Translation guide
The English word 'lazy' can describe a person's character, a temporary feeling, or an action done without effort. Japanese has different expressions for each nuance, and the most natural choice depends on whether you're talking about a personality trait, a moment of laziness, or a careless action.
He is lazy (personality).
Describing someone who is habitually lazy, indolent, or avoids work.
A common noun meaning 'lazy person'. It directly describes someone who is habitually lazy. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts, though it may sound slightly negative.
He's lazy, so he always forgets his homework.
A more formal or literary term for 'laziness' or 'indolence'. Often used in written language or serious discussions about character. Can also be used as a na-adjective (怠惰な).
A colloquial noun or na-adjective for a lazy person who lounges around doing nothing. It has a slightly humorous or self-deprecating tone. Often used in casual conversation.
Often used in compounds like 無精者 (bushoumono, lazy person) or 無精ひげ (bushouhige, stubble from not shaving). It implies a neglectful laziness about specific things. Less common as a standalone word.
Expressing a temporary lack of energy or motivation, often about oneself.
An i-adjective meaning 'sluggish', 'listless', or 'feeling lazy/tired'. It describes a physical or mental state of not wanting to do anything. Very common in casual speech.
Describing an action that is performed without proper effort or attention.
Referring to the condition amblyopia, commonly called 'lazy eye'.
The medical term for 'amblyopia' or 'lazy eye'. It refers to reduced vision in one eye that is not correctable by glasses. Not used for personality traits.
English uses 'lazy' as a simple adjective (e.g., 'He is lazy'), but Japanese often prefers nouns like 怠け者 or phrases describing a state. Saying 彼は怠け (kare wa namake) is ungrammatical; use 彼は怠け者だ or 彼は怠けている (he is being lazy).
怠け者 is a straightforward 'lazy person', while ぐうたら implies lounging around and is more colloquial and often self-deprecating. Use 怠け者 for objective description, ぐうたら for casual, humorous self-talk.
The most natural way is to use 面倒くさい (it's too much trouble) or だるい (I feel sluggish) rather than a direct translation. For example, 'I'm too lazy to cook' → 料理するのが面倒くさい.
怠惰な生活を改めるべきだ。
You should change your lazy lifestyle.
休みの日はぐうたらして過ごす。
I spend my days off being lazy.
彼は無精者で、部屋が散らかっている。
He's a lazy person, so his room is messy.
I feel kind of lazy today and don't want to do anything.
An i-adjective meaning 'bothersome' or 'too much trouble'. It expresses that doing something feels like a hassle, which is a common way to convey 'I'm feeling lazy about it'. Often shortened to めんどくさい in casual speech.
Cleaning is too much trouble (I'm too lazy to clean).
A phrase meaning 'I can't get motivated' or 'I don't feel like doing it'. It's a softer way to express laziness or lack of motivation without directly calling oneself lazy.
I can't get motivated today, so work isn't progressing.
Same as だるい but using the kanji. It can also mean 'languid' or 'weary'. The kanji form is less common in casual writing but may appear in literature.
My body feels heavy and I can't move.
A na-adjective meaning 'irresponsible', 'half-hearted', or 'slipshod'. It describes work or behavior that is done lazily without care. Can also mean 'adequate' in different contexts, but the negative sense is common.
His work is always sloppy (lazy).
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'cutting corners' or 'skimping on effort'. It implies laziness in the sense of not doing a thorough job. Often used in contexts like cooking or housework.
I made a lazy meal today (cut corners).
A na-adjective meaning 'rough', 'careless', or 'slapdash'. It describes a manner of doing things that is lazy and lacking in respect or attention. Somewhat formal.
I was annoyed by the careless (lazy) response.
Early detection of lazy eye in children is important.