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.
The most direct way to say you don't want to do something. Attach たくない to the verb stem (the ます form without ます).
I don't want to go.
I don't want to do that.
Expresses a stronger dislike or aversion to doing something. 嫌 means 'dislike' or 'hate'.
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.
I'm not keen on that plan.
Means 'not enthusiastic' or 'not in the mood'. Casual.
I'm not really up for the drinking party today.
Adverb meaning 'reluctantly' or 'grudgingly'. Used when someone does something despite reluctance.
He reluctantly agreed.
Showing that you are wavering or cannot decide easily.
Verb meaning 'to hesitate'. Often used when someone pauses before acting.
She hesitated to answer.
Means 'to be lost' or 'to waver' between options. Implies indecision.
Formal/literary word for 'hesitate'. Often used in writing.
He made the decision without hesitation.
Expressing that you don't want to bother someone or be a burden.
Literally 'bad', but used to mean 'I feel bad (for troubling you)'. Very common in casual speech.
I feel bad asking you to help.
Very polite expression of being sorry or feeling obliged. Often used in business.
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.
I'm not keen, but I'll go.
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.
どの道を選ぶか迷っている。
I'm hesitating over which path to choose.
Formal expression of apology or feeling of indebtedness. 'I'm terribly sorry' or 'I feel awful'.
I'm very sorry for causing you trouble.
I'm terribly sorry to put you to so much trouble.