取(と)るに足(た)らない

とるにたらない
expression
insignificant; trivial; not worth considering
formalwrittendescriptive
1. insignificant; trivial; not worth considering
Describes something so minor or unimportant that it does not merit attention or discussion. Literally 'not sufficient to take up.'
取(と)るに足(た)らない問題(もんだい)だ。
It's a trivial problem.
そんな取(と)るに足(た)らないことで悩(なや)むな。
Don't worry about something so insignificant.
彼(かれ)は取(と)るに足(た)らない人物(じんぶつ)だと思(おも)われていたが、のちに大(おお)きな功績(こうせき)を残(のこ)した。
He was considered an insignificant person, but later left behind great achievements.

A literary expression meaning "not worth taking up" or "not worth considering." Has an elevated, slightly formal tone and is commonly encountered in writing, speeches, and formal conversation.

Common patterns

Composed of 取(と)る (to take) + に (particle) + 足(た)らない (not sufficient). The underlying meaning is "not sufficient to be taken up [for discussion/attention]."

Common collocations

Similar words

  • くだらない: worthless; stupid — more colloquial and dismissive, often expressing contempt. 取(と)るに足(た)らない is more measured and literary.
  • たいしたことない: no big deal — casual and reassuring. 取(と)るに足(た)らない is more formal and definitive.
  • つまらない: boring; trivial — broader in meaning; can mean "boring" or "worthless." 取(と)るに足(た)らない specifically means "not worth considering."

Related Words

Compare: くだらない (worthless)
Compare: 大(たい)したことない (no big deal)
Compare: つまらない (boring)
general
Added 2026.5.7 20:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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