Translation guide
The English word 'unwilling' describes a lack of desire or consent to do something. In Japanese, this is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and grammatical patterns that convey reluctance, refusal, or lack of motivation. The most natural translations depend on whether the unwillingness is emotional (not wanting to), volitional (refusing to), or situational (being forced).
Expressing a personal feeling of not wanting to do something, often due to lack of motivation or preference.
The negative form of the desire auxiliary たい. Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to say 'don't want to V'. This is the most direct and common way to express unwillingness to perform an action.
今日は外に出たくない。
I don't want to go out today.
彼は話したくないみたいだ。
He seems unwilling to talk.
Literally 'the feeling doesn't advance'. A common phrase meaning 'not feel like doing', 'be reluctant'. Used when you lack enthusiasm or are hesitant.
その仕事は気が進まない。
I'm unwilling to do that job.
彼女は気が進まない様子だった。
She seemed unwilling.
Literally 'not in a riding mood'. Means 'not enthusiastic', 'unwilling to participate'. Often used for invitations or proposals.
彼はその計画に乗り気ではない。
He is unwilling about the plan.
Verb meaning 'to show dislike/reluctance'. Describes someone's visible unwillingness. Often used when the person expresses distaste.
子供は野菜を嫌がる。
Children are unwilling to eat vegetables.
Expressing a firm decision not to do something, often in response to a request or expectation.
Pattern meaning 'have no intention of V-ing'. Stronger than たくない, implies a deliberate stance.
謝るつもりはない。
I'm unwilling to apologize.
彼は協力するつもりはないと言った。
He said he was unwilling to cooperate.
Verb meaning 'to refuse', 'to reject'. Formal and direct. Used for refusing requests, offers, or demands.
彼はその申し出を拒んだ。
He was unwilling to accept the offer.
Formal term meaning 'not consent/agree'. Used in official or legal contexts.
彼は契約に承諾しなかった。
He was unwilling to agree to the contract.
Describing a situation where someone does something unwillingly due to external pressure or obligation.
Adverb meaning 'reluctantly', 'unwillingly'. Mimics the sound of a child saying 'iya iya' (no no). Very common in casual speech.
いやいや宿題をやった。
I did my homework unwillingly.
Adverb meaning 'reluctantly', 'grudgingly'. Slightly more formal than いやいや. Implies doing something with hesitation.
Formal expression meaning 'against one's will', 'reluctantly'. Used in speeches or formal writing.
不本意ながら、その決定を受け入れた。
Unwillingly, I accepted the decision.
Expressing reluctance to let go of something or someone, often due to attachment.
From 手放す (to let go). Means 'don't want to part with'. Used for objects, opportunities, or people.
この車を手放したくない。
I'm unwilling to part with this car.
Adjective meaning 'regrettable to lose', 'too good to waste'. Implies unwillingness to let go because of value.
彼を失うのは惜しい。
I'm unwilling to lose him.
たくない expresses a simple lack of desire (emotional unwillingness). つもりはない expresses a firm intention not to do something (volitional unwillingness). Use たくない for everyday preferences, and つもりはない when making a clear statement of refusal.
行きたくないけど、行かなければならない。
I don't want to go, but I have to.
行くつもりはない。
I have no intention of going (and I won't).
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly corresponds to 'unwilling'. Avoid literal translations like 不本意な as a general descriptor; it is formal and limited. Instead, use the patterns and phrases above depending on context.
彼は渋々同意した。
He unwillingly agreed.