At the A1 level, we focus on very simple feelings. 'Mukiryoku ni naru' is a bit hard for A1, but you can think of it as 'I don't want to do anything.' When you are very, very tired and your heart feels empty, you say this. You know 'tsukareta' (tired). This is like 'tsukareta' but for your brain and heart. For example, after a very long school day, you might not want to play or eat. You just sit. That is a little bit like 'mukiryoku.' In Japanese, 'Mu' means 'no' or 'zero.' 'Ki' is 'energy.' 'Ryoku' is 'power.' So, it is 'Zero energy power.' You use it with 'ni naru' which means 'to become.' So: 'I become zero energy.' It's a useful word when 'tired' is not enough. Just remember the kanji '無' (No) and '気' (Energy). If you feel like a balloon with no air, you are 'mukiryoku.'
For A2 learners, 'mukiryoku ni naru' is an important step toward expressing mental states. You already know 'genki' (energetic). 'Mukiryoku' is the opposite of being 'genki' and having 'yaruki' (motivation). You use this phrase when someone loses interest in their hobbies or work. A common sentence is 'Sutoresu de mukiryoku ni naru' (To become apathetic due to stress). Notice the grammar: 'Mukiryoku' is a noun/na-adjective, so you must use the particle 'ni' before 'naru'. You might hear this in anime when a character gives up on their dream. It is more serious than just being 'hima' (bored). It means you have no 'ki' (spirit) to do anything. Try to use it when you feel like you have 'burned out' from studying too much Japanese! It shows you understand deeper emotions.
At the B1 level, you should use 'mukiryoku ni naru' to describe psychological states and social issues. This is the level where you discuss 'burnout' (moetsuki shoukougun) or 'May sickness' (Gogatsu-byo). You should be able to conjugate the phrase into various forms, such as 'mukiryoku ni natte shimatta' (unfortunately became apathetic) or 'mukiryoku ni saseru' (to make someone apathetic). This phrase is essential for discussing why people stop working or why students stop going to school (futoukou). It's also useful for talking about the 'Mukiryoku Sedai' (Apathetic Generation). You should distinguish it from 'namakeru' (to be lazy). 'Namakeru' is a choice, but 'mukiryoku ni naru' is often a result of external pressure or internal exhaustion. It's a key vocabulary item for more natural and empathetic conversations about life's difficulties.
B2 learners should appreciate the nuance of 'mukiryoku ni naru' in literary and formal contexts. It often appears in social commentary regarding the 'Heisei' and 'Reiwa' eras, describing a sense of powerlessness against large economic forces. You should be comfortable using it with complex grammar like 'mukiryoku ni narimashita ga, yoyaku kai fuku shite kimashita' (I became apathetic, but I've finally started to recover). At this level, you should also understand its relationship with 'Iyoku' (will/ambition). While 'iyoku o ushinau' is a common formal alternative, 'mukiryoku ni naru' focuses on the resulting state of being. It's a word that bridges the gap between everyday speech and psychological analysis. You might also encounter it in the context of 'Gakushu-teki mukiryoku' (Learned Helplessness), a psychological term where one stops trying because they feel their actions don't matter.
At the C1 level, 'mukiryoku ni naru' is used to analyze character motivations in literature or to discuss complex societal trends. You should understand the existential weight of the term—the 'Mu' (nothingness) aspect. It describes a total collapse of the subjective drive. You might use it in a debate about 'Satori Sedai' (the Enlightened Generation, who have low desires) versus 'Mukiryoku Sedai.' You should also be able to use it in the causative-passive form: 'mukiryoku ni saserareru' (to be made to feel apathetic by something). This level involves understanding the fine lines between 'mukiryoku,' 'kyodatsukan' (prostration), and 'kentaikan' (malaise). You can use this phrase to describe the 'ennui' of modern life or the psychological aftermath of national crises. It's a tool for sophisticated emotional and social critique.
For C2 mastery, 'mukiryoku ni naru' is a starting point for discussing the philosophy of the 'will' in a Japanese context. You can explore how the concept of 'Ki' (vital energy) informs the Japanese understanding of apathy compared to Western 'depression.' You should be able to use the term in high-level academic writing or professional psychological discourse, perhaps discussing 'shudan-teki mukiryoku' (collective apathy) in a corporate or political setting. You'll recognize its use in the works of authors like Natsume Soseki or Haruki Murakami to describe characters who are detached from the 'mainstream' energy of society. At this level, the word isn't just a vocabulary item; it's a cultural lens through which you examine the tension between the individual's 'spirit' and the crushing weight of societal expectations.

