1.
reluctant; unwilling; not in the mood for
Expresses a lack of enthusiasm or willingness to do something. Literally 'one's spirit does not advance.' Used when one feels unenthusiastic about an activity without necessarily having a strong reason to refuse.
あまり気が進まない。
I'm not really feeling up to it.
飲み会に誘われたが、気が進まなかった。
I was invited to a drinking party, but I wasn't in the mood.
正直に言うと、その仕事を引き受けるのは気が進まないんです。
To be honest, I'm reluctant to take on that job.
One of many 気 expressions in Japanese. Always used in the negative — the positive form 気が進む is very rare.
USAGE:
A softer, more polite way to express reluctance than directly refusing. Useful when you want to decline without giving a firm "no."
COMMON PATTERNS:
- あまり気が進まない (I'm not really feeling up to it)
- 気が進まないけど (I'm reluctant, but...)
- 正直気が進まない (to be honest, I'm not keen)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 気が乗らない: not in the mood (close synonym)
- 乗り気じゃない: not keen on it (more casual)
- やる気がある: to be willing/motivated (positive counterpart)