11 Ways to Say “I’m Bored”

Feeling like there’s nothing to do? Saying “I’m bored” is a common way to express that—but English speakers often use more colorful or natural phrases! In this lesson, you’ll learn 11 everyday ways to say “I’m bored,” from polite to playful, so you can sound more like a native speaker in conversations, texts, or even classroom settings.

Common Ways to Say “I’m Bored”

Polite & Neutral

1. I’m a little bored.
   A soft, polite way to admit you’re not engaged—great for classrooms or meetings.
   Example: “This lecture is taking forever.” — “Yeah, I’m a little bored.”
2. This is kind of dull.
   Use “dull” instead of “boring” for a slightly more formal tone.
   Example: “The movie has no action.” — “I know, it’s kind of dull.”
3. I could use something to do.
   A gentle way to say you’re bored without sounding negative.
   Example: “There’s nothing on TV.” — “Same—I could use something to do.”

Casual & Common

1. I’m so bored!
   Simple, honest, and widely used by native speakers.
   Example: “We’ve been waiting an hour.” — “Ugh, I’m so bored!”
2. There’s nothing to do.
   A classic phrase kids and adults use at home or during downtime.
   Example: “It’s raining all day.” — “Yeah, there’s nothing to do.”
3. I’m bored out of my mind.
   An exaggerated (but common) way to say you’re extremely bored.
   Example: “This meeting has no end.” — “I’m bored out of my mind.”

Playful & Expressive

1. I’m dying of boredom!
   Dramatic and humorous—perfect among friends.
   Example: “We’ve watched three reruns.” — “I’m dying of boredom!”
2. This is putting me to sleep.
   Says the activity is so boring it could make you fall asleep.
   Example: “The speaker is reading slides word for word.” — “This is putting me to sleep.”
3. I’m climbing the walls!
   An idiom meaning you’re so bored or restless you feel like you can’t stay still.
   Example: “I’ve been stuck inside all week.” — “Same—I’m climbing the walls!”
4. Time is moving so slowly.
   Describes the feeling that boredom is making minutes feel like hours.
   Example: “Only 10 more minutes of class?” — “Ugh, time is moving so slowly.”
5. I need a change of pace.
   A mature, thoughtful way to say you’re tired of the routine and need something new.
   Example: “Same tasks every day.” — “Yeah, I really need a change of pace.”

Real-Life Dialogues

Alex: We’ve been on hold for 20 minutes.
Jamie: I’m so bored—I’m bored out of my mind!

Nina: It’s Sunday and I’ve done everything.
Ravi: Same. There’s nothing to do. I’m climbing the walls!

Taylor: This training video is so slow.
Jordan: Right? It’s putting me to sleep.

Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase

Situation	Recommended Expression	Why?
In class or at work	“I’m a little bored” or “This is kind of dull”	Polite and non-disruptive
With friends or family	“I’m dying of boredom!” or “I’m climbing the walls!”	Fun, expressive, and relatable
Feeling stuck in routine	“I need a change of pace”	Mature and solution-focused

Why This Matters

• Expressing boredom naturally helps you share your feelings without sounding rude.
• Using idioms and varied phrases makes your English sound more fluent and engaging.
• Knowing the right tone helps you fit in socially—whether you’re texting, chatting, or in a group.

Now you’ve got 11 natural ways to say “I’m bored”! Try using one today in a conversation, journal entry, or even a social media post. The more you use them, the more they’ll become part of your everyday English. And remember—even boredom can be a chance to learn something new. Happy learning! 😊