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:

ウイスキーは私のお気に入りのお酒です。

Uisukii wa watashi no okiniiri no osake desu

Whiskey is my favorite good.

• ウイスキー - whisky
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• お気に入り - favorite
• の - Possessive particle
• お酒 - alcoholic beverage
• です - is

カロリーを気にする人は多いです。

Karorī o ki ni suru hito wa ōi desu

Many people worry about calories.

Many people worry about calories.

• カロリー (karorī) - calories
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 気にする (ki ni suru) - to worry, to be alert
• 人 (hito) - person
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 多い (ooi) - many
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

この料理には水気が多すぎる。

Kono ryōri ni wa mizuke ga ōsugiru

This dish has a lot of water.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• に - particle that indicates the action or state of something
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 水気 - Noun that means "humidity" or "water"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 多すぎる - Adjective that means "too much" or "excessive"

この本はとても気に入りました。

Kono hon wa totemo ki ni irimashita

I really liked this book.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this book"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 気に入りました - verb meaning "I liked it very much", composed of the following elements -
  • 気 - noun meaning "feeling", "emotion" or "will"
  • に - particle indicating an action towards something or someone, in this case, "like"
  • 入りました - verb meaning "to enter", but in this context it is used as an idiomatic expression indicating "to like very much"

この病気は長引く可能性がある。

Kono byouki wa nagabiku kanousei ga aru

This disease can drag on for a long time.

This disease can be prolonged.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 病気 - noun meaning "disease"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 長引く - verb meaning "to linger" or "to drag on"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

この病気の症状は何ですか？

Kono byouki no shoujou wa nan desu ka?

What are the symptoms of this disease?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 病気 - noun meaning "disease"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 症状 - noun meaning "symptom"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question

このタレントはとても人気があります。

Kono tarento wa totemo ninki ga arimasu

This talent is very popular.

This talent is very popular.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• タレント - noun meaning "artist" or "celebrity"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 人気 - noun meaning "popularity"
• が - subject particle indicating that "人気" is the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb meaning "to have" or "to exist", in the present tense

この商店はとても人気があります。

Kono shouten wa totemo ninki ga arimasu

This store is very popular.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 商店 - noun meaning "store"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this store"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 人気 - noun meaning "popularity"
• が - subject particle indicating that "popularity" is the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

この病気の経過はどうですか？

Kono byouki no keika wa dou desu ka?

How is this disease?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 病気 - noun meaning "disease"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 経過 - noun meaning "progress" or "evolution"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• どう - adverb meaning "like"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この雑誌は創刊から人気がある。

Kono zasshi wa soukan kara ninki ga aru

This magazine has been popular since its launch.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 雑誌 - noun meaning "magazine"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this magazine"
• 創刊 - noun meaning "release" or "first edition"
• から - particle that indicates the starting point, in this case, "since"
• 人気 - noun meaning "popularity"
• が - subject particle that indicates that "popularity" is the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"