Translation guide
Expressing reluctance in Japanese involves various verbs and adjectives that convey hesitation, unwillingness, or a lack of enthusiasm. The most common and versatile expression is 気が進まない (ki ga susumanai), which literally means 'the spirit does not advance.' Other options include 乗り気ではない (noriki dewa nai) for lack of eagerness, 渋る (shiburu) for visible hesitation, and 嫌がる (iyagaru) for showing dislike. The choice depends on the degree of reluctance and the context.
Expressing that one is not eager or willing to do something, often due to lack of interest or motivation.
The most common and natural way to say 'I'm reluctant.' It implies a lack of enthusiasm or motivation. Can be used in various contexts.
明日の会議に行くのは気が進まない。
I'm reluctant to go to tomorrow's meeting.
彼はその仕事を気が進まない様子で引き受けた。
He reluctantly took on the job.
Literally 'not in a riding mood,' meaning not enthusiastic or not keen. Slightly more casual than 気が進まない.
彼女はその計画にあまり乗り気ではない。
She's not very keen on the plan.
A verb meaning to hesitate or be reluctant, often with a nuance of being unwilling to part with something or to act. Can be used for people or things.
彼は支払いを渋っている。
He is reluctant to pay.
子供が学校に行くのを渋る。
The child is reluctant to go to school.
Means to show dislike or reluctance, often visibly. It implies a stronger aversion than 気が進まない.
犬が風呂に入るのを嫌がる。
The dog is reluctant to take a bath.
Similar to 気が進まない, but slightly more literary or formal. It means 'not feeling up to it.'
どうも気乗りがしなくて、誘いを断った。
I just wasn't feeling up to it, so I declined the invitation.
Expressing reluctance that stems from uncertainty, fear, or careful consideration.
Means to hesitate or waver, often due to indecision or fear of consequences. It focuses on the moment of hesitation.
彼は一瞬ためらったが、すぐに返事をした。
He hesitated for a moment, but then answered immediately.
真実を言うのをためらう。
I hesitate to tell the truth.
A more formal or literary term for hesitation. Often used in writing or serious speech.
彼は決断を躊躇している。
He is hesitating to make a decision.
Expressing unwillingness to give up something, often money or possessions.
Means to be reluctant to give or part with something because one values it. Often used with money, time, or effort.
彼はお金を惜しんで寄付しなかった。
He was reluctant to donate money (because he didn't want to part with it).
努力を惜しまない。
To spare no effort (lit. not to be reluctant with effort).
Specifically means to be reluctant to give out or spend (money, information, etc.).
気が進まない expresses a general lack of enthusiasm or willingness, while ためらう refers to a momentary hesitation often due to doubt or fear. Use 気が進まない for 'I don't feel like it' and ためらう for 'I paused before acting.'
気が進まないけど、やらなければならない。
I'm reluctant, but I have to do it.
彼女はドアを開けるのをためらった。
She hesitated to open the door.
Avoid directly translating 'reluctant' as 不本意な (fuhon'i na) or 気が重い (ki ga omoi) in most contexts. 不本意な means 'unwilling' or 'against one's will' and is too strong for everyday reluctance. 気が重い means 'depressing' or 'heavy-hearted' and is not a direct equivalent.
彼は情報を出し惜しんでいる。
He is reluctant to share information.