Translation guide
The English word 'indolent' describes a person who is habitually lazy, avoids effort, or is slow to act. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, various adjectives, nouns, and phrases capture different shades of laziness, idleness, or sluggishness. The most common and natural ways to express this concept are 怠惰 (taida) for formal or written contexts, 怠け者 (namakemono) for a lazy person, and ぐうたら (guutara) for a casual, idle lifestyle.
Describing someone who is inherently lazy, avoids work, or lacks motivation as a personality trait.
A formal noun/adjective meaning laziness or indolence. Often used in written language or serious contexts to describe a person's character or a state of idleness.
He leads an indolent life.
Indolence is the enemy of success.
A common noun for a lazy person, someone who habitually avoids work. Slightly colloquial but widely used.
A noun/adjective describing a disinclination to make an effort, often used for personal habits like grooming or housework. Implies slovenliness along with laziness.
Negligence or laziness, often implying a failure to fulfill duties. More about neglecting responsibilities than general laziness.
Describing a temporary state of inactivity, slowness, or lack of energy, often due to mood or circumstances.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning lazily, sluggishly, or idly. Often used with する to describe spending time doing nothing productive.
I spent the weekend indolently at home.
A casual noun/adverb for a lazy, idle lifestyle or person. Often used self-deprecatingly or humorously.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning slowly, sluggishly. Emphasizes slow movement rather than laziness of character.
An adjective meaning languid, listless, or indolent in a poetic or emotional sense. Often used in literature.
Focusing on the act of shirking duties or being unwilling to exert oneself.
A verb meaning to be lazy, to neglect one's duties, or to idle. Commonly used in daily conversation.
He is always indolent about his work.
Slang verb meaning to skip, slack off, or be lazy about something specific (work, school). Derived from 'sabotage'.
A noun/adjective meaning laziness with a nuance of shamelessness or taking the easy way out. Often used for cutting corners.
怠惰 (taida) is formal and often used in writing or serious speech. 怠け者 (namakemono) is the standard word for a lazy person. ぐうたら (guutara) is casual and often implies a comfortable, self-indulgent laziness.
An indolent attitude is not tolerated.
That guy is really indolent.
On my days off, I just laze around.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches the English 'indolent' in all contexts. Using a dictionary form like 怠惰な (taida na) in casual conversation may sound overly stiff. Choose the word based on the situation and nuance.
It's better to avoid an indolent attitude.
His indolent nature often got him into trouble.
Don't be so indolent—get up and help!
He is really indolent.
Be careful not to become an indolent person.
彼は無精で、いつも部屋が散らかっている。
He is indolent and his room is always messy.
彼の怠慢が事故を引き起こした。
His indolence caused the accident.
ぐうたらな生活を改めたい。
I want to change my indolent lifestyle.
He is indolent and won't look for a job.
彼はのろのろと歩いている。
He is walking indolently.
物憂い春の午後。
An indolent spring afternoon.
Study without being indolent.
He often plays truant (is indolent about school).
横着しないで、ちゃんとやりなさい。
Don't be indolent; do it properly.