Japanese word

機嫌

Pronunciation

Romajikigen

Meaning

  • nounmood

Example

母は機嫌がいいです。haha wa ki gen ga i i de su

Mother is in a good mood.

Illustration for 機嫌 (mood)

More examples

彼は疲れると、機嫌が悪くなりやすいです。kare wa tsuka re ru to ki gen ga waru ku na ri ya su i de su

When he is tired, he tends to get into a bad mood.

Core concept

Describes a person's current emotional state as it appears in their attitude toward others.

Common phrases

  • 機嫌を取るki gen o to ru

    appease

  • 機嫌がいいki gen ga i i

    be in a good mood

  • 機嫌が悪いki gen ga waru i

    be in a bad mood

  • 機嫌を直すki gen o nao su

    cheer up

Similar words

気分kibun: A person's temporary physical or emotional state at a particular time.
気持ちkimochi: A feeling or attitude held toward a person, thing, or situation.

Definition in Japanese

人のその時々の気分や感情の状態。hito no so no toki doki no ki bun ya kan jō no jō tai

Word origin

機嫌 (kigen) is a Sino-Japanese compound in which 機 (ki, "inner tendency") and 嫌 (gen, "dislike") together refer to a person's emotional disposition.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 機嫌がいい (kigen ga ii) describes someone who is cheerful or easy to talk to, while 機嫌が悪い (kigen ga warui) describes someone who is irritable.

Other meanings

  • tempernoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 上機嫌jōkigencheerfulna-adjective

Word lists with this word