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This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

気が引ける

Reading

Kana: きがひける
Romaji: kigahikeru
Kana
Romaji

Definition

v1
exp
1

to feel awkward; to feel shy

Kanji

気
Readings: キ、 ケ、 いき
Meanings: spirit, mind, air, atmosphere, mood
引
Readings: イン、 ひ.く、 ひ.き、 ひ.き-、 -び.き、 ひ.ける
Meanings: pull, tug, jerk, admit, install, quote, refer to

Example Sentences

彼女(かのじょ)にそれを言(い)うのは気(き)が引(ひ)ける。
➥I don't feel like telling her about it.
Full Entry➤
彼(かれ)をパーティーに招待(しょうたい)しなかったのは気(き)が引(ひ)ける。
➥I didn't invite him to the party. I feel guilty about it.
Full Entry➤
こんな身(み)なりで外出(がいしゅつ)するのは気(き)が引(ひ)ける。
➥I am ashamed to go out, dressed like this.
Full Entry➤
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