How do you say "It's nothing special." in Japanese?

"It's nothing special." in Japanese is "つまらないものですが。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "つまらないものですが。" mean in English?

"つまらないものですが。" means "It's nothing special." in English.

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How to Say ‘It's nothing special.’ in Japanese

つまらないものですが。

tsumara nai mono desu ga

[tsoo-mah-rah nah-ee moh-noh deh-soo gah]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a set phrase often said when handing over a gift, even if the gift is actually nice. It shows humility, not that the item is really boring or cheap.

Phrase Breakdown

つまら

tsumara

[tsoo-mah-rah]

boring / trivial

Part of a humble set phrase used when offering a gift.

Example

つまらないものですが、どうぞ。

It’s just a small thing, but please accept it.

ない

nai

[nah-ee]

not

Negative ending completing つまらない.

Example

つまらないものですが、どうぞ。

It’s just a small thing, but please accept it.

もの

mono

[moh-noh]

thing

Refers to an object; in this phrase, it means a gift or item.

Example

つまらないものですが、お受け取りください。

It’s just a small thing, but please accept it.

です

desu

[deh-soo]

is / polite ending

Makes the statement polite.

Example

つまらないものですが、どうぞ。

It’s just a small thing, but please accept it.

が

[gah]

but

Softens the phrase and leads into offering the gift politely.

Example

つまらないものですが、どうぞ。

It’s just a small thing, but please accept it.

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