na-adjective, noun
thickheaded; slow-witted; phlegmatic
Describes a person's mental dullness or temperamental slowness; often carries a negative or critical tone. Can refer to a lack of quick understanding or a stolid, unresponsive nature.
彼は鈍重で、冗談が通じない。
He is thickheaded and doesn't get jokes.
あの政治家の鈍重な反応に国民は苛立って
The public is frustrated by that politician's slow-witted responses.
na-adjective, noun
slow-moving; sluggish
Refers to physical slowness or heaviness of movement, often implying a lack of agility or energy. Can describe people, animals, or even processes.
冬のカエルは鈍重で、簡単に捕まえられる。
Frogs in winter are sluggish and easy to catch.
彼の鈍重な動きを見て、監督は交代を決めた。
Seeing his slow movements, the coach decided to substitute him.
Compound of 鈍 (don, 'dull, slow') and 重 (jū, 'heavy'). The combination conveys a sense of heavy dullness or sluggishness. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.