Korean word

기

Pronunciation

Romanizationki

Meaning

  • nounenergy

Example

요즘 기가 없어서 아무것도 하고 싶지 않아요.yo jeum ki ga eop sseo seo a mu geot tto ha go sip jji a na yo

I have no energy these days, so I don't want to do anything.

Illustration for 기 (energy)

More examples

휴가를 다녀오니 기가 많이 났어요.hyu ga reul ta nyeo o ni ki ga ma ni na sseo yo

I got a lot of energy after returning from vacation.

Core concept

The inner power that keeps a person active and able to act.

Common phrases

  • 기가 없다ki ga eop tta

    have no energy

  • 기가 죽다ki ga chuk tta

    lose one's spirit

Similar words

기운kiun: A person's felt reserve of physical or mental liveliness.
기력kiryeok: Physical capacity for carrying out activity or work.
힘him: Physical force or ability for moving, lifting, and lasting through effort.
에너지eneoji: Everyday pep or usable power for sustained physical or mental activity.

Definition in Korean

활력이나 힘, 기운을 가리키는 명사.hwal lyeo gi na him ki u neul ka ri ki neun myeong sa

Word origin

This noun comes from the Sino-Korean reading of the Chinese character for qi, whose older association with air and breath developed into a sense of life energy.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use motivation for a goal, but this word can also describe the physical or mental drive needed to do anything.

Other meanings

  • vitalitynoun

Opposites

  • 무기력mugiryeoklethargynoun

Related words

  • 기운kiunenergynoun
  • 기력kiryeokvitalitynoun
  • 기세kisemomentumnoun

Word lists with this word