気(き)が進(すす)まない

きがすすまない
expression
reluctant; unwilling; not in the mood
emotion
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(き)が進(すす)まない。
I'm not really feeling up to it.
飲(の)み会(かい)に誘(さそ)われたが、気(き)が進(すす)まなかった。
I was invited to a drinking party, but I wasn't in the mood.
正直(しょうじき)に言(い)うと、その仕事(しごと)を引(ひ)き受(う)けるのは気(き)が進(すす)まないんです。
To be honest, I'm reluctant to take on that job.

One of many 気(き) expressions in Japanese. Always used in the negative — the positive form 気(き)が進(すす)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(き)が進(すす)まない (I'm not really feeling up to it)
  • 気(き)が進(すす)まないけど (I'm reluctant, but...)
  • 正直(しょうじき)気(き)が進(すす)まない (to be honest, I'm not keen)

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 気(き)が楽(らく) (at ease)
general
Added 2026.3.22 12:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
18000/18483_kigasusumanai