonably. Describes doing something without good reason or to an excessive degree.

An adverb (used with と or に) describing actions done excessively, indiscriminately, or without proper thought. やたらに emphasises randomness and carelessness, while やたらと often emphasises excess. Can modify verbs directly or as やたらに/やたらと. Common in spoken Japanese to express mild annoyance at unnecessary or excessive behaviour.

Examples

1. やたらと値段が高いレストランだった。 It was a restaurant with outrageously high prices.
2. やたらに個人情報を教えないほうがいい。 You shouldn't give out personal information so carelessly.
3. 最近やたらと眠くて仕方がない。 Lately I've been feeling unreasonably sleepy.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, complaints, daily life, opinions

Tone: exasperated

Origin & History

From classical Japanese. Possibly derived from 矢鱈 (ateji). The original meaning was 'without order or reason,' suggesting chaotic or indiscriminate action. The word has been used since at least the Edo period in its adverbial sense.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal