惰

laziness; inertia

Kanji 1540

Find out how social critics view the fierce work ethic in Japan (some finding it lacking!), and see why the Japanese disdain idleness. Learn to say “His idle lifestyle ruined him,” “He was lazy and irresponsible,” and “Break out of the inertia in your life.” Discover how 惰 and another laziness kanji differ in nuance. See what it means to “devour lazy sleep.” And learn a fun term for a lazy animal.

Revision history:

Nov. 4, 2022: p. 7: In two 貪っていて constructions, I have now reddened the いて, too.

Feb. 15, 2022: 

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and Sears link.
• p. 9: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Mar. 2, 2018: Originally published.