Translation guide
Describes a lifestyle of leisure, inactivity, or lack of purpose. Japanese expressions range from neutral 'free time' to negative 'laziness' or 'aimlessness'.
To describe a relaxed lifestyle, often without a job or fixed schedule, sometimes with a nuance of freedom or laziness.
Describes idling around without a clear purpose, often used for someone who is unemployed or just hanging out.
He quit his job and is just idling around every day.
Literally 'playing', but can imply not working or being idle, often with a negative connotation of avoiding responsibilities.
Can sound childish or irresponsible depending on context.
That kid is just playing around instead of going to school.
Living in a relaxed, unhurried manner, often with a positive nuance of enjoying leisure.
I'm taking it easy in the countryside.
Explicitly means 'being lazy', with a strong negative judgment. Use carefully.
He's being lazy all day.
To describe a life that lacks goals or meaning, often drifting through days.
To spend time idly, without accomplishing anything; often used in literary or reflective contexts.
He spends his days idly, without purpose.
Living in a sluggish, lazy way, often with a sense of wasting time.
On my days off, I just laze around.
A noun/adjective meaning 'self-indulgent' or 'dissolute', implying a degenerate idle life.
To describe a life of leisure after retirement or due to wealth, without needing to work.
Living a life of leisure and contentment, free from worldly cares; often used for retirement.
He lives a life of leisure and contentment.
A retired life, often away from public duties; implies withdrawal from active work.
To live without working, supported by wealth or others; can sound enviable or critical.
The English phrase 'living idly' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Choose a Japanese expression based on whether you mean relaxed leisure, laziness, or aimlessness.
自堕落な生活を送っている。
He leads a dissolute life.
My grandfather enjoys a retired life in the countryside.
He lives idly off his parents' inheritance.