無気力になる 30秒了解

  • To lose all motivation and vital energy (Ki).
  • Used for psychological burnout or social apathy.
  • Requires 'ni' particle because it's a change of state.
  • More serious and mental than just being 'tired'.
The Japanese expression 無気力になる (mukiryoku ni naru) is a profound psychological and emotional descriptor that translates most accurately to 'becoming apathetic,' 'losing all motivation,' or 'falling into a state of lethargy.' To understand this word, one must dissect its kanji components: Mu (無) meaning 'nothing' or 'without,' Ki (気) representing 'spirit' or 'energy,' and Ryoku (力) meaning 'power' or 'strength.' When combined, Mukiryoku literally describes a state where the 'spirit-power' is absent. The verb naru (になる) signifies a transition or change in state. Unlike simple fatigue (tsukare), which is often physical and remedied by sleep, mukiryoku ni naru suggests a deeper, more pervasive mental exhaustion where the individual finds no purpose or drive to engage with the world.
Psychological Context
This term is frequently used in clinical settings to describe symptoms of depression or burnout. In modern Japanese society, it is often linked to 'Gogatsu-byo' (May Sickness), where students or new employees lose their initial drive after the high-pressure entrance season. It describes a void of ambition where even basic tasks feel insurmountable because the internal 'engine' has stopped running.

受験が終わった後、燃え尽きてしまい、完全に無気力になる人が多い。(After the entrance exams end, many people burn out and become completely apathetic.)

Social Nuance
In Japanese culture, which values 'ganbaru' (perseverance), admitting one has become 'mukiryoku' is a significant admission of vulnerability. It indicates that the social pressure to perform has exceeded the individual's capacity to cope, leading to a defensive shutdown of emotional investment.

失恋のショックで、何に対しても無気力になる。(Becoming listless toward everything due to the shock of a broken heart.)

長引く不況のせいで、若者が将来に対して無気力になることが懸念されている。(There are concerns that young people are becoming apathetic about the future due to the prolonged recession.)

Linguistic Form
Because 'mukiryoku' is a na-adjective/noun, it requires the particle 'ni' before 'naru'. In casual speech, it might be shortened to 'mukiryoku da' (I am apathetic), but 'naru' emphasizes the process of falling into that state, which is common in storytelling and self-reflection.

雨の日が続くと、どうしても無気力になる。(When rainy days continue, I inevitably become lethargic.)

目標を見失うと、人間はすぐに無気力になるものだ。(When humans lose sight of their goals, they quickly become listless.)

This term is essential for B1 learners as it moves beyond basic feelings like 'sad' or 'tired' into the realm of describing complex mental states and societal phenomena like 'the apathetic generation' (mukiryoku sedai).
Using 無気力になる correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure as a change-of-state verb phrase. The core is the noun/na-adjective mukiryoku (無気力), followed by the particle ni (に) and the verb naru (なる). This structure is versatile and can be conjugated into various forms to express different nuances of time, cause, and politeness.
Conjugation Patterns
To say 'I became apathetic,' use the past tense: mukiryoku ni natta (casual) or mukiryoku ni narimashita (polite). To express a continuing state of apathy that started in the past, use the progressive form: mukiryoku ni natte iru. If you want to say you 'might' become apathetic, use mukiryoku ni naru kamoshirenai.

仕事が忙しすぎて、最近無気力になってしまった。(I was so busy with work that I ended up becoming apathetic lately.)

Causal Connections
Often, you will explain *why* someone becomes apathetic using the ~de (due to) or ~node/~kara (because) structures. Common triggers include stress (sutoresu de), failure (shippai de), or exhaustion (tsukare de).

失敗を恐れるあまり、何もしたくなくなり、無気力になる。(By fearing failure too much, one loses the desire to do anything and becomes listless.)

彼は失業してからというもの、すっかり無気力になってしまった。(Ever since he lost his job, he has become completely apathetic.)

Targeting the Feeling
You can specify what the person is apathetic about using the particle ni taishite (towards). For example, benkyou ni taishite mukiryoku ni naru (to become apathetic toward studying).

将来に絶望して、人生そのものに無気力になる。(Despairing of the future and becoming apathetic toward life itself.)

毎日同じことの繰り返しで、生活に無気力になる。(Becoming listless with life due to the daily repetition of the same things.)

When using this in conversation, it is often a heavy topic. It is rarely used jokingly unless the context is very clear, such as being 'apathetic' about choosing a restaurant because one is so hungry. Usually, it carries a weight of genuine psychological struggle.
The phrase 無気力になる is a staple in Japanese media, healthcare, and educational discussions. It isn't just a word for 'lazy'; it's a word for 'hollow.'
In Anime and Manga
You will often hear this in 'Slice of Life' or psychological anime. Characters who are 'hikikomori' (social recluses) or those suffering from trauma often describe their state as 'mukiryoku.' A classic trope is the protagonist who was once a star athlete but, after an injury, mukiryoku ni natta (became listless). It serves as a plot point for their eventual 'reawakening.'

