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:

乾燥した空気が喉を渇かせる。

Kansou shita kuuki ga nodo wo kawakaseru

Dry air makes the throat dry.

The thirsty dry air.

• 乾燥した - dry
• 空気 - 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 - subject particle
• 喉 - throat
• を - direct object particle
• 渇かせる - make you thirsty

彼は強気な態度で話した。

Kare wa tsuyoki na taido de hanashita

He spoke with a strong attitude.

He spoke with an upbeat attitude.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 強気 - Japanese adjective meaning "confident" or "bold"
• な - Japanese particle used to modify an adjective
• 態度 - Japanese noun meaning "attitude"
• で - Japanese particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 話した - Japanese verb meaning "spoke" (past tense)

水蒸気が部屋に充満している。

Suijouki ga heya ni juuman shite iru

Steam is filling the room.

Water vapor is filled in the room.

• 水蒸気 - Water vapor
• が - subject particle
• 部屋 - quarto, living room, room
• に - Location particle
• 充満している - to be full, to be filled

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

迷子にならないように気をつけてください。

Meigo ni naranai you ni ki wo tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get lost.

Be careful not to get lost.

• 迷子 (meigo) - lost
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination or location
• ならない (naranai) - negation of the verb "naru" which means "to become"
• ように (youni) - expression that indicates purpose or goal
• 気をつけて (kiwotsukete) - expression that means "care" or "pay attention"
• ください (kudasai) - verb that means "please"

踏切には気をつけてください。

Fumikiri ni wa ki o tsukete kudasai

Please be careful with the level crossing.

Please be careful with the railway crossing.

• 踏切 (fumikiri) - level crossing
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the location where the action takes place
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 気をつけてください (ki o tsukete kudasai) - please be careful

結核は治療が必要な病気です。

Kekkaku wa chiryou ga hitsuyou na byouki desu

Tuberculosis is a disease that requires treatment.

Tuberculosis is a disease that requires treatment.

• 結核 (けっかく) - tuberculosis
• は - Topic particle
• 治療 (ちりょう) - Treatment
• が - subject particle
• 必要 (ひつよう) - necessary
• な - adjective particle
• 病気 (びょうき) - disease
• です - verb to be in the polite form

細菌は病気を引き起こす可能性があります。

Saikin wa byouki wo hikiokosu kanousei ga arimasu

Bacteria can cause disease.

Bacteria can cause disease.

• 細菌 (saikin) - bacteria
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 病気 (byouki) - disease
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き起こす (hikiokosu) - cause, provoke
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exist, have

私は平気です。

Watashi wa heiki desu

I am fine.

I am fine.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 平気 (heiki) - It means "to be well" or "to be calm" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of affirming something in Japanese

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