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:

気触れる人とは付き合いたくない。

Kizureru hito to wa tsukiaitakunai

I don't want to associate with the people I feel.

• 気触れる人 - person who is easily offended or irritated
• とは - particle that indicates a defining or explanatory relationship
• 付き合いたくない - I don't want to have a relationship

泌み泌みとした雰囲気が漂っている。

Himi himi to shita fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

There is a secretly secreted atmosphere.

• 泌み泌みとした - a phrase that indicates a feeling or atmosphere of melancholy or subtle and persistent sadness.
• 雰囲気 - atmosphere, environment, climate.
• 漂っている - floating, hovering, permeating.

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

温暖な気候が好きです。

Ondanna kikou ga suki desu

I like a hot climate.

I like the hot weather.

• 温暖な - warm, mild
• 気候 - weather
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

湯気が立ち込めている。

Yuge ga tachikomete iru

Steam is rising.

The steam is standing.

• 湯気 - Water vapor
• が - subject particle
• 立ち込めている - is accumulating / hovering

激励は人を勇気づける力を持っています。

Gekirei wa hito wo yuuki zukeru chikara wo motte imasu

Encouragement has the power to give people courage.

Encouragement has the power to encourage people.

• 激励 - stimulus, incentive
• は - Topic particle
• 人 - person
• を - direct object particle
• 勇気づける - encourage, give courage
• 力 - strength, power
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

煙る空気が私たちの目を刺激する。

Kemuru kuuki ga watashitachi no me wo shigeki suru

The smoky air stimulates our eyes.

• 煙る (kemuru) - verb that means "to be smoking, to be fogging"
• 空気 (kuuki) - noun that means "air"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 私たち (watashitachi) - pronoun that means "we"
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 目 (me) - noun that means "eyes"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 刺激する (shigeki suru) - verb that means "to stimulate, to irritate"

犠牲になることは勇気の証。

Gisei ni naru koto wa yuuki no akashi

Sacrifice is a test of courage.

• 犠牲 (gisei) - sacrifice
• になる (ni naru) - become
• こと (koto) - thing
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 勇気 (yuuki) - courage
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 証 (akashi) - test

看護師は病気の人々を助けるために大切な存在です。

Kangoshi wa byouki no hitobito wo tasukeru tame ni taisetsu na sonzai desu

Nurses are an important presence to help sick people.

Nurses are important to help sick people.

• 看護師 - nurse
• は - Topic particle
• 病気 - illness
• の - Possessive particle
• 人々 - people
• を - Direct object particle
• 助ける - to help
• ために - For
• 大切な - Important
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb to be/estar

短気は損気。

Tankedo wa sonki

Joy is worth it.

• 短気 - means "impatience" or "irritability".
• は - connection particle that indicates that what follows is an explanation or a consequence of what has been said previously.
• 損気 - means "loss" or "damage".
• . - indicates the end of the sentence.