单调
Boring, repetitive, or lacking in variety. Often used to describe routines, colors, sounds, or lifestyles.
Examples
3 of 5这间屋子的装饰颜色太单调了。
The decorative colors in this room are too monotonous.
长途旅行有时会让人感到单调乏味。
Long-distance travel can sometimes feel monotonous and dull.
他的演讲语气过于单调，听众很难集中注意力。
His tone of speech was too monotonous, making it hard for the audience to focus.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of '单' (single/one) and '调' (tone/tune) — only one tune playing over and over.
Quick Quiz
为了让生活不再___，他决定去学习潜水。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 单调
Examples
这间屋子的装饰颜色太单调了。
everydayThe decorative colors in this room are too monotonous.
长途旅行有时会让人感到单调乏味。
informalLong-distance travel can sometimes feel monotonous and dull.
他的演讲语气过于单调，听众很难集中注意力。
formalHis tone of speech was too monotonous, making it hard for the audience to focus.
当代都市生活虽然便利，但节奏有时显得单调。
academicAlthough modern urban life is convenient, the rhythm sometimes seems monotonous.
我们需要改变单调的饮食习惯，增加营养多样性。
healthWe need to change monotonous eating habits and increase nutritional diversity.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
太单调了
too monotonous
摆脱单调
to get rid of monotony
单调的生活
monotonous life
Often Confused With
枯燥 emphasizes that something is dry and uninteresting (like a textbook), while 单调 emphasizes the lack of variety or change.
Usage Notes
Useful in IELTS writing when describing the drawbacks of urbanization or modern lifestyles.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it to describe a person's character, but it's more often used for activities or sensory experiences.
Memory Tip
Think of '单' (single/one) and '调' (tone/tune) — only one tune playing over and over.
Word Origin
From '单' (single) and '调' (tune/melody).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
为了让生活不再___，他决定去学习潜水。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 单调
Related Vocabulary
More lifestyle words
便利
B1Easy to use or reach; convenient; providing comfort or saving effort.
活动
B1A condition in which things are happening; a specific task or organized event.
丰富
B1Existing in large amounts; plentiful. As a verb, it means to make something richer or more diverse.
方式
B1The way in which something is done or happens; a style or method of behaving or living.
休闲
B1Time spent free from work or duties, used for relaxation or personal interests.
习惯
B1A settled or regular tendency or practice. As a verb, it means to get used to something.
购物
B1The activity of buying goods from shops or online stores. It encompasses both necessary shopping and shopping for leisure.
便宜
B1Low in price; costing little money. It can also describe something of poor quality or an unfair advantage (in specific idioms).
签收
B1To sign for something upon delivery to acknowledge receipt.
繁忙
B1Very busy; full of activity or work. Often used to describe cities, schedules, or people.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free