気楽にいこう
kiraku ni ikou
The English phrase 'take it easy' is translated into Japanese as 気楽にいこう (kiraku ni ikou).
気楽にいこう is used to suggest maintaining a carefree mental attitude. It is focused on how one approaches a situation mentally rather than a suggestion to physically rest or sleep.
Meaning: relax (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains the adverbial part 気楽に, which means 'comfortably' or 'carefree-ly'.
How does it change in a sentence?
気楽にいこう uses the volitional form, which is used to suggest an action to someone else or to express one's own intention. If you add the particle ぜ to the end to form 気楽にいこうぜ, it becomes more masculine, assertive or casual.
How do you pronounce it?
kiraku ni ikou
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'take it easy' as a goodbye, 気楽にいこう is an invitation to change a mindset and is rarely used as a parting phrase.
- The word 楽 within the phrase originally meant 'music' or 'comfort' in ancient contexts, which is why it carries a sense of being lighthearted and rhythmic.
- If you use this phrase in a professional setting, you might accidentally sound like you are telling your boss to 'stop working so hard', which can be seen as disrespectful.
Examples in context
- 気楽にいこうぜ。Let's take it easy.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 気楽にいこう in a casual context.Tatoeba #9287882 by bunbuku, translation #20346 by CK
- 気楽にやって、無理しないでねTake it easy, don't push yourself too hard.
- たまには気楽にいこう。Tamani wa kiraku ni ikou.Let's take it easy once in a while.
- 週末はもっと気楽にいこうよ。Shuumatsu wa motto kiraku ni ikou yo.Let's take it easy more this weekend.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are preparing for a casual trip.
- 陽太 Yota計画を完璧にしなきゃ。Keikaku o kanpeki ni shinakya.I have to make the plan perfect.
- 美咲 Misakiそんなに緊張しないでいいよ。Sonna ni kinjou shinaide ii yo.You don't need to be so nervous.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。気楽にいこう。Sou da ne. Kiraku ni ikou.You're right. Let's take it easy.
- 美咲 Misakiその意気だよ、陽太！Sono iki da yo, Youta!That's the spirit, Yota!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
