やる気
yaruki
In Japanese, the word for motivation is やる気 (yaruki).
やる気 is a common way to express motivation in the sense of enthusiasm or the willingness to do something. You can use several related phrases to describe different states of drive: やる気になる means to become motivated, while やる気が出る describes the feeling of motivation arising within yourself. To express the act of actively trying to be motivated or putting effort into something, you can use the expression やる気を出す. For a high level of excitement and enthusiasm, the phrase やる気満々 is used to mean being full of motivation.
Meaning: reason for doing something (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word やる気 is a combination of the verb yaru (to do) and the noun ki (spirit, energy or will), literally meaning "the will to do."
Which one should you use?
While やる気 is common for general enthusiasm, other terms exist for specific contexts. 意欲 represents a deeper sense of motivation and is used to express strong determination or ambition. Alternatively, モチベーション, which is derived from the English word "motivation," is often used in professional settings or when discussing personal drive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase やる気がない is the standard way to say that someone lacks motivation or feels unmotivated.
How do you pronounce it?
yaruki
Did you know?
- In Japanese schools, teachers might talk about やる気スイッチ (the motivation switch), treating the ability to focus as a literal on-off switch in the brain.
- In Japanese culture, expressing やる気がない (no motivation) to a superior is often interpreted as a lack of loyalty or a sign of rebellion rather than just tiredness.
- The word ki in やる気 refers to a vital energy that flows through the body, a concept shared with the Chinese term 'qi'. In Japanese culture, lack of motivation is often seen as a blockage or depletion of this internal energy.
Examples in context
- 彼はやる気がない。He lacks motivation.This sentence is useful for describing someone who lacks motivation.Tatoeba #110495 by bunbuku, translation #293191 by CK
- そろそろ試験勉強始めないとまずいのは分かってるんだけど、やる気が全然出ないんだよね。I know that things will get hairy if I don't start studying for my exams soon, but I just don't have any motivation.This sentence shows how to express a lack of motivation even when one knows they should be studying.Tatoeba #3122109 by tommy_san, translation #3129161 by WestofEden
- 「アメとムチ」で人をやる気にさせることができるのか？Can you give motivation to people using the carrot and the stick?This sentence demonstrates how to use the term in the context of providing motivation to others.Tatoeba #2585061 by fenfang557, translation #2592573 by WestofEden
- 仕事にやる気を持っていますI have motivation for work.
- 彼は意欲的にプロジェクトに取り組んでいますHe is tackling the project with great motivation.
- 彼女はモチベーションを高めるために努力していますShe is making efforts to increase her motivation.
- 今日はやる気満々だ！I'm full of motivation today!
- すごい話を聞いてやる気になったI became motivated after hearing an amazing story.
- 運動するとやる気が出るI feel motivated when I exercise.
- やる気満々で意欲的に頑張りますI will work enthusiastically and with full motivation.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about their homework.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、まだ宿題やってないの？Yōta, mada shukudai yattenai no?Yōta, you haven't done your homework yet?
- 陽太 Yotaうん。どうしてもやる気が出ないんだよ。Un. Dōshitemo yaruki ga denain da yo.Yeah. I just can't get any motivation.
- 陽葵 Himari終わったらアイスを食べたらどう？Owattara aisu o tabetara dō?How about eating some ice cream when you're finished?
- 陽太 Yotaいい考えだ！やる気が出てきた。Ii kangae da! Yaruki ga dete kita.Great idea! Now I'm feeling motivated.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
