しぶしぶ

しぶしぶ
adverb
reluctantly; unwillingly
1. reluctantly; unwillingly; grudgingly
Doing something while showing resistance or lack of enthusiasm. Implies going along with something despite not wanting to.
彼(かれ)はしぶしぶ承諾(しょうだく)した。
He reluctantly agreed.
しぶしぶながら手伝(てつだ)ってくれた。
They helped me, albeit reluctantly.
子(こ)どもはしぶしぶ宿題(しゅくだい)を始(はじ)めた。
The child reluctantly started their homework.

MIMETIC ORIGIN:
Reduplicated form related to 渋(しぶ)い (astringent, reluctant). The repetition emphasizes the reluctance.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • しぶしぶ承諾(しょうだく)する - to agree reluctantly
  • しぶしぶ従(したが)う - to comply unwillingly
  • しぶしぶ受(う)け入(い)れる - to accept grudgingly
  • しぶしぶながら - albeit reluctantly

POSITION:
Appears before the verb, modifying the manner of action.

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 嫌々(いやいや) - unwillingly (stronger negative feeling)
  • 仕方(しかた)なく - having no choice
  • 渋々(しぶしぶ) - alternative kanji spelling
general
Added 2026.1.20 17:19
07500/07512_shibushibu