意気地いくじ

noun

self-respect; backbone; guts; willpower

Refers to a person's inner strength, pride, or drive to persevere. Often used in negative contexts (e.g., 意気地がない) to describe someone lacking courage or resolve. The reading いきじ is a less common variant.

• 彼かれは意気地いくじがないから、すぐ諦あきらめてしまう。

  He has no backbone, so he gives up right away.

• あの男おとこには少すこしは意気地いくじを見みせてほしい。

  I wish that guy would show a little guts.