気(き)が引(ひ)ける

きがひける

expression

to feel awkward; to feel hesitant (out of guilt or modesty)

1. to feel awkward about; to feel hesitant; to feel bad about

To hold back from doing something because it feels presumptuous, unfair or embarrassing, for example asking a favor again or being the only one to leave early.

何度(なんど)も頼(たの)むのは気(き)が引(ひ)ける。

I feel bad asking again and again.

一人(ひとり)だけ先(さき)に帰(かえ)るのは気(き)が引(ひ)けた。

I felt awkward being the only one to go home early.

こんなに高(たか)いプレゼントをもらうのは気(き)が引(ひ)けるけど、断(ことわ)るのも失礼(しつれい)だと思(おも)った。

I felt uneasy accepting such an expensive present, but I thought refusing would be rude too.

Usage

The feeling comes from consideration for others: a sense that one is imposing, getting more than one's share, or standing out. The subject is the speaker, and the thing one hesitates over usually comes first as 〜のは: 〜のは気(き)が引(ひ)ける.

Similar words

遠慮(えんりょ)する: to hold back (the action); 気(き)が引(ひ)ける is the feeling behind it.
後(うし)ろめたい: guilty, with a sense of having done something wrong; 気(き)が引(ひ)ける is milder.
恐縮(きょうしゅく)する: to feel obliged (formal, said to someone above you).

Related Words

Compare: 遠慮(えんりょ)する (to hold back)

Compare: 後(うし)ろめたい (guilty, with a sense of having done…)

Compare: 恐縮(きょうしゅく)する (to feel obliged (formal, said…)

general

Added 2026.10.5 4:18 · Revised 2026.10.5 4:22

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