Slang Bridge

Japanese & English slang and culture expressions

adjective

mottainai

Reading: もったいないRomaji: mottainai

Japanese: もったいない

#everyday#spoken-common

Meaning

  • What a waste; too good to throw away.

Examples

  • It's a waste to throw it out.
  • Don't waste your time.

Nuance

  • emotional
  • value

Notes

  • Often needs explanation beyond 'waste'.