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.

Etymology

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

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 2026.10.4 3:56
11000/11363_fuhoni