Translation guide
This entry covers ways to express a lack of concern, interest, or emotional investment in Japanese. It includes casual indifference, deliberate disregard, and the attitude of not letting things bother you.
Expressing a relaxed lack of preference or concern, often in response to a choice or situation.
Literally 'either is fine'. A very common, neutral way to say you don't mind which option is chosen. Can sound slightly dismissive if said bluntly.
「コーヒーと紅茶、どっちがいい？」「どっちでもいいよ。」
"Which would you like, coffee or tea?" "Either is fine."
Means 'not particularly' or 'nothing special'. Often used to downplay feelings or indicate a lack of strong opinion. Can come across as cold or indifferent if overused.
「何か食べたいものある？」「別に。」
"Is there anything you want to eat?" "Not really."
Stronger than どっちでもいい, meaning 'I don't care either way' or 'it doesn't matter'. Can imply annoyance or complete lack of interest.
そんなこと、どうでもいいよ。
I don't care about that kind of thing.
Literally 'anything is fine'. Used when you have no preference among many options. Can sound lazy or indifferent.
「昼ごはん何にする？」「なんでもいいよ。」
"What should we have for lunch?" "Anything is fine."
Actively choosing not to pay attention to something or someone, often intentionally.
To ignore, disregard, or give the silent treatment. Can be used for people, rules, or information.
彼は私のメッセージを無視した。
He ignored my message.
交通ルールを無視してはいけない。
You must not ignore traffic rules.
Literally 'not mind' or 'not worry about'. Used to say you don't care about something negative, or to tell someone not to worry. Very common and versatile.
失敗は気にしないでください。
Please don't worry about mistakes.
彼の言うことは気にしない。
I don't care about what he says.
To leave something unattended or neglected; to not care for something properly. Casual.
To leave something as it is without dealing with it; to neglect. More formal than ほったらかす.
問題を放置すると深刻になる。
If you leave the problem unattended, it will become serious.
Describing a state of not being emotionally affected or interested, often in a broader sense.
Apathy, indifference, lack of interest. Often used for social or political apathy.
若者の政治への無関心が問題だ。
Young people's apathy toward politics is a problem.
To have no interest in something. A straightforward, neutral statement.
私はスポーツに興味がない。
I'm not interested in sports.
Cold, indifferent, uncaring attitude toward others. Often describes a person's demeanor.
Describing a positive or neutral state of not being bothered by small things, being easygoing.
As above, but used to describe a personal trait of not sweating the small stuff.
彼は細かいことを気にしない性格だ。
He has a personality that doesn't sweat the small stuff.
Easygoing, carefree, optimistic. Can sometimes imply being too laid-back or oblivious.
彼はいつものんきだ。
He's always so carefree.
Indifferent, unconcerned, especially about one's appearance or social norms. Often used in phrases like 無頓着な人.
どっちでもいい is neutral and simply means 'either is fine'. どうでもいい carries a stronger nuance of 'I don't care at all' and can sound rude or dismissive. Use どっちでもいい for everyday choices, and reserve どうでもいい for when you really want to express disinterest.
どっちでもいいよ。好きな方を選んで。
Either is fine. Choose whichever you like.
もうどうでもいい。勝手にして。
I don't care anymore. Do whatever you want.
Directly translating 'I don't care' as 私は気にしない can sound unnatural or overly literal. In many situations, phrases like 別に, どっちでもいい, or 気にしない are more natural. Also, using どうでもいい in polite conversation can be offensive; opt for softer expressions like どちらでも構いません (formal).
He left his work undone and went out to play.
彼は困っている人に冷淡だった。
He was indifferent to people in trouble.
彼は服装に無頓着だ。
He is indifferent to his clothing.