Japanese word

だるい

Pronunciation

Romajidarui

Meaning

  • i-adjectivetired

Example

今日は体がだるいです。kyō wa karada ga da ru i de su

My body feels tired today.

Illustration for だるい (tired)

More examples

朝からだるくて、何をするにも時間がかかります。asa ka ra da ru ku te nan o su ru ni mo ji kan ga ka ka ri ma su

Because I have felt sluggish since morning, everything takes me longer.

Core concept

Describes a state in which physical or mental heaviness makes activity feel difficult, draining, or burdensome.

Common phrases

  • 体がだるいkarada ga da ru i

    feel sluggish

  • 朝からだるいasa ka ra da ru i

    feel sluggish since morning

Similar words

しんどいshindoi: Describes strong physical or mental strain that makes continuing an activity difficult.
眠いnemui: Describes a strong need for sleep that makes staying awake difficult.
かったるいkattarui: Describes a sluggish, low-energy state or a task that feels burdensome.

Definition in Japanese

疲れや負担を感じて、体や気分が重く、物事に取り組むのがおっくうなさま。tsuka re ya fu tan o kan ji te karada ya ki bun ga omo ku mono goto ni to ri ku mu no ga o kkū na sa ma

Word origin

だるい (darui) is generally treated as a sound change from たるい (tarui), an older adjective describing slackness or a lack of vigor.

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, だるい (darui) can describe low energy in a person or a task that feels burdensome, so context determines whether tired or bothersome is intended.

Other meanings

  • sluggishi-adjective
  • bothersomei-adjective
  • tediousi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • だるさdarusatirednessnoun
  • だるがるdarugaruact tiredverb

Word lists with this word