Translation guide
The English word "tedious" describes something that is boring, repetitive, and takes too long. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives and phrases that emphasize monotony, lengthiness, or mental fatigue.
Describing a task, activity, or situation that is dull because it is monotonous and lacks variety.
Describing something that feels excessively long and slow, causing impatience or boredom.
Describing something that is tedious because it requires a lot of mental effort over a long period, leading to fatigue.
退屈 (taikutsu) means 'boring' in the sense of lacking interest, while 面倒くさい (mendōkusai) means 'troublesome' or 'a hassle'. A task can be both, but 退屈 emphasizes the lack of stimulation, and 面倒くさい emphasizes the reluctance to do it.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'tedious'. Avoid directly translating 'tedious' as one word; instead, choose the expression that best fits the specific aspect (boring, long, or effortful).
Means 'monotonous' and emphasizes the lack of variation. Often used for repetitive work or routines.
単調な仕事で飽きてしまった。
I got bored with the tedious work.
A casual, colloquial adjective meaning 'tiresome' or 'a pain'. Conveys a sense of annoyance at the tediousness.
この宿題、かったるいな。
This homework is so tedious.
A verb phrase meaning 'to be fed up' or 'to be sick of'. Used when the tediousness has become unbearable.
毎日同じことの繰り返しでうんざりする。
I'm fed up with the tedious repetition every day.
An adjective meaning 'long-winded' or 'drawn-out'. Often used for speeches, explanations, or processes that feel unnecessarily long.
彼の話はいつも長ったらしい。
His stories are always tedious.
A formal adjective meaning 'verbose' or 'redundant'. Used in writing or formal speech to criticize excessive length.
この報告書は冗長だ。
This report is tedious.
Describes something that drags on without energy or focus. Often used for meetings, conversations, or events.
だらだらした会議はもうやめよう。
Let's stop having tedious, drawn-out meetings.
A very common adjective meaning 'bothersome' or 'troublesome'. It implies that the task is tedious and you don't want to do it.
書類の整理は面倒くさい。
Organizing documents is tedious.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be strenuous' or 'backbreaking'. It emphasizes the physical or mental effort involved in a tedious task.
この翻訳は骨が折れる。
This translation is tedious.
Means 'to take time and effort'. It focuses on the laborious nature of a task.
この料理は手間がかかるけど美味しい。
This dish is tedious to make, but it's delicious.