「最近のあいつ、完全に無気力になってるよな。」("That guy lately, he's become completely apathetic, hasn't he?")

In News and Documentaries
Sociologists use this term to describe 'The Mukiryoku Generation.' In news segments about the economy, you might hear about how the lack of jobs causes the youth to mukiryoku ni naru. It is a societal keyword for describing a lack of vitality in the population.

SNSの普及により、他人と比較して無気力になる若者が増えている。(Due to the spread of social media, the number of young people becoming apathetic by comparing themselves to others is increasing.)

長年の夢が破れ、彼は自暴自棄になり、やがて無気力になった。(His long-held dream was crushed; he became desperate and eventually became listless.)

In the Workplace
Managers might use this term in private when discussing a subordinate's declining performance. It is seen as a more serious condition than just 'slacking off.' It implies a loss of the 'working spirit' (kinrou iyoku).

過度な残業は社員を無気力にさせる原因となる。(Excessive overtime becomes a cause for making employees become apathetic.)

定年退職後、急に無気力になる男性は少なくない。(Not a few men suddenly become listless after reaching mandatory retirement age.)

Hearing this word usually signals a shift from a lighthearted conversation to a more serious or empathetic tone. It is a word that acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining motivation in a high-pressure world.
When learners first encounter 無気力になる, they often confuse it with other terms related to tiredness or laziness. Understanding the boundaries of this word is key to sounding natural.
Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Tsukareta' (Tired)
You say tsukareta when you have run a marathon or worked a long shift. You say mukiryoku ni natta when you no longer care about the marathon or the job. One is physical exhaustion; the other is spiritual/mental apathy.

Incorrect: 走ったから無気力になった。(I became apathetic because I ran.) - This sounds very strange unless the run caused a mental breakdown. Use 'tsukareta'.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Namakeru' (To be lazy)
Namakeru is a choice to avoid work for pleasure. Mukiryoku ni naru is an involuntary mental state. If you are playing video games instead of studying, you are namakete iru. If you are staring at a wall because you can't find a reason to study, you are mukiryoku.

Correct: 彼は怠けているのではなく、病気で無気力になっているだけだ。(He isn't being lazy; he's just become apathetic due to illness.)

Mistake 3: Particle Errors
Learners often forget the ni (に) in mukiryoku ni naru. Since mukiryoku functions as a na-adjective or noun, you cannot say 'mukiryoku naru'. The 'ni' is essential to show the direction of change.

Wrong: 彼は無気力なる。 Right: 彼は無気力になる

Mistake 4: Subject Objectivity
Using mukiryoku ni naru to describe others requires careful observation. It's better to use 'mukiryoku ni natte iru you da' (seems to have become apathetic) unless you are a doctor or close confidant, as it is an internal state.

彼女は最近、何事にも無気力になっているように見える。(She seems to have become apathetic toward everything lately.)

あまりにも高い壁を前にして、無気力になってしまった。(Faced with such a high wall, I ended up becoming listless.)

These distinctions help maintain the gravity and accuracy of the expression in various contexts.
To truly master 無気力になる, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in register and nuance.
やる気が出ない (Yaruki ga denai)
This is the most common casual alternative. It literally means 'the motivation to do (things) doesn't come out.' It is less 'clinical' than mukiryoku and used for daily fluctuations in motivation.
Example: Kyou wa nantonaku yaruki ga denai. (I just don't feel like doing anything today.)

無気力になる」is a state; 「やる気が出ない」is a lack of drive.

虚脱感 (Kyodatsukan)
This refers to a 'sense of lethargy' or 'feeling of prostration' often following a great shock or effort. It's the feeling of being 'drained' or 'hollowed out.'
Example: Saigai no ato, kyodatsukan ni osowareta. (After the disaster, I was seized by a sense of lethargy.)
倦怠感 (Kentaikan)
This is a more medical/formal term for fatigue or malaise. It's often used when describing physical symptoms to a doctor.
Example: Karada ni kentaikan ga aru. (I have a feeling of malaise in my body.)

燃え尽き症候群(Burnout)になると、ひどい無気力に陥る。(When you get burnout syndrome, you fall into a terrible state of apathy.)

