English–Japanese

“reserve” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajikigane

Example

彼には気兼ねなく話せます。kare ni wa ki ga ne na ku hana se ma su

I can talk to him without reserve.

Illustration for 気兼ね (reserve)

How to say “reserve” in Japanese

“Reserve” in Japanese is 気兼ね (kigane).

Describes holding oneself back because consideration for another person makes free action or speech feel inappropriate.

Full entry for 気兼ね: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 気兼ね

先生には気兼ねなく質問できます。sen sei ni wa ki ga ne na ku shitsu mon de ki ma su

I can ask the teacher questions without hesitation.

Tips for using 気兼ね

  • The idea in 気兼ね (kigane) is situational, so a person may feel it toward a senior, host, or busy colleague without lacking confidence.

“reserve” in other languages