Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 気前 | kimae | [kʲima̠e̞] (narrow) |
| 気前のよさ | kimae no yosa | |
| 寛大さ | kandai-sa |
The term is used to describe the trait of being willing to donate. While 気前 often focuses on the manner of giving resources, other expressions describe different aspects of being generous, such as having an open-hearted disposition or a broad-minded spirit.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 気前 literally refers to one's manner, spirit or disposition regarding how one handles things like money or resources.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the type of generosity being described. Use 気前 when specifically referring to generosity in spending or giving money. In contrast, use 寛大さ to describe a broader, more abstract generosity of spirit, such as a person's magnanimity, tolerance or ability to forgive others' mistakes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 気前のよさ is a noun phrase created by adding the noun よさ (goodness) to the adjective form, used to describe the quality of being generous.
How do you pronounce it?
kimae
Did you know?
- While 気前 describes generosity, the phrase 気前がいい can sometimes be used as a veiled criticism if someone is spending money too recklessly or showing off.
- In social settings, a person who is 気前 might be expected to pay for the entire group, a custom known as おごり (treating others).
- The term 寛大さ is closely linked to the Buddhist concept of 'compassion'. It is used in contexts where generosity involves letting go of anger or grudge.
Examples in context
- 彼(かれ)は大らかな心持ちで周囲(しゅうい)の人々(ひとびと)を助(たす)ける。He helps the people around him with a generous and open-hearted disposition.
Example conversation
Yui and Daito are talking about a friend who paid for dinner.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんは本当に気前がいいですね。Daito-san wa hontō ni kimae ga ii desu ne.Daito, you are truly generous.
- 大翔 Hirotoそんなことないよ。たまにだけだよ。Sonna koto nai yo. Tama ni dake da yo.It's not like that. It's only once in a while.
- 結衣 Yuiでも、みんな大翔さんの気前よさに感謝しています。Demo, minna Daito-san no kimae yosa ni kansha shite imasu.But everyone is grateful for your generosity.
- 大翔 Hirotoそう言ってくれるなら嬉しいよ。Sō itte kureru nara ureshii yo.I'm glad you say so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “generosity” translations and entries 気前, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
