Translation guide
The English word 'tired' covers physical fatigue, mental weariness, and being fed up. Japanese uses different words for physical vs. mental tiredness, and often uses set phrases.
Expressing physical fatigue from exertion, lack of sleep, or illness.
The most common and versatile way to say 'I'm tired.' It's the past tense of 疲れる (to get tired), used as an adjective-like expression.
I'm really tired today.
I'm tired from work.
An onomatopoeic word meaning 'exhausted' or 'worn out,' often used after physical activity.
I'm completely exhausted.
Another onomatopoeic word for being physically drained, often after strenuous effort.
I'm worn out from climbing the mountain.
Describes a heavy, sluggish tiredness, often from illness or lack of sleep. It's an adjective.
My body feels heavy and tired from the cold.
Expressing mental fatigue, emotional exhaustion, or being tired of something.
Also used for mental tiredness. Context makes it clear.
I'm tired of interpersonal relationships.
Means 'to be fed up' or 'sick and tired' of something. Often used with に.
I'm sick and tired of the same routine every day.
Means 'to get tired of' in the sense of losing interest or becoming bored with something.
An onomatopoeic word describing a haggard, worn-out appearance from mental or physical strain.
Expressing that you are fed up with someone or something.
Pattern: noun + に疲れる. Means 'to be tired of (something/someone).'
I'm tired of his selfishness.
Pattern: noun + にうんざりする. Stronger than 疲れる, conveys being fed up.
I'm fed up with the crowded train every day.
Pattern: noun + に飽きる. For losing interest in something.
I'm tired of the same scenery.
Expressing drowsiness or the need to sleep.
In English, 'tired' can mean 'sleepy,' but in Japanese, 疲れた (tsukareta) means physically or mentally fatigued, not drowsy. Use 眠い (nemui) for sleepy.
疲れた is the general term. くたくた and へとへと are more intense and colloquial, implying total exhaustion. くたくた often suggests limpness, while へとへと suggests being drained of energy.
I'm tired of studying.
I'm so tired I could fall asleep.
このゲームに飽きた。
I'm tired of this game.
彼は残業続きでげっそりしている。
He looks haggard from continuous overtime.
ああ、眠たい。
Ah, I'm sleepy.