Translation guide
The English word "indifferent" covers a range of attitudes from neutral lack of interest to cold disregard. Japanese expresses these nuances with different words and phrases depending on whether you mean "not caring," "unconcerned," "apathetic," or "mediocre."
Expressing that someone does not care about something, is not interested, or feels it doesn't matter.
He is indifferent to politics. · I'm indifferent about what we eat. · She seems indifferent to my feelings.
A very common, casual phrase meaning "I don't care" or "it doesn't matter." Often used when the speaker is dismissive or uninterested.
I don't care about that.
He is indifferent about his clothes.
A noun or na-adjective meaning "indifference" or "apathy." More formal than どうでもいい. Often used in serious contexts like social issues.
He is indifferent to politics.
The low voter turnout among young people is a sign of indifference.
A na-adjective meaning "cold," "indifferent," or "apathetic." Implies a lack of warmth or emotional engagement, often toward people.
She acted indifferent toward me.
A na-adjective meaning "indifferent" or "unconcerned," often about one's appearance, fashion, or social norms.
He is indifferent to his clothes.
Literally "have no interest." A straightforward way to say you are not interested in something.
I'm indifferent to sports.
Expressing that any option is acceptable, or that the speaker has no preference.
I'm indifferent to the choice of restaurant. · He was indifferent about which movie to watch.
Means "either is fine" or "I don't mind either way." Used when given a choice and you have no preference.
Coffee or tea, I'm indifferent.
Casual version of どちらでもいい.
I don't care either way.
"Anything is fine." Used when you don't care what is chosen.
I'm indifferent about what to eat.
Describing something as neither good nor bad; average, unremarkable.
The food was indifferent. · His grades were indifferent.
A set phrase meaning "neither good nor bad; so-so." Often used for reviews or evaluations.
The movie was indifferent.
Means "ordinary," "mediocre," or "commonplace." Slightly negative nuance of being unremarkable.
Colloquial adverb meaning "not quite good enough; lacking something." Often used to express mild disappointment.
Describing a person or stance that does not favor any side; objective.
The judge must remain indifferent. · She tried to stay indifferent in the argument.
While 無関心 is a direct translation, it sounds formal and serious. For everyday "I don't care," use どうでもいい or 興味がない.
I'm indifferent about lunch.
冷淡 implies coldness or lack of warmth, often toward a person. 無関心 is a broader lack of interest or concern, not necessarily cold.
He is cold/indifferent to me.
He is indifferent to politics.
彼の演技は平凡だった。
His performance was indifferent.
この料理はいまいちだ。
This dish is indifferent.
Reporting should be indifferent.