How to say "unwilling" in Japanese

• いやJLPT N5approx.Common
  na-adjectiveThe direct way to say you are unwilling to do something: you dislike it or simply do not want to. Fits voicing your own reluctance, as when declining a request or task.
  彼かれの話し方はなしかたが嫌いやなの。↗

  I don't like his way of talking.
• 不本意ふほんいCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers unwillingness in the sense of acting against one's true wishes, with regret; it also extends to the involuntary or unintentional. Typical when you consent or accept because circumstances leave no better option.
  彼女かのじょは不本意ふほんいながらもそうした。↗

  She did it against her will.

Use 「いや」 for direct personal reluctance — you simply dislike or do not want to do something; use 不本意 for acting against your true wishes, often with regret, or for what is involuntary or unintentional.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• いやdisliking
• 不本意ふほんいreluctant
• 気が向かないきがむかないnot inclined (to do)
• 本意ないほいないreluctant
• 気が進まないきがすすまないreluctant to
• 足が重いあしがおもいreluctant