自暴自棄 (Jibou-jiki)
This is 'desperation' or 'giving up on oneself.' While mukiryoku is passive, jibou-jiki can be active and destructive.
Example: Jibou-jiki ni natte sake ni oboreru. (Giving up on himself and drowning in alcohol.)

意欲を失う(Iyoku o ushinau) is another formal synonym, meaning 'to lose one's will/desire.'

失恋して無気力になるのと、自暴自棄になるのは違う。(Becoming apathetic after a breakup is different from becoming desperate/self-destructive.)

彼は無気力になったのではなく、ただ疲れているだけだ。(He didn't become apathetic; he's just tired.)

Knowing these alternatives allows you to express the specific 'flavor' of lack of motivation you are witnessing or experiencing.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The 'Ki' in 'Mukiryoku' is the same 'Ki' as in 'Genki' (health/energy) and 'Aikido'. It represents the life force. So 'Mukiryoku' is literally the absence of life force.

发音指南

UK mɯ.ki.ɾʲo.kɯ.ɲi.na.ɾɯ
US mu.ki.rjo.ku.ni.na.ru
Japanese is pitch-accented. 'Mu-ki-ryo-ku' usually has a low-high-high-high or low-high-low-low pattern depending on the dialect, but in standard Tokyo Japanese, it starts low and rises.
押韵词
Hiryoku (powerlessness) Ryoku (power) Miryoku (charm) Shiryoku (eyesight) Kiryoku (vitality) Gakuryoku (academic ability) Bakuryoku (explosive power) Dokuryoku (by one's own power)
常见错误
  • Pronouncing 'ryo' as two syllables (ri-yo).
  • Over-rounding the 'u' sound like in English 'blue'.
  • Forgetting the 'ni' particle.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese is flat).
  • Confusing the pitch with 'mukiryoku' (powerlessness) in different contexts.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Kanji are common but require B1 knowledge. 'Mu', 'Ki', 'Ryoku' are standard.

写作 4/5

Writing '無' and '気' from memory takes practice.

口语 3/5

The phrase is long but follows standard 'ni naru' patterns.

听力 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know the kanji roots.

接下来学什么

前置知识

元気 (Genki) なる (Naru) 力 (Chikara) 気 (Ki) 疲れる (Tsukareru)

接下来学习

燃え尽き症候群 (Burnout syndrome) 倦怠感 (Malaise) 意欲 (Will/Ambition) 自暴自棄 (Desperation) 虚脱 (Prostration)

高级

実存的危機 (Existential crisis) 学習性無気力 (Learned helplessness) 疎外 (Alienation)

需要掌握的语法

Noun + になる

病気になる (To become sick)

Na-adjective + になる

綺麗になる (To become beautiful)

Cause + で (Due to)

風邪で学校を休む (Absent from school due to a cold)

~てしまう (Regret/Completion)

忘れてしまった (I forgot (unfortunately))

Causative: ~にさせる (To make someone...)

子供を勉強させる (Make the child study)

按水平分级的例句

1

テストのあと、むきりょくになる。

After the test, I become apathetic.

A1 students use hiragana for mukiryoku.

2

つかれすぎて、むきりょくになりました。

I became apathetic because I was too tired.

Uses ~te form for cause.

3

あめがふると、むきりょくになる。

When it rains, I become listless.

Uses ~to for natural consequence.

4

なにもしたくない。むきりょくだ。

I don't want to do anything. I'm apathetic.

Simple 'da' ending.

5

ともだちが、むきりょくになった。

My friend became apathetic.

Subject + ga.

6

しゅくだいがおおくて、むきりょくになる。

There's so much homework, I'm becoming listless.

Adjective ~te form for cause.

7

おなかがすくと、むきりょくになる。

When I'm hungry, I become lethargic.

Standard 'naru' usage.

8

げーむがおわって、むきりょくになった。

The game ended, and I became listless.

Past tense 'natta'.

1

仕事のストレスで無気力になる。

I become apathetic due to work stress.

Noun + de (due to).

2

彼は最近、ずっと無気力になっている。

He has been apathetic for a while lately.

te-iru form for state.

3

目標がないと、無気力になりやすい。

Without a goal, it's easy to become apathetic.

~yasui (easy to).

4

無気力にならないように、運動します。

I exercise so that I don't become apathetic.

~nai you ni (so as not to).

5

彼女が無気力になった理由は分かりません。

I don't know the reason why she became apathetic.

Relative clause.

6

冬は寒くて無気力になりがちだ。

In winter, it's cold and I tend to become lethargic.

~gachi (tend to).

7

無気力になったら、休みましょう。

If you become apathetic, let's take a rest.

~tara (if/when).

8

毎日同じ生活で無気力になる。

I become listless with the same life every day.

