Translation and Meaning of: 気 - ki

The Japanese word 気 (き, ki) is one of those that seems simple but carries deep meanings and multiple uses in everyday life. If you have ever studied Japanese or watched anime, you have probably come across it in expressions like 元気 (genki) or 気をつけて (ki o tsukete). In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural contexts of this versatile word.

Besides being essential for those learning Japanese, 気 also reflects important aspects of the Japanese mindset, such as attention to the feelings of others and connection with the environment. Let's see how it is used in common phrases, its relationship with philosophical concepts, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

The meaning and uses of 気

気 can be translated in various ways depending on the context. In its essence, it represents "energy," "spirit," or "mind," but it can also mean "attention," "intention," or even "atmosphere." For example, in the question 気分はどう？ (Kibun wa dou?), it refers to someone's "mood" or "feeling."

Another common use is in expressions like 気がする (ki ga suru), which means "to have the feeling that." This flexibility allows 気 to appear in countless combinations, from casual conversations to traditional proverbs. Its abstract meaning makes it a key word for understanding nuances of Japanese communication.

The origin and writing of the kanji 気

The kanji 気 has an interesting history. Originally, in China, it represented the steam rising from cooked rice, symbolizing something intangible and in motion. Over time, its meaning evolved to concepts such as "vital energy" or "invisible force." In Japan, it has been incorporated into both everyday vocabulary and practices such as traditional medicine and martial arts.

Regarding writing, 気 is composed of the radical for "rice" (米) simplified at the bottom and the radical for "vapor" (气) at the top. This combination reinforces the idea of something that cannot be seen but is present and influences the environment. To memorize it, a tip is to associate its form with the concept of "energy that circulates."

Ki in Japanese culture and philosophy

In Japan, 気 is not just a word, but a concept that permeates social interactions and worldviews. Expressions like 気を使う (ki o tsukau), which means "to pay attention to others' feelings," show how the Japanese value collective harmony. Ignoring someone's 気 can be considered impolite.

In addition, 気 is linked to practices such as 気功 (kikou, qigong) and 合気道 (aikidou), where it represents the flow of vital energy. Even in everyday conversations, saying 気にしないで (ki ni shinaide) – "don't worry" – reflects the importance of balancing emotions. Mastering these usages helps to understand not only the language but also Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 気質 (Kishitsu) - Temperament, innate character.
• 気分 (Kibun) - State of mind, mood.
• 気持ち (Kimochi) - Sensation, feeling, emotional state.
• 気力 (Kiryoku) - Willpower, mental energy.
• 気配 (Kihai) - Signs, presence.
• 気分屋 (Kibunya) - A person who changes mood easily.
• 気性 (Kisei) - Nature, personality temperament.
• 気合い (Kiai) - Determination, fighting spirit.
• 気分転換 (Kibuntenkan) - Change of mood, refresh the mind.
• 気分次第 (Kibun shidai) - Dependent on mood, variable according to the emotional state.
• 気分変化 (Kibun henka) - Mood variation.
• 気分高揚 (Kibun kōyō) - Elevation of mood, great joy.
• 気分爽快 (Kibun sōkai) - Feel refreshed and energized.
• 気分不安 (Kibun fuan) - Anxiety, nervousness.
• 気分落ち込む (Kibun ochikomu) - Feeling depressed.
• 気分悪い (Kibun warui) - Feeling unwell, malaise.
• 気分がいい (Kibun ga ii) - Feel good.
• 気分が乗る (Kibun ga noru) - Be excited, get into the spirit.
• 気分が沈む (Kibun ga shizumu) - Feeling sad or down.
• 気分が上がる (Kibun ga agaru) - To feel excited or uplifted.
• 気分が良い (Kibun ga yoi) - Feel good (variant of "気分がいい").
• 気分が悪い (Kibun ga warui) - Feel bad (variant of "気分悪い").
• 気分が変わる (Kibun ga kawaru) - Humor changes.
• 気分が高揚する (Kibun ga kōyō suru) - Increase joy or cheerfulness.
• 気分が爽快する (Kibun ga sōkai suru) - Feel a refresh of humor.

気

Romaji: ki
Kana: き
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: spirit; humor

Meaning in English: spirit;mood

Definition: Qi: The state of mind or emotions of a person.

Example Sentences - (気) ki

See below some example sentences:

澄んだ空気が心を落ち着かせる。

Sumunda kūki ga kokoro o ochitsukaseru

The clean air calms the mind

• 澄んだ (Sumunda) - clear, clean
• 空気 (kūki) - I'm sorry, but there seems to be no text provided for translation. Please share the content you'd like translated from Portuguese to English.
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 心 (kokoro) - mind, heart
• を (o) - direct object particle
• 落ち着かせる (ochitsukaseru) - calm down

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

無邪気な笑顔がとても可愛いです。

Mujaki na egao ga totemo kawaii desu

The innocent facial expression is very cute.

The innocent smile is very cute.

• 無邪気な - Innocent, without malice
• 笑顔 - smile
• が - subject particle
• とても - very
• 可愛い - fofo, bonito
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

明日の天気予報を確認しました。

Ashita no tenki yohou wo kakunin shimashita

I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow.

I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow.

• 明日の - tomorrow
• 天気 - time
• 予報 - forecast
• を - object particle
• 確認 - confirmation
• しました - made

木材が湿気で反ってしまった。

Mokuzai ga shikke de sorotte shimatta

The wood has warped due to moisture.

The wood was warped with moisture.

• 木材 - Means "wood" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 湿気 - means "moisture" in Japanese.
• で - location particle in Japanese.
• 反ってしまった - is the past form of the verb 反る (sorou), which means "to bow" or "to bend", and the particle しまった (shimatta) indicates that the action was completed in a negative way.

気を付けることは大切です。

Kiwotsukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to be careful.

It is important to be careful.

• 気を付けること - putting on clothes - means "to pay attention" or "to be careful"
• は - wa - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切 - taisetsu - means "important" or "valuable"
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present

控室には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Kōshitsu ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

In the waiting room

There is a calming atmosphere in the waiting room.

• 控室 (koushitsu) - waiting room or control room
• には (ni wa) - indicates the location of the phrase, in this case "in the control room"
• 静かな (shizukana) - calm or quiet
• 雰囲気 (fun'iki) - atmosphere or climate
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 漂っている (tadayotteiru) - floating or hovering

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.

夜中には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Yonaka ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

During the night

There is a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the night.

• 夜中には - "midnight"
• 静かな - adjective meaning "silent"
• 雰囲気が - noun that means "atmosphere" or "environment," followed by the particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 漂っている - verb that means "to float" or "to hover," conjugated in the present continuous

女史はとても優雅な雰囲気を持っています。

Joshi wa totemo yūga na fun'iki o motte imasu

The lady has a very elegant atmosphere.

Mrs. has a very elegant atmosphere.

• 女史 - indicates a respectable woman, usually used in formal contexts.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "女史".
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 優雅な - adjective that means "elegant" or "refined".
• 雰囲気 - noun that means "atmosphere" or "environment".
• を - object particle, indicates that "雰囲気" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - verb that means "to have" or "to possess", in the affirmative present tense.