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.

Related words

意気込む

ikigomu

be excited about

呆気ない

akkenai

Entrance: not enough; too fast (short long etc.)

陽気

youki

station; climate; happiness

湯気

yuge

vapor;vaporization

勇気

yuuki

courage; bravery; value; nerve; daring

無邪気

mujyaki

innocence; simple mind

本気

honki

seriousness; true; holiness

平気

heiki

freshness; calm; composure; carefree

雰囲気

funiki

Atmosphere (for example, musical); humor; environment

不景気

fukeiki

Business recession; hard times; depression; melancholy; Darkening

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.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (気) ki

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (気) ki:

Example Sentences - (気) ki

See below some example sentences:

墓地には静かな雰囲気が漂っている。

Bochi ni wa shizuka na fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

at the cemetery

The cemetery has a silent atmosphere.

墓地 - cemetery
には - Location particle
静かな - calm
雰囲気 - atmosphere, climate
が漂っている - is floating, hovering

大気中には酸素や窒素などが含まれています。

Taiki chuu ni wa sanso ya chisso nado ga fukumarete imasu

The atmosphere contains oxygen and nitrogen.

大気中には - means "in the air" in Japanese
酸素 - means "oxygen" in Japanese
や - is a linking particle in Japanese
窒素 - means "nitrogen" in Japanese
など - means "and others" in Japanese
が - is a subject particle in Japanese
含まれています - means "is included" in Japanese

天気がいいですね。

Tenki ga ii desu ne

The weather is good

The weather is good.

天気 - It means "climate" in Japanese.
が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
いい - means "good" or "pleasant" in Japanese
です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a polite statement
ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation

実を食べると元気になる。

Jitsu wo taberu to genki ni naru

Eating fruits makes you feel energetic.

Eating fruits makes you feel better.

実 - means "fruit" or "nut" in Japanese.
を - Object particle in Japanese.
食べる - verb "to eat" in Japanese.
と - connecting particle in Japanese.
元気 - means "energy" or "vitality" in Japanese.
に - destination particle in Japanese.
なる - verb "to become" in Japanese.

彼は病気を治すことができた。

Kare wa byouki wo naosu koto ga dekita

He managed to cure the disease.

He was able to cure the disease.

彼 (kare) - he
は (wa) - Topic particle
病気 (byouki) - disease
を (wo) - direct object particle
治す (naosu) - Heal
こと (koto) - verb noun
が (ga) - subject particle
できた (dekita) - Be able to

彼女は病気の友人を見舞うために病院に行きました。

Kanojo wa byouki no yuujin wo mimau tame ni byouin ni ikimashita

She went to the hospital to visit a sick friend.

She went to the hospital to see her sick friend.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
病気 (byouki) - disease
の (no) - Possessive particle
友人 (yuujin) - amigo/amiga
を (wo) - direct object particle
見舞う (mimau) - visit (someone who is ill)
ために (tameni) - for
病院 (byouin) - hospital
に (ni) - Location particle
行きました (ikimashita) - foi (past tense of ir)

彼女は辛い病気に堪えている。

Kanojo wa tsurai byouki ni koraete iru

She is supporting a painful disease.

She has a painful disease.

彼女 (kanojo) - she
は (wa) - Topic particle
辛い (tsurai) - Painful, difficult
病気 (byouki) - disease
に (ni) - particle indicating target or destination
堪えている (koraeteiru) - enduring, enduring

彼女の気立てはとても優しいです。

Kanojo no kidate wa totemo yasashii desu

Your apprentices are very kind.

彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend" or "her"
の (no) - possessive particle, indicates that "kanojo" is the subject of the sentence
気立て (kidate) - means "personality" or "temperament"
は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that "kidate" is the topic of the sentence
とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
優しい (yasashii) - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form