Translation and Meaning of: 心地 - kokochi

The Japanese word 心地 (kokochi) is a fascinating term that carries subtle nuances of the Japanese language and culture. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it in daily life, this article will clarify these questions in a straightforward and practical manner. Here, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to the cultural context in which this word is used, all based on reliable sources and verified information.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 心地 is defined as a feeling or state of mind, often related to physical or emotional comfort. But there is much more behind this seemingly simple term. Let’s dive into its details to understand why it is so special in the Japanese language and how you can incorporate it into your vocabulary naturally.

Meaning and use of 心地 (kokochi)

The term 心地 describes a subjective feeling, usually linked to well-being or the perception of an environment. It can be translated as "feeling," "sensation," or even "comfort," depending on the context. For example, saying いい心地 (ii kokochi) indicates a pleasant sensation, such as being in a cozy place or in a relaxing moment.

The interesting thing is that 心地 is not limited to the physical. It can also express emotional states, such as the tranquility after solving a problem or the lightness of a worry-free day. This versatility makes the word used both in everyday conversations and in more poetic or descriptive texts.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The writing of 心地 combines two significant kanjis: 心 (kokoro), which means "heart" or "mind", and 地 (chi), which can be translated as "place" or "ground". Together, they form the idea of a "place of the heart" or "state of mind", perfectly reflecting the meaning of the word. This composition is not random – it reveals how the Japanese language often unites abstract concepts in a visually and profoundly.

It's worth noting that 地 does not always retain its literal meaning of "earth" in this context. Here, it acts more as a suffix that transforms 心 into a term that denotes experience or perception. This type of combination is common in Japanese and helps to understand why some words acquire such specific and rich meanings.

Tips for memorizing and using 心地

An effective way to fix 心地 in memory is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of moments when you felt a special comfort – whether lying on a soft bed after a tiring day or listening to a calming song. These are the perfect situations to use 心地 in sentences like 寝心地がいい (nekokochi ga ii), which describes a comfortable bed, or 心地よい風 (kokochi yoi kaze), about a pleasant breeze.

Outra dica é observar como a palavra aparece em contextos reais, como em letras de músicas ou diálogos de dramas. Muitas canções populares no Japão usam 心地 para transmitir atmosferas específicas, o que ajuda a internalizar seu uso de forma natural. Prestar atenção a esses exemplos pode enriquecer muito seu entendimento prático do termo.

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, 心地 is a common yet not everyday word. It frequently appears in descriptions of environments, sensory experiences, and emotional states, especially in contexts that value subtlety and depth. You will find it in hotel reviews, texts about well-being, and even in advertisements that highlight comfort and quality of life.

Culturally, 心地 reflects the Japanese appreciation for harmony and inner balance. It's no wonder that terms like 心地よい (kokochi yoi) – which denotes something pleasant and comfortable – are so prevalent in the language. This word captures an essential part of how the Japanese perceive and express their most intimate and personal experiences.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 気持ち (Kimochi) - Feeling, inner or emotional state.
  • 気分 (Kibun) - Humor, disposition, or feeling at a given moment.
  • 気配り (Kiburai) - Care, attention, or consideration towards others.
  • 感触 (Kanshoku) - Texture, touch sensation or tactile impression.
  • 感じ (Kanjii) - General feeling or sensation, usually associated with an experience.
  • 感情 (Kanjou) - Emotion, emotional states such as joy, sadness, etc.
  • 感覚 (Kankaku) - Sense or perception, the ability to perceive stimuli through the senses.
  • 感性 (Kansei) - Sensitivity, the ability to perceive and understand feelings and emotions.

Related words

暖かい

atatakai

warm; soft; friendly

遊び

asobi

Playing

真ん中

mannaka

quite; center; halfway

machi

city; road; road

ほっと

hoto

feel relieved

呑気

nonki

Carefree; optimistic; careless; reckless; without attention

のんびり

nonbiri

Carefree; make yourself comfortable

眠る

nemuru

sleep

中心

chuushin

center; core; heart; pivot; emphasis; balance

清々しい

sugasugashii

fresh; refreshing

心地

Romaji: kokochi
Kana: ここち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: feeling; sensation; mood

Meaning in English: feeling;sensation;mood

Definition: Too Hot, Cozy

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (心地) kokochi

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

Example Sentences - (心地) kokochi

See below some example sentences:

涼しい風が心地よいです。

Suzushii kaze ga kokochi yoi desu

A brisa fresca é agradável.

The cold breeze is comfortable.

  • 涼しい - fresco
  • 風 - wind
  • が - subject particle
  • 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
冴えた空気が心地よいです。

Saeta kuuki ga kokochi yoi desu

The bright and crisp atmosphere is pleasant.

Clear air is comfortable.

  • 冴えた (saeta) - clear, sharp
  • 空気 (kuuki) - air, atmosphere
  • 心地よい (kokochi yoi) - pleasant, comfortable
  • です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense
鈴の音が心地よいです。

Suzu no oto ga kokochi yoi desu

The sound of the bell is pleasant.

The doorbell sound is comfortable.

  • 鈴の音 - sound of the bell
  • が - subject particle
  • 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
焦げ茶色の木漏れ日が心地よい。

Kogecha iro no komorebi ga kokochiyoii

The burnt brown sun rays are comfortable.

  • 焦げ茶色 - Burnt umber color
  • の - Possession particle
  • 木漏れ日 - sunlight filtered through the leaves of the trees
  • が - subject particle
  • 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
鉄橋を渡ると風が心地よいです。

Tetsubashi wo wataru to kaze ga kokochi yoi desu

Crossing an iron bridge is pleasant with the wind.

The wind is comfortable when you cross the iron bridge.

  • 鉄橋 - iron bridge
  • を - object particle
  • 渡る - pass through
  • と - connecting particle
  • 風 - wind
  • が - subject particle
  • 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
清々しい朝の風が心地よいです。

Seishunashii asa no kaze ga kokochi yoi desu

The fresh breeze of the morning is pleasant.

The refreshing morning wind is comfortable.

  • 清々しい - refreshing, invigorating
  • 朝 - morning
  • の - Possession particle
  • 風 - wind
  • が - subject particle
  • 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
心地がいいですね。

Kokochi ga ii desu ne

Its confortable.

Its confortable.

  • 心地 - sensation, comfort
  • が - subject particle
  • いい - good, pleasant
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
  • ね - particle of confirmation or emphasis
和やかな雰囲気が心地よいです。

Nagoyaka na fun'iki ga kokochi yoi desu

The peaceful atmosphere is comfortable.

  • 和やかな - Soft, calm
  • 雰囲気 - atmosphere, environment
  • が - subject particle
  • 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
綿は柔らかくて心地よい素材です。

Wata wa yawarakakute kokochi yoi sozai desu

Cotton is a soft and comfortable material.

  • 綿 (wata) - cotton
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 柔らかくて (yawarakakute) - soft and
  • 心地よい (kokochi yoi) - pleasant to the touch
  • 素材 (sozai) - material
  • です (desu) - Verb to be/estar
議事堂は政治の中心地です。

Gijidou wa seiji no chuushinchi desu

The Parliament hall is the center of politics.

  • 議事堂 - means "legislative chamber" or "seat of government".
  • は - topic marker particle, indicating that what follows is the subject of the sentence.
  • 政治 - means "politics".
  • の - possessive particle, indicating that what follows is the possessed object.
  • 中心地 - means "center" or "nucleus".
  • です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

愛情

aijyou

love; affection

市場

ichiba

Market (of the city); Marketplace; Market

予算

yosan

estimate; budget

祝い

iwai

celebration; festival

河川

kasen

rivers

心地