気兼ね

• Reading: きがね
• Romaji: kigane
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, feeling, mood; 兼 (ken/ka) — to combine, to be unable to
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɡa.ne/

Meaning

Constraint; reserve; hesitancy from worry about troubling others.

A noun (also used as a suru verb) describing the feeling of holding back out of consideration for others. Reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on not being a burden. Common expressions include 気兼ねなく (without reserve, freely) and 気兼ねする (to feel reserved/hesitant). Often appears in invitations like 気兼ねなくどうぞ (please feel free).

Examples

1. 気兼ねなく何でも相談してください。 Please feel free to talk to me about anything.
2. 友達の家に泊まると、どうしても気兼ねしてしまう。 When I stay at a friend's place, I always end up feeling like I'm imposing.
3. 気兼ねのいらない関係は本当にありがたい。 A relationship where you don't have to hold back is something to be truly grateful for.

Usage Guide

Context: hospitality, interpersonal, daily life

Tone: polite

Origin & History

From Japanese: 気 (ki, spirit/feeling) + 兼ね (kane, to hesitate/to be unable to). Literally 'feeling of hesitation' — a spirit weighed down by concern for others.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal