Japanese word

気

Pronunciation

Romajiki

Meaning

  • nounmind

Example

彼は気が変わりました。kare wa ki ga ka wa ri ma shi ta

He changed his mind.

Illustration for 気 (mind)

More examples

小さなことを気にしません。chii sa na ko to o ki ni shi ma se n

I do not mind small things.

最初は反対でしたが、気を変えて参加しました。sai sho wa han tai de shi ta ga ki o ka e te san ka shi ma shi ta

I was against it at first, but I changed my mind and joined.

Core concept

Describes the inner state that shapes a person's thoughts, feelings, intentions, and responses.

Common phrases

  • 気になるki ni na ru

    be concerned

  • 気をつけるki o tsu ke ru

    be careful

  • 気にするki ni su ru

    worry about

  • 気がするki ga su ru

    feel

  • 気が変わるki ga ka wa ru

    change one's mind

Similar words

心kokoro: A person's inner world of thoughts, feelings, and character.
気持ちkimochi: A person's feelings or attitude toward a person, thing, or situation.
気分kibun: A temporary feeling or mood that affects how a person feels or acts.

Definition in Japanese

人の心に生じる考えや感情、意志など。hito no kokoro ni shō ji ru kanga e ya kan jō i shi na do

Word origin

気 (ki, "mind; spirit") is a Sino-Japanese form based on the Chinese character 氣 (ki, "vital energy"); 気 is the modern simplified spelling of 氣.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 気 (ki) can describe an inner state that shifts with context, so one English translation does not cover all of its common uses.

Other meanings

  • heartnoun
  • spiritnoun

Word lists with this word