Translation guide
Describes an action done with minimal effort, without real interest or care, often as a routine or formality.
To describe an action performed in a mechanical, uninterested way, lacking enthusiasm or thoroughness.
Describes something done half-heartedly, just to get it over with, without proper care. Often used for work or duties.
彼はおざなりな返事をした。
He gave a perfunctory reply.
おざなりな仕事ぶりだ。
He does his work in a perfunctory manner.
To describe an action performed out of habit or obligation, without personal engagement.
Formal, ritualistic; implies an action done according to protocol without genuine feeling.
儀礼的な拍手が起こった。
There was perfunctory applause.
おざなり focuses on lack of care/effort. 形だけ emphasizes formality without substance. やっつけ仕事 implies rushed, sloppy work just to finish. Choose based on nuance.
Literally 'just for form's sake', implying an action done as a mere formality, without sincerity.
形だけの挨拶を交わした。
They exchanged perfunctory greetings.
Describes work done hastily and carelessly, just to finish it. Casual, often negative.
やっつけ仕事のレポートを提出した。
He submitted a perfunctory report.
Can mean 'perfunctory' when used in the sense of doing something half-heartedly or without proper thought. Context-dependent; also means 'appropriate'.
適当な返事をしておいた。
I gave a perfunctory answer.
Means 'formal' or 'perfunctory', emphasizing adherence to form over substance.
形式的な審査に過ぎない。
It was just a perfunctory inspection.
Conventional, superficial, done in a routine manner without depth.
通り一遍の説明しかしなかった。
He only gave a perfunctory explanation.