釈然(しゃくぜん)としない

しゃくぜんとしない
expression
not fully convinced; not satisfied; still having doubts
formalemotion
1. not fully convinced; unconvinced; not satisfied; still having doubts
A feeling of lingering doubt or dissatisfaction, even after receiving an explanation. Something doesn't quite sit right.
彼(かれ)の説明(せつめい)には釈然(しゃくぜん)としない。
I'm not fully convinced by his explanation.
謝(あやま)られたが、釈然(しゃくぜん)としない気持(きも)ちが残(のこ)る。
I was apologized to, but a feeling of dissatisfaction lingers.
判決(はんけつ)の理由(りゆう)を聞(き)いても、釈然(しゃくぜん)としないものがある。
Even after hearing the reasons for the verdict, something doesn't sit right.

Usage

Almost always used in the negative form としない. The positive form 釈然(しゃくぜん)とする (to be fully convinced) exists but is rare. Expresses an intellectual or emotional unease that persists despite apparent resolution.

Common collocations

  • 釈然(しゃくぜん)としない思(おも)い (a feeling of being unconvinced)
  • 釈然(しゃくぜん)としない点(てん) (an unconvincing point)
  • どうも釈然(しゃくぜん)としない (something just doesn't add up)

Similar words

  • 腑(ふ)に落(お)ちない: to not make sense, to be unconvincing — similar but focuses on logic
  • 納得(なっとく)できない: cannot accept/agree — more straightforward disagreement

Related Words

Synonym: 腑(ふ)に落(お)ちない (unconvincing)
general
Added 2026.3.15 9:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
16500/16904_shakuzentoshinai