बोरिंग था
It was boring
Literally: Boring was
Use this phrase to casually describe any past experience that lacked excitement or interest.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe unexciting past events or experiences.
- A perfect example of Hinglish used in daily life.
- Changes slightly based on the gender of the subject.
Meaning
You use this to describe a past event, movie, or conversation that lacked excitement. It is the simplest way to say something was dull or uninteresting.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a movie with a friend
फिल्म बहुत बोरिंग थी।
The movie was very boring.
Talking about a long work meeting
आज की मीटिंग बोरिंग थी।
Today's meeting was boring.
Texting about a party that didn't live up to the hype
पार्टी बोरिंग थी, मैं घर आ गया।
The party was boring, I came home.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a prime example of 'Hinglish,' the hybrid of Hindi and English spoken by millions. While traditional Hindi has words like 'ubau,' they are rarely used in urban settings. 'Boring' has become a naturalized part of the vocabulary across all age groups in India.
The Gender Secret
If you aren't sure if a word is masculine or feminine, just use 'tha'. People will still understand you perfectly!
Hinglish is King
Don't try to find the 'pure' Hindi word for boring in casual talk. Using 'boring' actually makes you sound more like a native speaker.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe unexciting past events or experiences.
- A perfect example of Hinglish used in daily life.
- Changes slightly based on the gender of the subject.
What It Means
बोरिंग था (Boring tha) is a classic Hinglish expression. It combines the English word 'boring' with the Hindi past tense verb था. It is used to describe anything that failed to grab your attention. Whether it was a long lecture or a bad date, this is your go-to phrase. It is direct, clear, and very common in modern India.
How To Use It
You place the subject at the start. For example, Movie boring thi. Wait, why thi? In Hindi, verbs change based on the gender of the object. Since 'movie' is feminine, we use thi. If you are talking about a 'match' (masculine), you say Match boring tha. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it for events, people, or even entire days.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks for your opinion on something finished. Use it after a long meeting that could have been an email. Use it when a friend asks about that hyped-up new restaurant. It is perfect for casual chats and texting. It feels honest and relatable. Everyone has felt bored at some point!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in high-stakes professional reviews unless you are close with your boss. It can sound a bit dismissive or lazy. If a host asks how their party was, saying बोरिंग था might be too blunt. In very formal Hindi settings, people might prefer the pure Hindi word उबाऊ (ubau). However, ubau sounds like a textbook from the 1950s. Stick to boring for real-life vibes.
Cultural Background
India loves Hinglish. Mixing English adjectives with Hindi grammar is the standard in cities. 'Boring' has effectively replaced native words in daily speech. It reflects the fast-paced, globalized culture of modern India. Using this phrase makes you sound like a local rather than a tourist. It shows you understand the rhythm of modern conversation.
Common Variations
You can add बहुत (bahut) for emphasis. Bahut boring tha means 'It was very boring.' If you want to be dramatic, try बोरियत हो रही थी (boriyat ho rahi thi). This means 'I was getting bored.' For a more slangy feel, young people just say 'Bore ho gaya' (I got bored). But बोरिंग था remains the most versatile foundation.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal phrase. Its biggest 'gotcha' is the gender agreement of the verb (tha/thi), though using 'tha' for everything is a common mistake that locals will easily overlook.
The Gender Secret
If you aren't sure if a word is masculine or feminine, just use 'tha'. People will still understand you perfectly!
Hinglish is King
Don't try to find the 'pure' Hindi word for boring in casual talk. Using 'boring' actually makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Careful with People
Saying 'Woh boring tha' about a person is quite rude. Use it for things or events instead to stay polite.
Examples
6फिल्म बहुत बोरिंग थी।
The movie was very boring.
Note the use of 'thi' because 'film' is feminine.
आज की मीटिंग बोरिंग थी।
Today's meeting was boring.
Commonly used in offices among colleagues.
पार्टी बोरिंग थी, मैं घर आ गया।
The party was boring, I came home.
Short and direct for texting.
लेक्चर थोड़ा बोरिंग था।
The lecture was a bit boring.
'Thoda' (a bit) softens the criticism.
तुम्हारा किस्सा बोरिंग था!
Your story was boring!
Used playfully between close friends.
मेरा वीकेंड बोरिंग था।
My weekend was boring.
Expressing a lack of activity.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct ending for a masculine subject like 'Show'.
वो शो (Show) बहुत ___।
Since 'Show' is treated as masculine in this context, we use 'tha'.
How do you say 'The class was boring'?
क्लास (Class) ___।
In Hindi, 'Class' is feminine, so 'thi' is the correct past tense marker.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Boring tha'
Bore ho gaya yaar
I'm totally bored buddy
Boring tha
It was boring (Current Phrase)
Dilchasp nahi tha
It was not interesting
Ubau anubhav tha
It was a tedious experience
Where to use 'Boring tha'
Bad Movie
Film boring thi
Dull Meeting
Meeting boring thi
Long Flight
Safar boring tha
Bad Date
Date boring thi
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically no, it's English, but it is used so much in India that it's considered part of the daily Hindi vocabulary.
Just change tha to hai. You would say Boring hai.
Hindi verbs match the gender of the object. If the thing was feminine (like movie), you say boring thi.
The word is उबाऊ (ubau), but it sounds very formal and you'll rarely hear it in conversation.
It's okay if the relationship is casual, but in a formal report, say dilchasp nahi tha (it wasn't interesting).
You say Main bore ho raha hoon (for males) or Main bore ho rahi hoon (for females).
It's not rude, just honest. However, avoid saying it directly to someone who worked hard on the thing you found boring!
Yes, you can say Woh ladka boring tha (That boy was boring), but it's a bit mean.
Add bahut (very) before boring. Example: Bahut boring tha.
In Devanagari script, it is written as बोरिंग, but the pronunciation stays exactly like the English word.
Related Phrases
मज़ा नहीं आया
It wasn't fun / I didn't enjoy it
ठीक-ठाक था
It was okay / so-so
समय की बर्बादी
Waste of time
दिलचस्प नहीं था
It wasn't interesting
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