Translation guide
Expressing a lack of interest or concern in Japanese. The most common and natural way is to use the adjective 興味がない (kyoumi ga nai), literally 'there is no interest'. Other expressions convey indifference, boredom, or apathy depending on context.
To say you are not interested in a topic, activity, or thing.
The standard, neutral way to say 'I'm not interested'. 興味 (kyoumi) means 'interest', and がない means 'there is no'. It can be used for people, topics, or activities.
私は政治に興味がない。
I'm not interested in politics.
He has no interest in sports.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'indifference' or 'apathy'. It is slightly more formal and often used in written contexts or to describe a general attitude.
彼は政治に無関心だ。
He is indifferent to politics.
Similar to 興味がない but 関心 (kanshin) leans more toward 'concern' or 'attention'. It can sound slightly more detached.
彼は環境問題に関心がない。
He has no concern for environmental issues.
A very casual, sometimes dismissive phrase meaning 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter'. It implies a lack of interest or investment in the outcome. Use with caution as it can sound rude.
Can sound blunt or dismissive. Avoid in polite conversation.
どっちでもいいよ。どうでもいい。
Either is fine. I don't really care.
To express that something is boring or fails to hold your attention.
The most common adjective for 'boring' or 'dull'. It describes something that fails to interest or entertain.
この映画はつまらない。
This movie is boring.
彼の話はいつもつまらない。
His stories are always dull.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'boredom' or 'tedium'. It describes a state of being bored or something that causes boredom.
To describe a person's demeanor as unenthusiastic, apathetic, or unresponsive.
A phrase meaning 'seeming uninterested'. It combines 興味 (interest) with なさそう (seems not to have).
彼は興味なさそうに話を聞いていた。
He was listening to the story with an uninterested look.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'expressionless' or 'deadpan'. It describes a face that shows no emotion or interest.
彼女は無表情で座っていた。
She sat there with a blank expression.
A na-adjective meaning 'indifferent', 'cold', or 'apathetic'. It implies a lack of warmth or emotional engagement.
興味がない means 'I have no interest' (in the topic itself). 面白くない (omoshirokunai) means 'it's not interesting/funny' and refers to the quality of the thing. If you say この本は興味がない, it sounds like 'I have no interest in this book' (maybe you don't care about the subject). If you say この本は面白くない, it means 'This book is not interesting (to read).'
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly corresponds to 'uninterested'. Using a word like 無関心 (mukanshin) can sound overly formal or clinical. In most everyday situations, 興味がない is the most natural choice.
何もすることがなくて退屈だ。
I have nothing to do and I'm bored.
I was surprised by his indifferent attitude.