Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 気分 | kibun | [kʲibɯ̟̃ɴ] (narrow) |
| 気持ち | kimochi | [kʲimo̞t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| ムード | mūdo | [mɯ̟ːdo̞] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for 'mood' based on whether you are describing a person's temporary state, an internal emotion or the atmosphere of a room. 気分 refers to a temporary mood or a physical sensation, such as feeling refreshed or feeling sick. For example, 気分がいい can mean you are in a good mood or that you feel physically well, while 気分が悪い is commonly used to say you feel nauseous or physically unwell. 気持ち focuses more on an internal emotional state or the sensation of a physical touch. ムード describes the atmosphere or 'vibe' of a specific place or situation.
Which one should you use?
Use 気分 for temporary moods or physical sensations like feeling sick. Use 気持ち for internal emotions or sentiments. Use ムード when you want to describe the atmosphere or 'vibe' of a setting rather than a person's internal state.
How do you pronounce it?
kibun
Did you know?
- The word 気持ち can be used as a noun to mean a small gift or a token of gratitude, literally offering one's 'feelings' to another person.
- The word 気分 (kibun) is rooted in the characters for 'air' or 'atmosphere' and 'divide/split', historically relating to how the 'air' or 'energy' of a person is partitioned or felt.
- In Japanese, the word ムード (mūdo) is often used to describe a 'romantic atmosphere' specifically. While English uses 'mood' for many things, a Japanese speaker might use ムードがある (mūdo ga aru) to imply a setting is particularly sultry or romantic.
Examples in context
- 冗談を言う気分じゃないよ。I'm in no mood for joking.This sentence shows how to use 気分 to express not being in a certain mood.Tatoeba #10844892 by bunbuku, translation #6873150 by CK
- みんな、お祭り気分だった。Everyone was in a festive mood.This sentence shows how to use 気分 to describe a festive mood.Tatoeba #13028762 by small_snow, translation #10678779 by AlanF_US
- 彼女は散歩したい気分だった。She was in the mood for a walk.This sentence shows how to use 気分 to describe being in the mood for an activity.Tatoeba #89836 by bunbuku, translation #313879 by CK
- 今日の気分はどうですか？How are you feeling today?
- 私はとても機嫌がいいです。I'm in a very good mood.
- お祭りの雰囲気が気分を高めてくれます。The festival atmosphere uplifts my mood.
- 最近、気持ちが落ち込んでいるんだ。Lately, I've been feeling down.
- この映画はとても切ない気持ちにさせられた。This movie made me feel really melancholic.
- 今のお気持ちはどうですか？How are you feeling right now?
- 元気じゃないとき、お気持ちを話してもいいですよ。It's okay to share your feelings when you're not feeling well.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 美咲 Misaki今日の気分は、イタリアンかな。Kyō no kibun wa, itarian kana.I'm in the mood for Italian today.
- 蓮 Renいい考えだね。僕も賛成だよ。Ii kangae dane. Boku mo sansei dayo.That's a great idea. I agree too.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くんは、何か他に食べたい気分？Ren-kun wa, nanika hoka ni tabetai kibun?Are you in the mood for anything else, Ren?
- 蓮 Renううん、パスタが食べたい気分だよ。Uun, pasuta ga tabetai kibun dayo.No, I'm in the mood for pasta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mood” translations and entries 気分, 気持ち, ムード, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
