Translation guide
Describes a state of avoiding effort, being idle, or lacking motivation. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: physical laziness, procrastination, or a relaxed lifestyle.
He is lazy.
怠け者 (なまけもの) is a common noun for a lazy person.
To describe a person who habitually avoids work or effort, or a temporary state of not wanting to do anything.
The most common verb for 'to be lazy' or 'to neglect one's duties'. Can be used for both habitual laziness and specific instances of slacking off.
He is being lazy at work.
Study without being lazy.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'laziness' or 'indolence'. More formal and often used in written language or to describe a character trait.
A colloquial verb meaning to laze around, often implying a lack of ambition or spending the day idly. Carries a slightly negative but familiar tone.
On my days off, I just laze around.
A noun or na-adjective describing a person who finds everything bothersome and avoids effort. Often used for someone who is slovenly or neglects personal chores.
To describe the act of delaying tasks or avoiding immediate action.
To describe a state of taking it easy without negative judgment, often as a chosen lifestyle.
Means to relax or take it easy. It does not carry the negative connotation of laziness; it's about enjoying a slow pace.
I'm just relaxing at home today.
Describes lounging around without purpose, often in a lazy but comfortable way. Can be slightly negative if it implies wasting time.
I spent the weekend lazing around.
怠ける (なまける) is the standard verb for being lazy, often in a specific context like work or study. ぐうたらする is more colloquial and describes a general state of idleness, often over a period of time.
English uses 'be lazy' as a state, but Japanese often uses verbs like 怠ける or phrases like 怠け者だ. Saying 怠惰だ is grammatically correct but sounds stiff and formal.
怠惰な生活を送る。
Lead a lazy life.
彼はものぐさで、部屋が散らかっている。
He's lazy and his room is messy.
I put off troublesome tasks.