Cause + naru.

1

五月病で、急に無気力になってしまった。

I suddenly became apathetic due to May Sickness.

~te shimatta (regret).

2

何をやっても上手くいかず、無気力になる。

Nothing I do goes well, so I become apathetic.

~te mo (even if/no matter what).

3

将来のことを考えると、無気力になることがある。

When I think about the future, I sometimes become apathetic.

koto ga aru (sometimes happens).

4

彼は燃え尽きて、完全に無気力になったようだ。

It seems he burned out and became completely apathetic.

you da (it seems).

5

無気力になる前に、誰かに相談すべきだ。

Before you become apathetic, you should talk to someone.

subeki da (should).

6

SNSの見すぎは、人を無気力にさせる。

Watching too much social media makes people apathetic.

Causative form (saseru).

7

無気力にならないための方法を探している。

I'm looking for a way to not become apathetic.

tame no (for the purpose of).

8

一度無気力になると、抜け出すのは難しい。

Once you become apathetic, it's hard to get out.

to (once/if).

1

長引く不況の中で、多くの若者が無気力になっている。

In the prolonged recession, many young people are becoming apathetic.

State of society.

2

過度な期待は、逆に子供を無気力にさせる恐れがある。

Excessive expectations may conversely risk making children apathetic.

osore ga aru (fear/risk that).

3

彼は失恋のショックから無気力になり、仕事も辞めてしまった。

He became apathetic from the shock of a breakup and even quit his job.

kara (origin/cause).

4

無気力になるのは、心がSOSを出している証拠だ。

Becoming apathetic is evidence that your heart is sending an SOS.

shouko da (evidence).

5

現代社会において、無気力になることは珍しくない。

In modern society, becoming apathetic is not uncommon.

ni oite (in/at).

6

努力が報われないと感じると、人間は無気力になるものだ。

When humans feel their efforts aren't rewarded, they naturally become listless.

mono da (natural tendency).

7

彼女は無気力になった自分を責め続けている。

She continues to blame herself for having become apathetic.

seme-tsuzukeru (keep blaming).

8

無気力になるプロセスを心理学的に分析する。

Analyze the process of becoming apathetic psychologically.

Process description.

1

社会的な疎外感が、個人を無気力にする要因となる。

A sense of social alienation becomes a factor that makes individuals apathetic.

Formal sociological tone.

2

彼は実存的な危機に直面し、一時的に無気力になった。

He faced an existential crisis and temporarily became apathetic.

Existential context.

3

政治への不信感が国民を無気力にさせている。

Distrust in politics is making the citizens apathetic.

Political context.

4

学習性無気力になると、自力で状況を変える意欲が失われる。

When one falls into learned helplessness, the will to change the situation by oneself is lost.

Psychological terminology.

5

都会の喧騒の中で、ふと無気力になる瞬間がある。

In the hustle and bustle of the city, there are moments when one suddenly becomes listless.

Literary 'futo' (suddenly/accidentally).

6

無気力になった若者たちを「さとり世代」と呼ぶ向きもある。

There is a tendency to call young people who have become apathetic the 'Satori Generation.'

muki mo aru (there is a view that).

7

理想と現実のギャップに絶望し、無気力に陥る。

Despairing at the gap between ideal and reality, one falls into apathy.

ni ochiru (to fall into).

8

無気力になることは、一種の自己防衛反応とも言える。

Becoming apathetic can also be called a kind of self-defense reaction.

tomo ieru (can be said that).

1

近代合理主義の果てに、人間が精神的な無気力に陥ることをニーチェは予言した。

Nietzsche prophesied that at the end of modern rationalism, humans would fall into spiritual apathy.

Philosophical reference.

2

全共闘運動の挫折後、多くの学生が無気力になったと言われている。

It is said that after the failure of the Zenkyoto movement, many students became apathetic.

Historical context.

3

消費社会における記号の集積が、主体的な生を無気力にさせる。

The accumulation of signs in a consumer society makes subjective life apathetic.

Post-modernist critique.

4

虚無感と無気力になることは、コインの裏表のような関係にある。

Nihilism and becoming apathetic are like two sides of the same coin.

Metaphorical usage.

5

彼は自身の無気力になる傾向を、文学的な表現へと昇華させた。

He sublimated his tendency to become apathetic into literary expression.

Sublimation (shouka).

6

集団的な無気力になる現象は、組織の崩壊を暗示している。

The phenomenon of becoming collectively apathetic implies the collapse of the organization.

Organizational analysis.

7

内面的な「気」の枯渇が、物理的な行動を無気力にさせるのである。

The exhaustion of internal 'Ki' is what makes physical actions apathetic.

