殺気
sakki
The Japanese word for bloodlust is 殺気 (sakki).
殺気 refers to a desire for bloodshed, but it is most commonly used to describe a palpable sense of murderous intent or a 'killing aura' radiating from an individual.
Meaning: the desire for bloodshed (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 殺 (kill) and 気 (spirit, energy or mood).
How do you pronounce it?
sakki
Did you know?
- The phrase 殺気立つ (sakkidatsu) is used to describe someone who has become suddenly agitated or hostile, even if they have no actual intention of killing anyone.
- In the context of samurai history and sword arts, the ability to conceal one's 殺気 was considered a vital skill to avoid alerting an opponent to an impending attack.
- The term 'sakki' can be used in non-violent contexts, such as describing a person's cold or predatory gaze in a business meeting or an intense sporting competition. It captures a certain 'sharpness' in one's presence.
Examples in context
- 彼は鋭い殺気を放っている。Kare wa surudoi sakki o hanatte iru.He is emitting a sharp bloodlust.
- そのモンスターからは強烈な殺気が感じられる。Sono monsutā kara wa kyōretsuna sakki ga kanjirareru.A powerful bloodlust can be felt from that monster.
- 戦場では、常に殺気を警戒しなければならない。Senjō de wa, tsune ni sakki o keikai shinakereba naranai.On the battlefield, you must always be on guard against bloodlust.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a high-stakes video game they are playing.
- 美咲 Misakiこの敵、すごい殺気を感じるね。Kono teki, sugoi sakki o kanjiru ne.This enemy has a terrible bloodlust, doesn't he?
- 蓮 Renああ、一歩間違えたら終わりだよ。Aa, ippo machigaetara owari da yo.Yeah, one mistake and it's over.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮なら、うまく立ち回れるかな？Ren nara, umaku tachimawareru kana?I wonder if you can handle it well, Ren?
- 蓮 Ren美咲、心配しないで。任せて。Misaki, shinpai shinai de. Makasete.Don't worry, Misaki. Leave it to me.
