ノリが悪(わる)い

のりがわるい
expression
being a killjoy, no fun, unresponsive
informalspokencolloquialsocietypersonality
1. being a killjoy, no fun, poor at going along with the mood
Describes someone who doesn't join in the fun, doesn't respond to the group energy, or brings down the mood. The opposite of ノリがいい.
ノリが悪(わる)いなあ、一緒(いっしょ)に踊(おど)ろうよ。
Don't be such a killjoy, come dance with us.
彼(かれ)はノリが悪(わる)いから、カラオケに誘(さそ)っても断(ことわ)る。
He's no fun, so even if you invite him to karaoke, he'll turn it down.
ノリが悪(わる)いと思(おも)われたくなくて、無理(むり)に笑(わら)った。
I forced a laugh because I didn't want to be seen as a killjoy.

Cultural note

In Japanese group culture, ノリ (energy, vibe, enthusiasm) is important. Being ノリが悪(わる)い can be seen as antisocial, while being ノリがいい is a compliment meaning someone is fun and goes with the flow.

However, the pressure to be ノリがいい can be stressful, especially in workplace drinking parties (飲(の)み会(かい)) where people feel obligated to participate enthusiastically.

Related words

  • ノリがいい: fun-loving, going with the flow (positive)
  • ノリが悪(わる)い: being a killjoy, unresponsive (negative)
  • ノリで: on impulse, in the heat of the moment

Related Words

Antonym: ノリがいい (fun-loving)
general
Added 2026.2.10 9:31 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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