単調(たんちょう)

たんちょう
na-adjective, noun
monotonous, humdrum
1. monotonous, humdrum, tedious
Lacking in variety or change, resulting in boredom. Describes repetitive situations, routines, or sounds that feel dull due to their uniformity.
毎日(まいにち)単調(たんちょう)な生活(せいかつ)を送(おく)っている。
I live a monotonous life every day.
単調(たんちょう)な作業(さぎょう)が続(つづ)くと集中力(しゅうちゅうりょく)が落(お)ちる。
When monotonous work continues, concentration drops.
景色(けしき)が変(か)わらない単調(たんちょう)な道(みち)を何時間(なんじかん)も運転(うんてん)するのは辛(つら)い。
Driving for hours on a monotonous road where the scenery doesn't change is tough.

単調(たんちょう) describes something that lacks variety or change, making it feel dull or tedious. It is a na-adjective with a generally negative connotation.

FORMS:

  • Na-adjective: 単調(たんちょう)な生活(せいかつ) (monotonous life)
  • Adverbial: 単調(たんちょう)に繰(く)り返(かえ)す (repeat monotonously)
  • Noun: 単調(たんちょう)さ (monotony)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 単調(たんちょう)な作業(さぎょう): monotonous work
  • 単調(たんちょう)な毎日(まいにち): humdrum days
  • 単調(たんちょう)なリズム: monotonous rhythm
  • 単調(たんちょう)な繰(く)り返(かえ)し: monotonous repetition

FORMATION:
単(たん) (single, simple) + 調(ちょう) (tone, key). Literally "single tone," evoking the idea of no variation in pitch or pattern.

general
Added 2026.2.18 21:25 · Revised 2026.3.28 13:11
11500/11832_tanchou