つまらない

• Reading: つまらない
• Romaji: tsumaranai
• Pronunciation: /t͡sɯ.ma.ɾa.na.i/

Meaning

Boring; dull; uninteresting. Describes things that fail to hold attention.

An i-adjective meaning boring or tedious. While the kanji form 詰らない exists, hiragana is standard. Also means trivial or worthless, as in the humble expression つまらないものですが (a trifle, but…) used when giving gifts. Conjugates regularly: past form つまらなかった. The opposite is 面白い.

Examples

1. この番組はつまらないので消しましょう。 This show is boring, so let's turn it off.
2. 昨日の授業はつまらなかった。 Yesterday's class was boring.
3. つまらないものですがどうぞ。 It's nothing special, but please accept this.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, conversation, opinions

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 詰まる (to be packed/stuck), with the negative ending. The idea is that something that does not fill or satisfy the mind is boring.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal