Entry
うだうだ
udauda
うだうだ means to go on and on complaining about trivial things, or to idle away time unproductively.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a situation where someone talks endlessly about complaints or excuses, making it tedious for the listener. It is also widely used to describe idling, dawdling, or wasting time without taking any productive action.
- complaining endlessly
- dawdling and wasting time
Sense Map
Complaining endlessly
Going on and on about trivial complaints, excuses, or matters of no consequence.
うだうだ文句を言う
Idling away
Dawdling, procrastinating, or spending time without getting anything done.
家でうだうだ過ごす
Usage Note
How to Use
うだうだ言う
Used when someone talks endlessly, often making excuses or complaining.
うだうだする
Used to describe being sluggish, lazy, or putting off important tasks.
うだうだ過ごす
Means to let time pass by while dawdling or engaging in unproductive activities.
うだうだと + verb
How to Use
Common Phrases
うだうだ言う
complain on and on
うだうだする
dawdle around
うだうだ過ごす
idle time away
うだうだ言わずに
without making endless excuses
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Listening to someone talk | Annoyed | Implies the speaker is making excuses or complaining, and you want them to stop and take action. |
| Spending free time | Regretful | Describes a day spent doing nothing productive, usually leaving the person feeling a bit guilty. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぐだぐだ ぐだぐだ / similar | Used when something loses its structure, becomes messy, or when someone is completely exhausted and unmotivated. | While both indicate wasting time, ぐだぐだ implies a loss of physical energy or a chaotic breakdown of plans (like a disorganized meeting), whereas うだうだ specifically targets repetitive complaints and idling. | 会議がぐだぐだになる |
ごちょごちょ ごちょごちょ / similar | Used when talking about trivial, complicated matters in a bothersome way. | ごちょごちょ emphasizes the petty, messy, or complicated nature of the talk, while うだうだ emphasizes how long and tedious the talking is. | ごちょごちょ言う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'udauda' to happily describe a relaxing weekend.
'udauda' means you wasted time and likely regret it. Use 'nonbiri' to describe peaceful, positive relaxation.
Using it for aimless wandering.
Wandering around aimlessly is 'urouro'. 'udauda' is about idling in one place or delaying action.
Examples
Examples
彼はいつも上司の文句をうだうだ言っている。
かれはいつもじょうしのもんくをうだうだいいっている。
He is always going on and on complaining about his boss.
FigurativeFocuses on the tedious repetition of the complaints.
休日なのに、一日中家でうだうだしてしまった。
きゅうじつなのに、いちにちじゅういえでうだうだしてしまった。
Even though it was a day off, I ended up dawdling around the house all day.
LiteralShows slight regret for wasting time unproductively.
うだうだ言わずに、早く手伝ってよ。
うだうだいわずに、はやくてつだってよ。
Stop going on about it and help me already.
FigurativeA common phrasing used to tell someone to stop making excuses and act.
失敗の言い訳をうだうだと並べ立てた。
しっぱいのかいわけをうだうだとならべたてた。
He listed endless excuses for his failure.
FigurativeEmphasizes the repetitive and tedious nature of the excuses.
友達とカフェでうだうだ過ごすのが好きだ。
ともだちとカフェでうだうだすごすのがすきだ。
I like idling away the time with my friends at a cafe.
LiteralHere, dawdling is enjoyed as a way to kill time comfortably.
Similar Words
ぐだぐだ
gudaguda
Shows a state of exhaustion, chaos, or loss of structure.
ごちょごちょ
gochogocho
Talking about trivial, complicated matters in a bothersome way.
Questions
Is it rude to say 'udauda iwanai de'?
Yes, it translates closely to 'stop whining' or 'stop making excuses'. It is very direct and should only be used with close friends or subordinates.
Can うだうだ be used for animals?
No, it specifically describes human behavior: making excuses, complaining, or procrastinating.
Does it always imply complaining?
Not necessarily. When used as 'udauda suru', it simply means idling or dawdling without being productive, even if no talking is involved.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1001000
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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