気
JLPT N5
Spirit, energy, mood, air, atmosphere
Readings
On’yomi: • キ
• ケ — rare / old usage (ki)
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
元気
げんき
healthy
天気
てんき
weather
気持ち
きもち
feeling
人気
にんき
popularity
気分
きぶん
mood
Example Sentences
子どもは元気です。
こどもは げんきです。
The children are energetic.
今日の天気は晴れです。
きょうの てんきは はれです。
Today's weather is sunny.
気持ちがいいです。
きもちが いいです。
It feels good.
その歌手は人気があります。
その かしゅは にんきが あります。
That singer is popular.
今の気分はどうですか。
いまの きぶんは どうですか。
How are you feeling now?
Cultural Note
1. Vital Energy Concept (Ki 気)
o In Japanese culture, 気 (ki) is central to ideas of life force, energy, and spirit.
o Practices like 気功 (kikō), 合気道 (aikidō), and 元気 (genki) reflect the importance of managing and cultivating ki for health, martial arts, and wellbeing.
2. Politeness and Emotion
o Expressions using 気 often reflect emotional or mental state:
気をつけて → “Take care / Be careful” (literally, “protect your energy/spirit”)
気にしないで → “Don’t worry about it”
3. Atmosphere & Subtlety
o 気 can describe the mood or atmosphere of a place or situation:
雰囲気（ふんいき） uses 気 indirectly, describing overall vibe or aura.
o This highlights the cultural Japanese sensitivity to subtle cues and feelings.
o In Japanese culture, 気 (ki) is central to ideas of life force, energy, and spirit.
o Practices like 気功 (kikō), 合気道 (aikidō), and 元気 (genki) reflect the importance of managing and cultivating ki for health, martial arts, and wellbeing.
2. Politeness and Emotion
o Expressions using 気 often reflect emotional or mental state:
気をつけて → “Take care / Be careful” (literally, “protect your energy/spirit”)
気にしないで → “Don’t worry about it”
3. Atmosphere & Subtlety
o 気 can describe the mood or atmosphere of a place or situation:
雰囲気（ふんいき） uses 気 indirectly, describing overall vibe or aura.
o This highlights the cultural Japanese sensitivity to subtle cues and feelings.