Japanese word

気配り

Pronunciation

Romajikikubari

Meaning

  • nounthoughtfulness

Example

先生の気配りはすばらしいです。sen sei no ki kuba ri wa su ba ra shi i de su

The teacher's thoughtfulness is wonderful.

Illustration for 気配り (thoughtfulness)

More examples

忙しいときほど、周りへの気配りが大切です。isoga shi i to ki ho do mawa ri e no ki kuba ri ga tai setsu de su

The busier we are, the more important it is to be considerate of those around us.

Core concept

Describes paying close attention to other people's circumstances and quietly adjusting one's actions to meet their needs.

Common phrases

  • さりげない気配りsa ri ge na i ki kuba ri

    subtle thoughtfulness

  • 相手への気配りai te e no ki kuba ri

    consideration for others

  • 気配りを見せるki kuba ri o mi se ru

    show consideration

  • 気配りが足りないki kuba ri ga ta ri na i

    lack consideration

Similar words

配慮hairyo: Consideration of another person's circumstances when choosing words or actions.
気遣いkizukai: Concern for another person's feelings, health, or circumstances.
心配りkokorokubari: Thoughtful care shown through small actions for another person's comfort or needs.

Definition in Japanese

相手の状況や必要を先回りして考え、細かな配慮を行うこと。ai te no jō kyō ya hitsu yō o saki mawa ri shi te kanga e koma ka na hai ryo o okona u ko to

Word origin

気配り (kikubari) combines 気 (ki, "mind") with 配り (kubari, "distribution"), the noun form of 配る (kubaru, "to distribute"), expressing attention directed toward others.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese workplaces and service settings, 気配り (kikubari) often praises small actions that anticipate another person's needs.

Other meanings

  • carenoun
  • attentivenessnoun

Opposites

  • 無神経mushinkeiinsensitivena-adjective

Word lists with this word