つまらない

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. この映画はつまらないです。▶ —
   This movie is boring.
2. つまらないものですが、どうぞ。▶ —
   It's a trifle, but please accept it.

Collocations

Mnemonic

つまらない tsumaranai — i-adjective "boring / trifling". Etymology: negative of 詰まる (tsumaru, to fill / be packed) = "not filled = empty in content or value". Ritual gift-giving phrase: つまらないものですが、どうぞ ("it's a trifling thing, but please accept") — humble lowering of one's own gift. The receiver never agrees "yes, indeed trifling"; the response is ありがとうございます or そんなことないですよ ("not at all"). Japanese humility culture is baked into the word.

Quick check

1. Social function of "つまらないものですが、どうぞ"?

   • Humble ritual lowering of one's gift
   • Genuine admission the gift is poor
   • Insult to the receiver
   • Refusal signal