1.
depressed, reluctant, heavy-hearted
Describes a feeling of dread or reluctance when facing something unpleasant or burdensome.
明日のプレゼンを考えると気が重い。
Thinking about tomorrow's presentation makes me feel heavy-hearted.
彼に会うのは気が重い。
I feel reluctant to meet him.
月曜日の朝は気が重くなる。
Monday mornings make me feel down.
STRUCTURE: 気 (spirit/mood) + が + 重い (heavy). Literally 'one's spirit feels heavy.'
NUANCE: Expresses psychological burden rather than physical tiredness. Often used when facing something you don't want to do but must.
CONTRAST:
- 気が重い: reluctance toward a specific situation
- 気分が悪い: feeling unwell (physical or general mood)
- 憂鬱: depression (more clinical/literary)
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 気が進まない (reluctant, not in the mood)
Related Words
Contrast:
気が軽い (lighthearted)