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:

泡がたくさんある風呂は気持ちがいいです。

Abura ga takusan aru furo wa kimochi ga ii desu

A bubble bath is very pleasant.

A bath with lots of bubbles is good.

• 泡 - bubbles
• たくさん - many
• ある - there are
• 風呂 - bath
• 気持ち - sensation
• いい - good
• です - is

私の気持ちは尖っています。

Watashi no kimochi wa togaratte imasu

My feelings are sharp.

My feelings are clear.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle of possession, which indicates that "watashi" is the possessor of something
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling" or "emotion"
• は (wa) - thematic particle, which indicates that "kimochi" is the subject of the sentence
• 尖っています (togatte imasu) - compound verb meaning "to be sharp" or "to be pointed"

私は惨めな気持ちになります。

Watashi wa mijime na kimochi ni narimasu

I feel miserable.

I feel miserable.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 惨めな (mijime na) - adjective meaning "miserable"
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action
• なります (narimasu) - verb meaning "to become"

穏やかな気持ちで過ごしたい。

Odayaka na kimochi de sugoshitai

I want to spend my time with a quiet feeling.

I want to spend a calm feeling.

• 穏やかな (Odayakana) - Calm, peaceful
• 気持ち (Kimochi) - Feeling, Emotion
• で (De) - particle that indicates means, form or reason
• 過ごしたい (Sugoshitai) - wanting to pass the time, wanting to live

細やかな気持ちでお返事いたします。

Hosoyaka na kimochi de ohenji itashimasu

I will answer with a detailed feeling.

• 細やかな - delicate, meticulous
• 気持ち - Feeling, Emotion
• で - particle that indicates means, manner
• お返事 - Reply
• いたします - courtesy expression indicating that the speaker will do something