Explanatory 'no de aru'.

8

無気力になるという受動的な抵抗は、権力に対する静かな反逆かもしれない。

The passive resistance of becoming apathetic might be a quiet rebellion against power.

Political theory.

近义词

やる気が出ない 意欲を失う 燃え尽きる 倦怠感を感じる 虚脱状態になる 投げやりになる 無感動になる ふぬけになる

反义词

やる気に満ちる 活気が出る 発奮する 意欲的になる

常见搭配

完全に無気力になる
急に無気力になる
精神的に無気力になる
何に対しても無気力になる
ストレスで無気力になる
無気力になりがちだ
無気力になってしまう
無気力になるのを防ぐ
無気力になる若者
人生に無気力になる

常用短语

無気力な毎日

— Days spent without any motivation.

無気力な毎日を送る。

無気力症候群

— Apathy syndrome.

彼は無気力症候群かもしれない。

無気力に陥る

— To fall into apathy.

深い無気力に陥る。

無気力を克服する

— To overcome apathy.

無気力を克服したい。

無気力な顔

— A listless or expressionless face.

無気力な顔で座っている。

無気力な態度

— An apathetic or indifferent attitude.

無気力な態度をとる。

無気力な返事

— A half-hearted or listless reply.

無気力な返事が返ってきた。

無気力さを露呈する

— To expose one's lack of motivation.

試合で無気力さを露呈した。

無気力相場

— A lethargic market (finance).

今日は無気力相場だ。

無気力世代

— The apathetic generation.

無気力世代の特徴。

容易混淆的词

無気力になる vs 無力になる

Means 'to become powerless' in terms of strength or influence, not necessarily lacking motivation.

無気力になる vs 退屈する

Means 'to be bored' because there is nothing to do. 'Mukiryoku' is when you have things to do but no will to do them.

無気力になる vs 疲れる

Means physical or mental tiredness. You can be tired but still have 'ki' (spirit).

习语与表达

"抜け殻になる"

— To become a shell of one's former self, often after intense apathy.

仕事に疲れ、抜け殻になった。

Colloquial
"心に穴が空く"

— To feel a void in one's heart, leading to apathy.

彼女が去って、心に穴が空いた。

Neutral
"燃え尽き症候群"

— Burnout syndrome; a common cause of becoming apathetic.

燃え尽き症候群で無気力になる。

Medical/General
"魂が抜ける"

— To look like the soul has left the body (extreme listlessness).

魂が抜けたような顔をしている。

Informal
"腑抜ける"

— To lose one's spirit or mettle; to become cowardly or listless.

引退して、すっかり腑抜けた。

Informal
"気が抜ける"

— To lose tension or focus; to go flat (like soda).

試験が終わって気が抜けた。

Neutral
"気勢をそがれる"

— To have one's spirit dampened or discouraged.

批判されて気勢をそがれた。

Formal
"意気消沈する"

— To be crestfallen or dejected.

負けて意気消沈している。

Formal
"お先真っ暗"

— The future looks pitch black (leads to apathy).

お先真っ暗で無気力になる。

Informal
"手につかない"

— Cannot get one's hands on work (due to lack of focus/will).

勉強が手につかない。

Neutral

容易混淆

無気力になる vs 怠ける (Namakeru)

Both involve not doing work.

Namakeru is a choice to avoid work for fun; Mukiryoku is a mental state where the drive is gone.

彼は怠けているのではなく、無気力なのだ。

無気力になる vs 飽きる (Akiru)

Both result in stopping an activity.

Akiru means losing interest in a specific thing; Mukiryoku is a general loss of energy.

ゲームに飽きたのと、無気力になるのは違う。

無気力になる vs 絶望する (Zetsubou suru)

Both are negative mental states.

Zetsubou is 'to despair' (feeling no hope); Mukiryoku is the 'listlessness' that often follows despair.

絶望して、やがて無気力になった。

無気力になる vs 休む (Yasumu)

Both involve inactivity.

Yasumu is an action (to rest); Mukiryoku is an internal state (apathy).

無気力になったから休むことにした。

無気力になる vs 冷める (Sameru)

Both involve a 'cooling' of passion.

Sameru is often for relationships or specific interests; Mukiryoku is broader.

