Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing laziness depends on whether you're describing a temporary state, a personality trait, or a specific lazy action. Common words include 怠惰 (formal), 怠け癖 (habitual), and ぐうたら (colloquial).
Describing someone who is generally lazy or has a lazy character.
Formal noun/adjective meaning laziness or indolence. Often used in serious or written contexts.
His laziness is a problem.
A habitual tendency to be lazy. Implies a bad habit of avoiding work.
I want to fix my laziness.
Describes a person who finds everything bothersome and avoids effort. Often used for someone who is slothful by nature.
He's lazy, so his room is messy.
Colloquial term for a lazy person or a lazy lifestyle. Often used self-deprecatingly.
I spent the holiday lazing around.
Expressing that you feel lazy right now or in a specific situation.
Adjective meaning sluggish, listless, or feeling too lazy to move. Often used for physical laziness or fatigue.
I feel lazy today and don't want to do anything.
Literally 'motivation doesn't come out.' Used when you lack the energy or will to do something.
I had no motivation and just slept all day.
Describing the act of being lazy, slacking off, or neglecting duties.
Verb meaning to be idle, neglect work, or slack off. Can be used for a single instance or habit.
He's always slacking off at work.
Slang for skipping work, school, or duties. From 'sabotage'. Very common in casual speech.
Noun for a lazy person. Often used to criticize someone who doesn't work hard.
Referring to laziness in a philosophical, religious, or strongly judgmental sense.
怠惰 is formal and often used for moral or abstract laziness. 怠け癖 emphasizes a bad habit. ぐうたら is casual and describes a laid-back, lazy lifestyle or person.
English 'lazy' is often translated as 怠惰な, but this sounds stiff. In daily conversation, use phrases like だるい, 面倒くさい, or verb forms like 怠ける.
Expresses that something is too much trouble or bothersome, leading to laziness about doing it.
Cooking is too much of a hassle (so I'm too lazy to do it).
I skipped class and went to a café.
That guy is a real slacker.
I'm disgusted by his laziness.