JLPT · Level 100
45 words
Japanese word
物足りない
Pronunciation
Romajimonotarinai
Meaning
- i-adjectiveunsatisfying
Example
この映画の結末は物足りないと感じました。ko no ei ga no ketsu matsu wa mono ta ri na i to kan ji ma shi ta
I felt that the ending of this movie was unsatisfying.
More examples
説明は分かりやすいですが、具体例がなくて物足りないです。setsu mei wa wa ka ri ya su i de su ga gu tai rei ga na ku te mono ta ri na i de su
The explanation is easy to understand, but it is unsatisfying because it has no specific examples.
Core concept
Expresses the sense that an experience does not provide enough substance, impact, or fulfillment.
Common phrases
物足りない内容mono ta ri na i nai yō
unsatisfying content
物足りない結末mono ta ri na i ketsu matsu
an unsatisfying ending
物足りない演技mono ta ri na i en gi
an unsatisfying performance
物足りない味mono ta ri na i aji
an unsatisfying taste
Similar words
足りないtarinai: Describes an amount or quality that is not enough for a particular purpose.
味気ないajikenai: Describes food, entertainment, or writing that lacks flavor, interest, or liveliness.
つまらないtsumaranai: Describes something that fails to hold interest or provide enjoyment.
Definition in Japanese
内容や程度が十分でなく、期待したほどの満足感が得られないさま。nai yō ya tei do ga jū bun de na ku ki tai shi ta ho do no man zoku kan ga e ra re na i sa ma
Word origin
物足りない (monotarinai) is formed from 物 (mono, "thing") and 足りない (tarinai, "be insufficient"), so it literally presents a thing as insufficient.
Usage tips
- 物足りない (monotarinai) can describe food, entertainment, or an explanation when it leaves a person wanting more without necessarily being completely bad.