Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
気が引ける (きがひける) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
feel awkward ; feel shy ; feel hesitant
Describes a feeling of reluctance or self-consciousness that holds one back from doing something, often because of a sense of inferiority, shame, or fear of imposing.
手伝てつだ
い
を
頼たの
む
の
は
気き
が
引ひ
け
た
。
Everyone seemed busy, so I felt awkward asking for help.
Written forms 気き が 引ひ ける
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
気き がひける
Kana spelling of 引ける; common in everyday writing.
気き が 退ひ ける
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; 退ける is an uncommon spelling for this expression.
Kanji 退 retreat, withdraw, retire Similar words 遠えん 慮りょ する 遠慮する is a more deliberate act of holding back out of politeness or consideration, while 気が引ける describes an involuntary feeling of awkwardness or shyness that makes one hesitate.
恥は ずかしい 恥ずかしい is a general adjective for 'embarrassing' or 'shy', whereas 気が引ける specifically refers to the feeling of being held back or reluctant to act.
Etymology The expression combines 気 (spirit, mind) with 引ける (to pull back, to be daunted), literally meaning 'one's spirit pulls back'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it has been used idiomatically since at least the Edo period.
