気が引ける

• Reading: きがひける
• Romaji: ki ga hikeru
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, mind; 引 (in/hi) — pull, draw back
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɡa.çi.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To feel awkward; to feel ashamed; to feel inferior; to feel shy about doing something.

An expression using Group 2 (ichidan) verb 引ける. Literally 'one's spirit is pulled back,' describing the feeling of hesitation or reluctance caused by embarrassment, guilt, or a sense of imposing on others. Reflects the Japanese sensitivity to burdening others (meiwaku) and social propriety.

Examples

1. こんな高価なものをもらうのは気が引ける。 I feel uncomfortable accepting something this expensive.
2. 先に帰るのは気が引けるが、体調が悪い。 I feel bad leaving early, but I'm not feeling well.
3. 周りが忙しいのに休みを取るのは気が引けた。 I felt guilty taking time off when everyone around me was so busy.

Usage Guide

Context: social situations, workplace, gifts

Tone: humble

Origin & History

From 気 (spirit, feelings) and 引ける (to be pulled back). The image is of one's spirit being tugged backward by reluctance or social discomfort, preventing forward action.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal