安い思い出

You use this phrase when reflecting on the past. It usually carries a bit of cynicism or self-deprecation. You can use it to dismiss a bad experience. Or, you can use it to express regret about a relationship. It is a very evocative way to describe something that felt 'thin.' Just attach it to a sentence as a noun phrase.

Use it when talking about a failed date that was boring. It works well for a vacation where nothing interesting happened. You might use it when texting a friend about a short-lived hobby. It is perfect for those 'what was I thinking?' moments. It helps you distance yourself from a shallow past.

Never use this for someone else's precious milestones. Don't call a friend's wedding a 安い思い出. That would be incredibly rude! Also, avoid using it for your own significant achievements. It makes you sound like you have zero self-esteem. Keep it for the truly trivial stuff.

In Japan, there is a high value placed on omomi (weight or depth). Deep, meaningful connections are respected. Anything labeled yasui (cheap) implies a lack of effort or heart. This phrase often appears in J-Pop lyrics or dramas. It captures the melancholy of a modern, fast-paced world. It reflects the fear of having a life full of 'thin' experiences.

You might hear 安っぽい思い出 (yasuppoi omoide). This means 'cheap-ish memory' and sounds even more dismissive. Another variation is 安いドラマのような思い出 (a memory like a cheap drama). This implies the situation felt fake or cliché. Use these when you want to add an extra layer of sass.