不本意(ふほんい)

ふほんい
na-adjective, noun
reluctant, unwilling, against one's wishes
formalemotion
1. reluctant, unwilling, against one's wishes, regrettable
Not what one truly wants or intends. Describes a situation or outcome that goes against one's desires or expectations.
不本意(ふほんい)な結果(けっか)だった。
It was a result I didn't want.
不本意(ふほんい)ながら引(ひ)き受(う)けた。
I reluctantly accepted.
不本意(ふほんい)な異動(いどう)で地方(ちほう)に転勤(てんきん)することになった。
Due to an unwanted transfer, I ended up being relocated to a rural area.

不本意(ふほんい) expresses that something goes against one's true wishes or intentions. It conveys disappointment or reluctance about an outcome one cannot control.

Forms

不(ふ) (not) + 本意(ほんい) (true intention, real wish)

  • Na-adjective: 不本意(ふほんい)な結果(けっか) (an unwanted result)
  • Adverbial: 不本意(ふほんい)ながら (reluctantly, regrettably)

Common patterns

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Somewhat formal. Often used in public statements, apologies, or when explaining a decision made under constraints.

general
Added 2026.2.16 10:06 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11000/11363_fuhoni