Translation guide
Describes a lack of motivation, drive, or enthusiasm. The most natural Japanese expressions depend on whether you're talking about a temporary feeling, a personality trait, or a lack of external incentive.
Expressing that you currently don't feel like doing something, lack energy, or can't get started.
Literally 'motivation doesn't come out.' The most common way to say you're not feeling motivated right now.
最近、何もやる気が出ない。
Lately, I don't feel motivated to do anything.
Literally 'have no motivation.' Can sound more like a general state or personality trait, but also used for current feelings.
今日は全然やる気がない。
I have absolutely no motivation today.
Slangy/casual word for feeling sluggish, lazy, or can't be bothered. Often used when you lack physical or mental energy.
あー、だるい。何もしたくない。
Ugh, I feel so unmotivated. I don't want to do anything.
Describing someone who generally lacks ambition, drive, or initiative.
A person who lacks motivation. Can be used descriptively without being overly harsh.
彼はやる気がない人だ。
He's an unmotivated person.
Apathy, lethargy, lack of spirit. More formal/psychological term. Often used for a prolonged state.
無気力な学生が増えている。
The number of apathetic students is increasing.
Laziness, indolence. A stronger, more negative word implying moral failing or sloth.
When there's no reward, purpose, or reason to do something, making you unmotivated.
Motivation doesn't arise. Emphasizes that the situation doesn't inspire motivation.
給料が安いと、やる気が起きない。
If the pay is low, I can't get motivated.
Motivation doesn't rise. Uses the loanword モチベーション, common in business or self-help contexts.
目標がはっきりしないと、モチベーションが上がらない。
If the goal isn't clear, motivation doesn't increase.
When you lack the will to do a particular thing.
Can't bring oneself to do ~. A very natural pattern for lacking motivation for a specific action.
勉強する気になれない。
I can't get motivated to study.
片付ける気になれない。
I can't bring myself to clean up.
Feeling that doing ~ is too much trouble/bothersome. Implies a lack of motivation due to perceived effort.
料理するのがおっくうだ。
I can't be bothered to cook.
やる気が出ない focuses on the feeling of motivation not emerging (temporary), while やる気がない can describe a more permanent lack of motivation or a personality trait. However, in casual speech they are often interchangeable.
今日はやる気が出ない。
I can't get motivated today.
彼は昔からやる気がない。
He's always been unmotivated.
There is no single adjective that directly translates 'unmotivated' in all contexts. Avoid direct translations like 非モチベーション or 無動機, which are unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on the situation.
Lead an idle/lazy life.