How do you say "(you) have motivation" in Japanese?

"(you) have motivation" in Japanese is "やる気があります". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘(you) have motivation’ in Japanese

Q: What does "やる気があります" mean in English?

"やる気があります" means "(you) have motivation" in English. Usage tip: Literally “There is motivation.” In interviews, saying [やる気があります] alone can sound generic—add evidence: [〜の経験があります].

やる気があります

yaruki ga ari masu

[yah-roo-kee gah ah-ree mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: Literally “There is motivation.” In interviews, saying [やる気があります] alone can sound generic—add evidence: [〜の経験があります].

🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese interviewers often want proof (episodes/results). “Motivation” is good, but specifics make it believable.

Phrase Breakdown

やる気

yaruki

[yah-roo-kee]

motivation; willingness; drive

Common interview word meaning “motivation/drive.” Often used to show enthusiasm: やる気があります.

Example

新しいことに挑戦するやる気があります。

I have the motivation to take on new challenges.

が

[gah]

(subject marker)

Marks the subject. やる気がある = “(I) have motivation.”

Example

強みが二つあります。

I have two strengths.

あります

ari masu

have / there is

Polite ある. For non-living things like motivation, time, experience.

Example

経験があります。

I have experience.

Words in this phrase

あり

ari

[ah-ree]

exist; have (stem)

Stem of ある used in polite form あります to say “have.”

Example

改善案があり、提案できます。

I have improvement ideas and can propose them.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite ending

Makes the statement polite: あります = “I have / there is.” Standard in interviews.

Example

意欲があります。

I have motivation.

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