気が散っている
ki ga chitte iru
The English phrase 'distracted' can be translated into Japanese as 気が散っている (ki ga chitte iru).
This phrase is typically used when external stimuli (like noise) or internal thoughts cause a loss of concentration.
Meaning: having one's attention diverted, preoccupied (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ki (spirit/mind/attention) and chiru (to scatter/disperse), literally meaning 'one's attention is scattered'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 気が散っている uses the continuous ~te iru form to describe a current state of being distracted.
How do you pronounce it?
ki ga chitte iru
Did you know?
- While 気が散っている describes being distracted, the phrase ki ga kireru describes the opposite extreme: losing one's temper or 'snapping' when concentration breaks completely.
- To describe someone who is habitually distracted or absent-minded, Japanese speakers often use the word botto, which is an onomatopoeic expression for a blank mind.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'scattering' chiru is most famously associated with cherry blossom petals. Using this word for distraction evokes a poetic image of thoughts floating away like petals in the wind.
Examples in context
- 彼は最近注意散漫だ。He has been distracted lately.
- 会議中に気を取られた。I got distracted during the meeting.
- 新しいプロジェクトに取り組んでいるが、気が散って集中できない。I'm working on a new project, but I'm getting distracted and can't focus.
- 彼の話を聞いているのに、気が逸れてしまった。Even though I was listening to him, I got distracted.
- 彼は気が散っているようです。Kare wa ki ga chitte iru you desu.He seems to be distracted.
- スマホのせいで気が散っている。Sumaho no sei de ki ga chitte iru.I am distracted because of my smartphone.
- 周りの音がうるさくて気が散っている。Mawari no oto ga urusakute ki ga chitte iru.I'm distracted because the surrounding noise is loud.
Example conversation
Yui finds Hiroto staring out the window during a study session.
- 結衣 Yui大翔、気が散っているみたいだね。Hiroto, ki ga chitte iru mitai da ne.Hiroto, you seem distracted.
- 大翔 Hirotoああ、外の景色がきれいだから。Aa, soto no keshiki ga kirei dakara.Yeah, because the view outside is beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui勉強に集中してよ。Benkyou ni shuuchuu shite yo.Please focus on your studies.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。もう大丈夫だよ。Wakatta. Mou daijoubu da yo.I got it. I'm okay now.
