Japanese word

勢い

Pronunciation

Romajiikioi

Meaning

  • nounenergy

Example

この歌には勢いがあります。ko no uta ni wa ikio i ga a ri ma su

This song has a lot of energy.

Illustration for 勢い (energy)

More examples

新しい企画は若い社員の参加で勢いを増しています。atara shi i ki kaku wa waka i sha in no san ka de ikio i o ma shi te i ma su

The new project is gaining momentum through the participation of young employees.

Core concept

It refers to the force and liveliness that give an action enough drive to continue strongly.

Common phrases

  • 勢いがつくikio i ga tsu ku

    pick up momentum

  • 勢いを失うikio i o ushina u

    lose momentum

  • 勢いよく進むikio i yo ku susu mu

    move energetically

Similar words

活気kakki: Lively energy that makes a place, group, or activity feel active.
弾みhazumi: Momentum gained during an action or change that helps it continue.
活力katsuryoku: Energy that enables a person or group to keep acting.
推進力suishinryoku: A force that causes a plan or process to advance.

Definition in Japanese

物事の動きや行動に現れる、強く盛んな力。mono goto no ugo ki ya kō dō ni arawa re ru tsuyo ku saka n na chikara

Word origin

勢い (ikioi) is formed from the continuative form of the native verb 勢う (ikiō), meaning "to act with vigor", and originally expresses vigorous force in action.

Usage tips

  • The word 勢い (ikioi) often describes the lively energy that makes a song, speech, or activity feel powerful.

Other meanings

  • forcenoun
  • momentumnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 勢いづくikioizukugain momentumverb

Word lists with this word