Translation and Meaning of: 気持ち - kimochi

The Japanese word 気持ち (きもち) is an essential term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It carries deep meanings and is commonly used in everyday life, both in informal conversations and in more serious contexts. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this expression, as well as tips for memorizing and applying it correctly.

If you have ever watched anime or Japanese dramas, you have probably heard 気持ち in various situations. It can be translated in different ways depending on the context, but it generally refers to feelings, emotions, or physical sensations. Let's understand better how this word works and why it is so important in Japanese communication.

Meaning and use of 気持ち

気持ち is a word that encompasses both physical sensations and emotional states. In English, it can be translated as "feeling," "emotion," "sensation," or even "mood." For example, if someone says 気持ちがいい (きもちがいい), they are expressing that something is pleasant or comfortable, whether physically or emotionally.

The interesting thing is that the use of 気持ち is not limited to describing emotions. It can also indicate intentions or willingness, as in the phrase 気持ちを込めて (きもちをこめて), which means "with all feeling" or "with dedication." This versatility makes the word appear in various everyday expressions.

Origin and composition of kanji

The writing of 気持ち in kanji is composed of two characters: 気 (ki) and 持ち (mochi). The first, 気, represents "energy," "spirit," or "atmosphere," while 持ち comes from the verb 持つ (motsu), which means "to have" or "to hold." Together, they form the idea of "holding a feeling" or "having an emotion."

It is worth noting that 気 is one of the most used kanji in Japanese, appearing in words like 元気 (げんき - energy/health) and 天気 (てんき - weather). Its presence in 気持ち reinforces the connection between emotions and vital energy, an important concept in Japanese culture.

Tips for memorizing and using 気持ち

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 気持ち is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, imagine someone receiving a gift and saying うれしい気持ち (うれしい きもち - feeling of happiness). This type of mental connection helps to naturally memorize the word.

Another tip is to pay attention to the use of 気持ち in animes, songs or dramas. Often, the context in which the word appears makes its meaning clear, aiding understanding. Repeating phrases like 気持ちが分かる (きもちがわかる - I understand your feelings) can also be helpful for assimilation.

Cultural curiosities about 気持ち

In Japan, expressing 気持ち sincerely is valued, especially in personal relationships. Gifts, for example, are seen as a way to convey 気持ち, even if they are simple. This idea reflects the importance of the intention behind actions in Japanese culture.

Moreover, 気持ち frequently appears in song lyrics and poems, highlighting its relevance in artistic expression. Singers and writers use this word to convey emotions in a subtle and profound way, demonstrating how it is rooted in Japan's emotional communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 心情 (Shinjō) - Emotional state or deep feeling.
• 想い (Omoi) - Sensation or feeling, often linked to memories.
• 感情 (Kanjō) - Emotion or affection generally refers to emotional reactions.
• 気分 (Kibun) - Mood or general disposition, often transient.
• 気持 (Kimochi) - Sensation or feeling, with emphasis on the internal state.
• 想像 (Sōzō) - Imagination or mental conception of something that is not present.
• 意識 (Ishiki) - Awareness or perception of one's own state or the environment.
• 意思 (Ishi) - Intention or will, the desire to accomplish something.
• 意向 (Ikō) - Intention or purpose, often linked to future plans.
• 意気込み (Ikigomi) - Enthusiasm or motivation to achieve something.
• 意外 (Igai) - Surprising or unexpected, something that was not anticipated.
• 意欲 (Iyoku) - Desire or determination to achieve something, usually positive.
• 意図 (Ito) - Conscious intention behind actions or words.
• 意気投合 (Ikitōgō) - Compatibility of thoughts or feelings between people.
• 意気揚々 (Ikiryōyō) - Proud or exuberant, a display of happiness and confidence.
• 意気消沈 (Ikishōchin) - Discouragement or emotional downcast, loss of enthusiasm.
• 意気盛ん (Ikisakan) - Full of enthusiasm or vigor, high motivation.

気持ち

Romaji: kimochi
Kana: きもち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: feeling; sensation; mood

Meaning in English: feeling;sensation;mood

Definition: emotions and state of mind.

Example Sentences - (気持ち) kimochi

See below some example sentences:

緩やかな坂道を登るのは気持ちがいいです。

Yuruyaka na sakamichi wo noboru no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to climb a soft hill.

It is good to climb a smooth slope.

• 緩やかな (yuruyaka na) - smooth, gradual
• 坂道 (sakamichi) - hill, slope
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 登る (noboru) - climb
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 気持ちがいい (kimochi ga ii) - feel good, pleasant
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

土手を歩くのは気持ちがいいです。

Dote wo aruku no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to walk on the embankment.

Walking on the shore is pleasant.

• 土手 - means "margin" or "gully".
• を - object particle.
• 歩く - verb meaning "walk" or "walk".
• の - particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 気持ち - noun meaning "feeling" or "sensation".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• いい - adjective meaning "good" or "pleasant."
• です - verb that indicates the polite or polite form of the sentence.

何だか気持ちが落ち込む。

Nandaka kimochi ga ochikomu

Somehow

Somehow my feelings are depressed.

• 何だか - means "in some way" or "in some way".
• 気持ち - means "feeling" or "emotion".
• が - Subject particle.
• 落ち込む - means "to be depressed" or "to feel low."

身体が伸びると気持ちが良いです。

Karada ga nobiru to kimochi ga ii desu

It's good to feel the body stretching.

It's good when your body grows.

• 身体が伸びる - the body stretches
• と - connects the previous sentence with the next
• 気持ちが良い - is nice
• です - is

私の気持ちは複雑です。

Watashi no kimochi wa fukuzatsu desu

My feelings are complicated.

My feelings are complicated.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling" or "emotion"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 複雑 (fukuzatsu) - adjective meaning "complex" or "complicated"
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

悲しい気持ちがある。

Kanashii kimochi ga aru

I have a sad feeling.

I have a sad feeling.

• 悲しい - sad
• 気持ち - feeling
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

並木の道を歩くのは気持ちがいいです。

Nammoku no michi wo aruku no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to walk along a tree-lined street.

It is pleasant to walk in the row of trees.

• 並木の道 - Path of aligned trees
• を - object particle
• 歩く - to walk
• のは - Topic particle
• 気持ちがいい - feel good, pleasant
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

不安な気持ちがある。

Fuan na kimochi ga aru

I feel a sense of restlessness.

I have anxiety.

• 不安な - adjective that means "restless, anxious, worried"
• 気持ち - noun that means "feeling, emotion"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb that means "to exist, to be present"

切ない気持ちが胸に詰まる。

Setsunai kimochi ga mune ni tsumaru

A painful feeling builds up in my chest.

Sad feeling is clogged in my chest.

• 切ない - sad, painful
• 気持ち - Feeling, Emotion
• が - subject particle
• 胸 - Chest
• に - Location particle
• 詰まる - to be full, to be clogged

感謝の気持ちを忘れずに生きていきたい。

Kansha no kimochi wo wasurezu ni ikiteikitai

I want to live without forgetting my gratitude.

• 感謝の気持ち - Feeling of gratitude
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 忘れずに - Without forgetting
• 生きていきたい - I want to live