Japanese · Adjectives
つまらない
tsumaranai
Boring / Dull
Intermediateadjective
Definition
The opposite of 面白い, describing something that is uninteresting, tedious, or trivial. Also used humbly when offering a gift meaning "it is nothing special."
Example
昨日の授業はつまらなかったです。
Yesterday's class was boring.
Etymology
'つまらない' (tsumaranai) comes from the root 'つまる' (tsumaru), meaning to be blocked or stuck, and is thus associated with something that fails to engage. The term has historically conveyed feelings of dissatisfaction or dullness.
How & Where It’s Used
This word is commonly used in informal settings among friends or family to describe activities, events, or subjects perceived as uninteresting. It is also prevalent in spoken language.