やる気(き)

やるき

noun

motivation

formal

1. motivation, willingness, drive

The feeling of wanting to do something; motivation or eagerness to act.

やる気(き)が出(で)ない。

I can't get motivated.

彼(かれ)はやる気(き)に満(み)ちている。

He is full of motivation.

やる気(き)があれば何(なん)でもできる。

You can do anything if you have the motivation.

Common patterns

やる気(き)が出(で)る (to get motivated)
やる気(き)が出(で)ない (to not feel motivated)
やる気(き)を出(だ)す (to summon motivation)
やる気(き)に満(み)ちている (to be full of motivation)
やる気(き)がある (to be motivated)
やる気(き)がない (to lack motivation)

Usage

This is a casual/conversational term commonly used in everyday speech.
More formal alternatives include 意欲(いよく) and モチベーション.

Related Words

Synonym: 意欲(いよく) (more formal)

Synonym: モチベーション (motivation (loanword))

Related: 意気込(いきご)み (enthusiasm)

Compare: 士気(しき) (morale, fighting spirit)

general

Added 2026.1.16 11:32 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02

05000/05089_yaruki