熱が冷めて無気力になった。

句型

A2

[Reason] で無気力になる。

テストの結果が悪くて無気力になる。

B1

[Target] に対して無気力になる。

将来に対して無気力になる。

B1

無気力になってしまう。

疲れて無気力になってしまった。

B2

無気力になりがちだ。

雨の日は無気力になりがちだ。

B2

人を無気力にさせる [Subject]。

そのニュースは人を無気力にさせる。

C1

無気力に陥る。

絶望のあまり無気力に陥る。

C1

無気力になるプロセス。

無気力になるプロセスを研究する。

C2

無気力になるという受動的抵抗。

無気力になるという受動的抵抗を試みる。

词族

名词

無気力 (Apathy)
気力 (Vitality)
無力 (Powerlessness)

动词

なる (To become)
させる (To make someone...)
陥る (To fall into)

形容词

無気力な (Apathetic)
気力のある (Energetic)

相关

燃え尽き (Burnout)
五月病 (May sickness)
鬱 (Depression)
倦怠 (Ennui)
自暴自棄 (Desperation)

如何使用

frequency

Common in psychological, social, and serious personal discussions.

常见错误
  • 無気力なる 無気力になる

    You need the 'ni' particle for nouns/na-adjectives with 'naru'.

  • 走って無気力になった 走って疲れた

    Physical exercise makes you 'tired', not 'apathetic'.

  • 無気力する 無気力になる

    'Mukiryoku' is not a suru-verb. Use 'naru'.

  • 彼は無気力だ (to a stranger) 彼は無気力なようだ

    It's more polite to use 'seems' when describing someone's internal state.

  • つまらないから無気力になる つまらないから退屈する

    If something is boring, you are 'bored' (taikutsu), not necessarily 'apathetic'.

小贴士

The 'Ni' Particle

Don't forget the 'ni'! Since 'mukiryoku' is a noun-like word, 'ni naru' is the only way to express the change.

Will vs. Body

Remember that 'mukiryoku' is about your 'Ki' (spirit). Use it when your mind gives up, not just your muscles.

Social Context

In Japan, being 'mukiryoku' is often seen as a societal problem, not just a personal one.

Synonym Choice

Use 'yaruki ga denai' for daily things like not wanting to do dishes. Save 'mukiryoku' for bigger life things.

Kanji Breakdown

Focus on 'Mu' (無) meaning 'None'. It's the key to many words meaning 'Without something'.

Softening the Blow

If describing someone else, add 'you da' (seems like) to avoid sounding too judgmental.

Academic Use

In essays, use 'mukiryoku-ka' (becoming apathetic) to describe trends in the population.

Anime Cues

When a character's eyes lose their shine, they have usually 'mukiryoku ni natta'.

Learned Helplessness

If you study psychology, 'gakushu-teki mukiryoku' is the term you need for 'learned helplessness'.

Recovery

Pair it with 'kokufuku suru' (to overcome) when talking about mental health progress.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'MU' as 'Mute'. Your 'KI' (energy) and 'RYOKU' (power) are on MUTE. You have become (naru) silent and powerless.

视觉联想

Imagine a battery with a big 'X' over it (無) and a lightning bolt (気力) inside that is fading away.

Word Web

Genki Yaruki Mukiryoku Tsukare Burnout May Sickness Depression Lethargy

挑战

Try to identify three things that make you feel 'mukiryoku' and three things that give you 'kiryoku' today.

词源

The term is composed of Sino-Japanese roots (Kango). 'Mu' (無) comes from Middle Chinese, meaning non-existence. 'Kiryoku' (気力) combines 'Ki' (spirit/breath) and 'Ryoku' (strength).

原始含义: The state of lacking spiritual energy or the power of the will.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

文化背景

Be careful when using this to describe others, as it can imply a mental health struggle. It is more sensitive than calling someone 'lazy'.

Similar to 'Burnout' or 'Quiet Quitting', but with a stronger emphasis on the internal loss of 'spirit'.

The protagonist of 'No Longer Human' (Osamu Dazai) often embodies 'mukiryoku'. Haruki Murakami characters often struggle with existential apathy. The 'May Sickness' phenomenon in news.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Workplace Stress

  • 残業続きで無気力になる
  • 仕事のやりがいを失って無気力になる
  • 上司の叱責で無気力になる
  • 燃え尽きて無気力になる

School/Education

  • 受験勉強に疲れて無気力になる
  • 五月病で無気力になる
  • 成績が上がらず無気力になる
  • 学校に行くのが無気力になる

Relationships

  • 失恋して無気力になる
  • 孤独感から無気力になる
  • 人間関係に疲れて無気力になる
  • 誰とも会いたくなくて無気力になる

Health/Mental Health

  • 病気の後遺症で無気力になる
  • 鬱状態で無気力になる
  • 更年期障害で無気力になる
  • 不眠が続いて無気力になる

Hobbies/Sports

  • 試合に負けて無気力になる
  • スランプに陥って無気力になる
  • 目標を達成した後に無気力になる
  • 趣味が楽しくなくなって無気力になる

对话开场白

"最近、何に対しても無気力になることってある? (Lately, do you ever find yourself becoming apathetic toward everything?)"

