A2 noun Neutral 1 min read

やる気

yaruki /jaɾɯki/
Practice it

Yaruki is the essential internal spark or motivation needed to start and sustain any activity.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to the internal drive to accomplish a task.
  • Commonly used to describe emotional readiness for action.
  • Essential for discussing productivity, hobbies, and goals.

Usage Patterns

「やる気がある」「やる気がない」という形で形容詞的に使われることが最も一般的です。また、「やる気を出す」「やる気を失う」「やる気をそぐ」のように、動詞と組み合わせて変化を表現することもできます。

Common Contexts

学校の先生が生徒に対して「やる気を見せなさい」と言ったり、職場の上司が部下に対して「やる気があるのか？」と問う場面でよく使われます。自分自身の状態を説明する際にも、「今日はやる気が出ない」といった形で日常的に用いられます。

Similar Words comparison

「意欲（いよく）」はより硬い表現で、目標達成への強い意志を指します。「モチベーション」は外来語としてビジネスシーンで好まれますが、「やる気」の方がより感情的で身近なニュアンスを含んでいます。「根気（こんき）」は物事を長く続ける力を指すため、やる気とは少し焦点が異なります。

Examples

1

今日はやる気が出ない。

everyday

I don't feel motivated today.

2

彼は仕事に対して非常に意欲的だ。

formal

He is very motivated regarding his work.

3

やる気はあるんだけど、時間が足りない。

informal

I have the motivation, but I lack the time.

4

学習者のやる気を維持する指導法。

academic

Teaching methods to maintain learner motivation.

Common Collocations

やる気を出す to get motivated
やる気がある to be motivated
やる気をそぐ to discourage someone

Common Phrases

やる気満々

full of motivation

やる気を失う

to lose motivation

やる気を見せる

to show one's motivation

Often Confused With

やる気 vs 意欲 (Iyoku)

Iyoku is more formal and often used for long-term goals or academic/professional contexts. It sounds more serious than the casual yaruki.

やる気 vs 根気 (Konki)

Konki refers to patience or perseverance to keep doing something for a long time. Yaruki is about the start or the drive, while konki is about the endurance.

Grammar Patterns

やる気がある やる気がない やる気を出す

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Yaruki is primarily used in casual or semi-formal settings. It is considered a very subjective and internal state. In highly professional or written documents, prefer 'iyoku'.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often confuse 'yaruki' with 'genki' (energy/health). Remember that 'yaruki' is specifically about the *will* to do something, not physical health. Also, do not use it as a verb directly.

Tips

💡

Use with common verb combinations

Pairing it with 'deru' (to come out) or 'naku' (to not exist) covers most daily situations. It makes your Japanese sound natural and expressive.

⚠️

Avoid in formal business settings

While common, 'yaruki' can sound slightly childish or unprofessional in formal reports. Use 'iyoku' (意欲) instead for a more sophisticated tone.

🌍

The importance of spirit in Japan

In Japanese culture, showing 'yaruki' is often valued as much as the result itself. It reflects a positive attitude toward the group and the task.

Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'yaru' (to do) and the noun 'ki' (spirit, mind, or energy). It represents the spirit directed toward action.

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'yaruki' is highly regarded in schools and workplaces. A person who shows 'yaruki' is often given more opportunities, as it indicates a willingness to learn and contribute.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Yaru' (to do) + 'Ki' (spirit/energy). It is literally the 'energy to do'.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

意味はほぼ同じですが、やる気は日常的で感情的な響きがあり、モチベーションはビジネスや心理学的な文脈で使われることが多いです。

「やる気が出ない」「やる気が起きない」と言うのが一般的です。

「やる気」は少しカジュアルな響きがあるため、ビジネスの非常にフォーマルな場面では「意欲」を使う方が無難です。

小さな目標を立てたり、環境を変えたりすることが有効だと言われています。

Test Yourself

fill blank

今日は疲れていて、どうしても勉強の___が出ない。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: やる気

勉強する意欲を指す言葉は「やる気」が最適です。

multiple choice

やる気についての正しい使い方はどれですか？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: やる気を出す

やる気は「出す」という動詞と一緒に使います。

sentence building

（ない / 彼には / が / やる気 / 全然）

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 彼にはやる気が全然ない

自然な日本語の語順は主語から始まります。

Score: /3

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