Translation guide
The feeling of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something. In Japanese, this is often expressed through specific adjectives, verbs, or descriptive phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
Expressing that you have both positive and negative feelings about something at the same time.
I have mixed feelings about his proposal.
I'm happy to graduate, but I also have mixed feelings.
The direct loanword from English. It is understood, especially in psychological or academic contexts, but can sound technical or stiff in casual conversation.
He feels ambivalence toward the issue.
Literally 'feelings that don't lean either way'. Conveys being torn or unable to decide between two options, often with a nuance of indecisiveness.
I want to go but I don't want to go; I'm on the fence.
Literally 'contradictory emotions'. A more formal and analytical expression, suitable for writing or discussions about psychology.
She harbors contradictory feelings toward him.
Expressing that you cannot decide between two options because you see pros and cons in both.
The verb 迷う (まよう) means 'to be lost/indecisive'. In the progressive form, it simply means 'I'm torn' or 'I can't decide'. Very natural and common.
I'm torn about which university to go to.
I'm ambivalent about whether to change jobs.
Literally 'unable to decide'. Slightly more formal than 迷っている, emphasizing the difficulty of making a decision.
I'm ambivalent about which one to choose.
Literally 'my heart is swaying'. A poetic way to express emotional ambivalence, often used in songs or literature.
His words have left me feeling ambivalent.
Expressing that you have both affection and aversion toward someone or something.
While アンビバレンス exists, it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Using 複雑な気持ち or 迷っている will sound much more natural.
Japanese often expresses ambivalence through contrastive conjunctions like けど (but) or 一方で (on the other hand), rather than a single word. For example: 嬉しいけど、寂しい (I'm happy, but sad).
My feelings for him are a mix of love and hate.