If you've ever talked with native Japanese speakers, you've probably heard the word “mendokusai”.
It doesn’t usually appear in textbooks, but it’s a word Japanese people use all the time in everyday life.
So what does it mean, and how can you use it naturally? In this article, we’ll break it down with real examples and helpful tips!
The Meaning of “Mendokusai”
“Mendokusai” (めんどくさい) is a casual word that expresses the feeling of:
- "This takes too much effort."
- "I don’t feel like doing it."
- "What a hassle."
It’s used when something feels troublesome, annoying, or just not worth the effort — even if you know you should do it.
It’s often translated as:
“It’s bothersome,” “Too much trouble,” or “What a pain.”
Real-life Examples
Here are some common situations where Japanese people say “mendokusai”:
1. When doing chores
部屋を掃除するの、めんどくさいなぁ。
Heya o soji suru no, mendoku sai na.
"Cleaning my room is such a pain..."
2. When dealing with apps or forms
このアプリ、登録がめんどくさくてやめた。
Kono apuri, toroku ga mendoku sakute yameta.
"I gave up on the app. The registration was too much trouble."
3. When talking about people
彼、いちいち細かいこと言ってきて、ほんとめんどくさいよね。
Karem ichiichi komakai koto itte kite, honto mendokusai yone.
"He’s always nitpicking. So annoying!
How Is It Different from Similar Words?
Let’s compare “mendokusai” with some similar expressions:
- たいへん (taihen) = "difficult" or "hard work"
→ Describes an objectively difficult situation.
Example: "This job is hard, but rewarding." - うざい (uzai) = "annoying" or "irritating"
→ Stronger and a bit rude. Often used when you're really annoyed.
Example: "Ugh, he talks too much. So annoying." - めんどくさい (mendokusai) = "bothersome" or "ugh, I don’t wanna"
→ More casual and lazy in tone.
Example: "I need to go out, but changing clothes is just... mendokusai."
When Not to Use It
“Mendokusai” is very casual. It's perfect for conversations with friends or on social media, but not for formal situations.
Avoid using it in:
- Job interviews
- Business emails
- Conversations with teachers or bosses
Instead, use phrases like:
- “It takes some effort”
- “It’s a bit complicated”
- “It might be difficult”
Final Thoughts
“Mendokusai” is one of those magic Japanese words that captures a very human feeling — that lazy, I-don’t-wanna-do-it mood we all know.
Once you start using it naturally, your Japanese will sound way more native-like.
So next time you're feeling a little lazy, try saying:
“Ugh… mendokusai.”
Chances are, your Japanese friends will smile and say,
“Haha, you really sound like us now!”