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.
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.
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.
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.
He's an unmotivated person.
Apathy, lethargy, lack of spirit. More formal/psychological term. Often used for a prolonged state.
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.
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.
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.
I can't get motivated to study.
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.
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.
I can't get motivated today.
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.
無気力な学生が増えている。
The number of apathetic students is increasing.
Lead an idle/lazy life.
If the goal isn't clear, motivation doesn't increase.