Garden variety Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɑɹdən/ /vɝˈaɪəti
GAR-dun ver-EYE-uh-tee
ɡˈɑːdən/ /vəɹˈaɪəti
GAH-dun vur-EYE-uh-tee
Definition
Used to describe something that is ordinary, common, or not special in any way.
Usage & Nuances
"Garden variety" is informal, mostly used before nouns (e.g., 'garden variety problem'). It emphasizes a lack of uniqueness or excitement. Not about actual gardens. Alternative: 'run-of-the-mill', 'ordinary'. Don't use for people as an insult.
Spanish: común y corriente - normal - típicoPortuguese (BR): comum - típico - comum e simplesPortuguese (PT): comum - típico - banalChinese (Simplified): 普通的 - 一般的Chinese (Traditional): 普通的 - 一般的Hindi: साधारण - आमArabic: عادي - تقليديBengali: সাধারণ - মামুলি - সাধারণ ধরনেরRussian: обычный - заурядныйJapanese: ありふれた - 普通のVietnamese: bình thường - thông thườngKorean: 평범한 - 흔한Turkish: sıradan - aleladeUrdu: عام - معمولیIndonesian: biasa - umum
Example Sentences
This is just a garden variety headache.
basic
He wore a garden variety white shirt.
basic
It's just a garden variety cold, nothing serious.
basic
Honestly, this movie was just garden variety—nothing you haven’t seen before.
natural
That’s just your garden variety excuse; I’ve heard it a hundred times.
natural
Nothing special—just your garden variety coffee from the corner store.
natural