Japanese · Emotions & Feelings
退屈
taikutsu
Boredom / Tedium
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The state of feeling weary from lack of interest or activity. Used as a noun or na-adjective: 退屈する (to feel bored), 退屈な時間 (boring time).
Example
休日に何もすることがなくて退屈です。
I have nothing to do on my day off and am bored.
Etymology
The word 退屈 (taikutsu) combines the kanji 退 (tai), meaning 'to retreat' or 'to withdraw,' and 屈 (kutsu), which refers to 'bending' or 'yielding.' Historically, it has come to embody the feeling of becoming passive or withdrawn due to monotony.
How & Where It’s Used
退屈 is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a state of boredom. It is commonly used in spoken language, though it can also appear in written form. There are no notable regional variations, and it is widely understood across Japan.