さ
冴
　
え
　
な
　
い

expression, adjective

  1. dull, dreary, sullen, depressed.
  2. dissatisfying, disappointing, lackluster, inadequate.
  3. unattractive, unappealing.
  4. boring, uninteresting.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
さ
冴
　
え
　
な
　
い
 冴えない さえない
さ
冱
　
え
　
な
　
い
 冱えない さえない

Contained Kanji Breakdown

be clear, serene, cold
さ.える　ゴ　こお.る (Kentei Pre-1, N1)
two-stroke water radical or ice radical (no. 15)
ヒョウ　こおり (Kentei 1)
tusk, fang, tusk radical (no. 92)
きば　ガ　ゲ (11th)