What is “気” – Ki

“気(ki)” literally means “gas” of “air”. In Japanese culture, it is believed that “気” is a form of energy that flows in every living beings’ body. It is the source of life and is 1 of the 3 elements which make up our body (the concept of 気血水).

This concept is integrated into the culture so much that expressions using the word “気” are commonly used. In this article, let’s learn the 11 common phrases which use the word “気”.

Illustration of the “気血水” Concept

Phrases Using The Word “気”

気がする

Ki ga suru

Meaning: Feeling like something is about to happen

Example: 今日雨が降る気がする。

Feels like it is going to rain today.

気をつける

Ki o tsukeru

Meaning: be cautious or careful

Example: 気をつけて道路を渡りましょう。

Let’s cross the road carefully.

気に入る

Kiniiru

Meaning: Like, showing interests in

Example: 私はこのぬいぐるみが気に入った。

Watashi wa kono nuigurumi ga kiniitta

I liked this doll.

気になる

Ki ni naru

Meaning: Be Worried about, interested in, or bothered by something or someone,

Example: 僕は気になっている女の子に告白しました。

I confessed to the girl I like.

気にする

Ki ni suru

Meaning: be worried about, concerned with or care about something.

Example: 失敗を気にしないで。

Do not worry about the failures.

気が合う

Ki ga au

Meaning: Getting along well

Example: 気が合う友だちが欲しい。

I want some friends whom I can get along with well.

気がつく

Ki ga tsuku

Meaning: Realises, noticing something

Example:ずっとゲームをしていて気がついたら１０時間経っていた。

I kept playing games until I realized that 10 hours have passed.

気が多い

Ki ga ooi

Meaning: Being too capricious or having too many interests

Example:ジャックさんは気が多くていろんなことに興味をもっています。

Jack is very fickle, he is interested in so many things.

気が利く

Ki ga kiku

Meaning: Having a good head on one’s shoulder.

Example: かいとくんはいつも気が利く。

Kaito Always has a good head on his shoulder.

気が大きい

Ki ga ookii

Meaning: Generous

Example:鈴木先生は気が大きくて、子どもにシャツを汚されても怒らなかった。

Mr. Suzuki is so generous, he did not get angry even when his shirt got dirtied by the kids.

気のせい

Ki no sei

Meaning: One’s imagination. Usually used when one is not sure about what was felt.

さっき女の子の泣き声がきこえたけど、気のせいかな。

I heard a girl crying just now, was it just my imagination?

Of Course, there are much more phrases with the word “気” You will get to learn them as you continue to study Japanese.

Fun Fact! The old/traditional way of writing this kanji is “氣”

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