Translation guide
The English word "reluctant" describes a feeling of hesitation or unwillingness to do something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that convey different nuances of reluctance, from mild hesitation to strong aversion.
Expressing that someone is hesitant or not eager to do something.
A common and natural phrase meaning 'not feel like doing' or 'be reluctant'. It conveys a lack of enthusiasm.
彼はその仕事に気が進まないようだ。
He seems reluctant to do that job.
Literally 'not in a riding mood', meaning not keen or enthusiastic. Slightly more casual than 気が進まない.
彼女はその計画にあまり乗り気ではない。
She is not very keen on the plan.
A verb meaning to hesitate or be reluctant, often implying visible hesitation or unwillingness to act.
彼は返事を渋った。
He was reluctant to answer.
Means to dislike or be unwilling to do something, often showing clear aversion. Stronger than 渋る.
子供は注射を嫌がった。
The child was reluctant to get the injection.
Describing hesitation to talk about something.
Literally 'heavy mouth', meaning reluctant to speak or taciturn.
彼はそのことについては口が重い。
He is reluctant to talk about that matter.
A verb meaning to hesitate to say something, to be reluctant to speak out.
Showing hesitation in accepting an offer or agreeing to something.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to hesitate or be reluctant to take a step forward, often used for decisions.
彼はその提案に二の足を踏んでいる。
He is reluctant to accept the proposal.
A general verb for hesitating, which can imply reluctance in action or decision.
Expressing a deep unwillingness or distaste for something.
Literally 'heavy feeling', meaning depressed or reluctant due to a sense of burden.
明日の会議を考えると気が重い。
I feel reluctant when I think about tomorrow's meeting.
A na-adjective meaning troublesome or too much effort, implying reluctance due to laziness or bother.
気が進まない expresses a lack of enthusiasm or mild reluctance, while 嫌がる indicates a stronger dislike or aversion. Use 気が進まない for situations where you simply don't feel like doing something, and 嫌がる when someone clearly shows they hate the idea.
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly translates 'reluctant' in all contexts. Avoid using 不本意 (unwilling, against one's will) as a direct equivalent, as it is more formal and often used in written language or specific phrases like 不本意ながら (against my will).
彼は自分の間違いを認めるのを渋った。
He was reluctant to admit his mistake.
彼女はパーティーに参加するのに気が進まないようだった。
She seemed reluctant to join the party.
彼女は真実を言い渋った。
She was reluctant to tell the truth.
彼女は招待を受けるのをためらった。
She was reluctant to accept the invitation.
雨の日に出かけるのは億劫だ。
I'm reluctant to go out on a rainy day.