expression, i-adjective
silly; foolish; trivial; childish; guileless
Describes something so trivial, silly, or innocent that it is not worth taking seriously. Often used for lighthearted conversation, jokes, or harmless remarks. Can also describe a person's naive or guileless nature.
彼の話はいつもたわいもないことばかりだ。
His talk is always just silly, trivial stuff.
We laughed together over a silly joke.
彼女はたわいもない人で、誰にでもすぐ心を開く。
She is a guileless person who opens up to anyone right away.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 他愛 are ateji used for their sounds, not their meanings. The word likely derives from a native Japanese root related to 'frivolous' or 'trivial,' but the exact derivation is unclear.