synonym Comparative
退屈する
VS
手持ち無沙汰
Differences Between "退屈する" and "手持ち無沙汰"
Option A
退屈する
Meaning
to be bored
Reading
たいくつする (taikutsu suru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
することもなく、テレビを見ていたら退屈してきた。
Having nothing to do, I watched TV and got bored.
Option B
手持ち無沙汰
Meaning
having nothing to do, feeling bored, being idle
Reading
てもちぶさた (temochibusata)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
待ち時間が長く、手持ち無沙汰だった。
The waiting time was long, and I felt idle.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to be bored)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 退屈する: 動詞。興味がなく、時間を持て余す様子を表す。e.g., 授業に退屈する (be bored in class), 退屈な一日 (a boring day).
- 手持ち無沙汰: Refers to the feeling of boredom or restlessness that arises when one has nothing particular to do with one's hands or time. Often happens when waiting. (することがなく、時間を持て余して退屈な気持ちになること)
- 退屈する: 動詞。興味がなく、時間を持て余す様子を表す。e.g., 授業に退屈する (be bored in class), 退屈な一日 (a boring day).
- 手持ち無沙汰: Refers to the feeling of boredom or restlessness that arises when one has nothing particular to do with one's hands or time. Often happens when waiting. (することがなく、時間を持て余して退屈な気持ちになること)
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!