Translation guide
Describes things, actions, or attitudes that are lighthearted, not serious, or lacking in depth or importance. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: playful vs. shallow vs. wasteful.
Describing a person, action, or thing that is cheerfully unserious, fun, or whimsical, without negative judgment.
Common adjective meaning 'light' in weight, mood, or seriousness. For a person or attitude, it implies being easygoing, casual, or not deeply committed. Often neutral or slightly positive.
He made a joke in a lighthearted way.
A hobby I started on a whim has now become serious.
Noun/na-adjective for playful, joking behavior, often to lighten the mood. Slightly colloquial. Can describe a person or action.
His playful attitude eased the tension in the meeting.
Phrase meaning 'having a playful spirit'. Used for designs, ideas, or actions that incorporate fun or whimsy. Positive nuance.
This design has a playful touch and is fun to look at.
Criticizing a person, idea, or activity as superficial, empty, or not worth serious consideration.
Na-adjective meaning shallow, thoughtless, or superficial. Often used for judgments, plans, or people lacking depth or foresight. Negative connotation.
You can't succeed with such a shallow way of thinking.
Na-adjective meaning frivolous, shallow, and insincere. Often describes a person's character or speech that lacks seriousness or depth. Stronger negative nuance than 軽い.
Noun meaning surface, superficial appearance. Used in phrases like 上っ面だけ (only on the surface) to criticize shallowness.
Describing actions, especially spending money or time, on things that are not serious or necessary, often with a negative judgment.
Na-adjective meaning wasteful, useless, futile. When applied to spending or activities, it implies frivolous use of resources. Very common.
You should avoid frivolous spending.
Don't waste time on such frivolous things.
I-adjective meaning trivial, silly, worthless. Strongly dismissive. Often used for talk, ideas, or activities considered a waste of time.
Verb/adjective describing flashy, shallow, or frivolous behavior, often about spending money on showy things or acting in a frivolous manner. Colloquial and slightly derogatory.
He's always fooling around in flashy, frivolous clothes.
Specifically referring to a legal action that lacks merit or is brought in bad faith.
Means 'unjust lawsuit'. The standard term for a frivolous or groundless legal claim.
The company was hit with a frivolous lawsuit.
Noun meaning 'abusive litigation' or 'frivolous lawsuit'. A legal term for filing lawsuits recklessly or maliciously.
Frivolous lawsuits are an abuse of the judicial system.
軽い (karui) is the most general and can be neutral or positive, meaning lighthearted. 軽薄 (keihaku) is explicitly negative, implying insincerity and shallowness. 浅はか (asahaka) focuses on lack of depth or thoughtfulness, often used for plans or judgments. Choose based on the degree of criticism.
Everyone laughed at his lighthearted joke.
I was annoyed by his frivolous attitude.
The shallow plan quickly failed.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'frivolous'. Translating directly as フリボラス (furiborasu) is not understood. Always choose a word based on the specific nuance: playful, shallow, or wasteful.
Saying 'furiborasu' won't be understood.
She spends money on frivolous things.
His frivolous attitude annoyed the boss.
It was just a frivolous remark, don't take it seriously.
He looks good on the outside, but he's shallow inside.
彼の軽薄な発言に周囲は呆れた。
People were disgusted by his frivolous remarks.
His kindness is only superficial; it's not sincere.
そんなくだらない話はやめよう。
Let's stop this frivolous talk.