気
ki[kʲi]
The English phrase 'chi' is translated into Japanese as 気 (ki).
気 refers to fundamental life-force or energy. It is used broadly to describe physical energy, mental spirit or an individual's mood and state of mind.
Meaning: the fundamental life-force or energy (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ki
Did you know?
- The kanji 気 was simplified in 1946 by replacing the 'rice' element 米 with a simpler stroke 㐅. This change was part of the Tōyō kanji list to make the writing system more accessible.
- While 気 refers to energy, it is also used in the word 空気 ('kūki') to mean 'air'. This reflects the ancient belief that the air we breathe is the physical manifestation of this life-force.
- The phrase 気をつける ('ki o tsukeru'), used to say 'be careful', literally means to 'attach' or 'fix' your energy to a situation to stay alert.
Examples in context
- 全身に気が満ちている感じがする。Zenshin ni ki ga michite iru kanji ga suru.I feel like my whole body is filled with energy.
- 自然の気を大切にする。Shizen no ki o taisetsu ni suru.I value the energy of nature.
Example conversation
A yoga class in the morning.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは、体に気を感じますか？Yui-san wa, karada ni ki o kanjimasu ka?Yui, can you feel the energy in your body?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても強い気を感じます。Hai, totemo tsuyoi ki o kanjimasu.Yes, I feel a very strong energy.
- 陽太 Yotaそれは素晴らしいですね。Sore wa subarashii desu ne.That is wonderful.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんも、深呼吸してください。Yota-san mo, shinkokyuu shite kudasai.Yota, please take a deep breath too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 気, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 気, CC BY-SA 4.0.