"無気力になった時、どうやって立ち直る? (When you've become listless, how do you recover?)"

"仕事で無気力にならないために、何か気をつけてることはある? (Is there anything you're careful about to avoid becoming apathetic at work?)"

"日本の若者が無気力になっていると言われているけど、どう思う? (It's said that Japanese youth are becoming apathetic; what do you think?)"

"五月病で無気力になった経験はある? (Have you ever experienced becoming listless due to May Sickness?)"

日记主题

最近、自分が無気力になった瞬間を思い出して、その理由を書いてみましょう。 (Recall a moment you became apathetic recently and write about the reason.)

もし友達が無気力になってしまったら、あなたならどんな言葉をかけますか? (If a friend became apathetic, what words would you say to them?)

「無気力」と「怠慢」の違いについて、自分の考えを日本語で説明してください。 (Explain your thoughts on the difference between 'apathy' and 'laziness' in Japanese.)

無気力にならないために、毎日心がけているルーティンはありますか? (Is there a routine you keep in mind every day to avoid becoming apathetic?)

社会全体が無気力にならないためには、何が必要だと思いますか? (What do you think is necessary to prevent society as a whole from becoming apathetic?)

常见问题

10 个问题

No, it is used for general burnout, 'May Sickness', or temporary loss of motivation after a big event, though it is a symptom of depression.

It's better to use 'namakeru' for laziness. 'Mukiryoku' implies a more serious lack of 'spirit' that isn't necessarily your fault.

Use 'Kyou wa yaruki ga denai' or 'goro-goro shitai' instead.

Yes, especially in news, dramas, and when discussing mental health or social problems.

The most direct opposite is 'yaruki ni michiru' (full of motivation) or 'genki' (energetic).

Yes, that means 'I am apathetic/listless.' 'Mukiryoku ni naru' focuses on the change.

It can be, as it sounds like a psychological diagnosis or a criticism of their character. Use with caution.

Mostly mental, but it can describe the physical lethargy that comes with mental apathy.

Usually 'ni' when followed by 'naru', or 'na' when modifying a noun (mukiryoku na hito).

Yes, 'Gogatsu-byo' is the classic example of students becoming 'mukiryoku' after starting university.

自我测试 180 个问题

writing

Write a sentence: 'I became apathetic due to work.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He seems to have become apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I don't want to become apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The student became apathetic after the exam.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Stress makes people apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I am apathetic toward everything.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He became apathetic after the breakup.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Is it May Sickness that makes you apathetic?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Once you become apathetic, it is difficult.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I'm looking for a way to overcome apathy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Society is becoming apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I became apathetic because of the rain.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't become apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He has an apathetic attitude.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I've been apathetic lately.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Failure made me apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I became apathetic toward life.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He suddenly became apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Everyone became apathetic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Burnout leads to apathy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I've become apathetic lately.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I became apathetic due to stress.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I don't want to become apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'He seems apathetic toward work.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'When I'm tired, I become listless.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'It's easy to become apathetic without a goal.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I suddenly became apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Don't become apathetic about your future.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Many people become apathetic in May.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I want to overcome my apathy.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'He became completely apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I end up becoming apathetic when it rains.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Why did you become apathetic?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I'm worried about becoming apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'He has an apathetic look.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I'm becoming apathetic toward everything.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Failure made me apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Let's not become apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'He became apathetic after the project ended.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'I sometimes become apathetic.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the phrase: 'Saikin mukiryoku ni natte shimatta.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the cause: 'Sutoresu de mukiryoku ni naru hito ga ooi.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the target: 'Benkyou ni taishite mukiryoku ni naru.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the time: 'Gogatsu ni naru to mukiryoku ni naru.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the degree: 'Kanzen ni mukiryoku ni natta.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the speaker's state: 'Mukiryoku na mainichi da.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the advice: 'Mukiryoku ni naru mae ni yasun de.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the noun: 'Mukiryoku shoukougun.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the feeling: 'Kyodatsukan ni osowareta.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the change: 'Kyu ni mukiryoku ni natta.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the subject: 'Wakamono ga mukiryoku ni naru.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the result: 'Mukiryoku ni natte shigoto o yameta.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the frequency: 'Mukiryoku ni narigachi da.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the possibility: 'Mukiryoku ni naru kamoshirenai.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the reason for concern: 'Mukiryoku na wakamono ga fuete iru.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 180 correct

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