Translation guide
Expressing hesitation, unwillingness, or a lack of enthusiasm to do something in Japanese.
Expressing that you don't want to do something or are hesitant about it.
Showing that you are wavering or cannot decide easily.
Expressing that you don't want to bother someone or be a burden.
気が進まない is a softer, more indirect way to express reluctance. 嫌だ is direct and can sound childish or strong. Use 気が進まない in polite conversation.
気が進まないけど、行きます。
I'm not keen, but I'll go.
嫌だから行かない。
I don't want to, so I won't go.
The noun 'reluctance' is often translated as 気乗りしないこと or 不本意, but these are not commonly used in everyday speech. It's more natural to use verb phrases like 〜たくない or 気が進まない.
I hate getting up early.
Literally 'the spirit does not advance', meaning you are not keen or feel reluctant. More indirect and polite than 嫌だ.
その計画には気が進まない。
I'm not keen on that plan.
Means 'not enthusiastic' or 'not in the mood'. Casual.
今日は飲み会に乗り気じゃない。
I'm not really up for the drinking party today.
Adverb meaning 'reluctantly' or 'grudgingly'. Used when someone does something despite reluctance.
彼は渋々同意した。
He reluctantly agreed.
Verb meaning 'to hesitate'. Often used when someone pauses before acting.
彼女は答えるのをためらった。
She hesitated to answer.
Means 'to be lost' or 'to waver' between options. Implies indecision.
どの道を選ぶか迷っている。
I'm hesitating over which path to choose.
Formal/literary word for 'hesitate'. Often used in writing.
彼は躊躇なく決断した。
He made the decision without hesitation.
Literally 'bad', but used to mean 'I feel bad (for troubling you)'. Very common in casual speech.
手伝ってもらうのは悪いよ。
I feel bad asking you to help.
Formal expression of apology or feeling of indebtedness. 'I'm terribly sorry' or 'I feel awful'.
ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません。
I'm very sorry for causing you trouble.
Very polite expression of being sorry or feeling obliged. Often used in business.
お手数をおかけして恐れ入ります。
I'm terribly sorry to put you to so much trouble.