雰囲気
fun'iki[ɸɯ̟̃ɰ̃ikʲi]
The English phrase "vibes" can be translated into Japanese as 雰囲気 (fun'iki).
雰囲気 refers to the overall atmosphere or ambiance of a location or situation. If you want to describe someone or something that emits a specific aura or vibe, you can also use the loanword オーラ. To express that something "has a vibe" (usually implying a positive or distinct one), you can use the phrase 雰囲気がある.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 雰囲気 (fun'iki) literally translates to "atmosphere", "air" or "mood".
Which one should you use?
While 雰囲気 is used to describe the overall atmosphere of a setting or person, 感じ refers more to a specific physical or intuitive feeling, sensation or impression.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use "good vibes" or "good atmosphere" as an adjective to describe a place, you should use the phrases 雰囲気のいい or 雰囲気の良い.
How do you pronounce it?
fun'iki
Did you know?
- If you want to describe a person's 'vibe' as being strangely or unsettlingly heavy, you might describe the 'fun'iki' as being 'omoi' (heavy).
- The word 雰囲気 was originally a technical term used to translate the Dutch word for 'air' in the 1800s. It only later evolved into the abstract concept of 'atmosphere' we use today.
- The kanji for 気 (ki) in 雰囲気 is the same character used in 'ki' or 'energy', which refers to the vital life force in many Eastern philosophies.
Examples in context
- その店には、明るい雰囲気が漂っていました。The shop had a bright atmosphere (vibes).
- そのパーティーの雰囲気はとても和やかでした。The atmosphere (vibes) of that party was very harmonious.
- 彼の周りにはいつも落ち着いた感じがあります。He always has a calm feeling (vibes) around him.
- あの人のオーラを感じられる？Can you feel that person's aura (vibes)?
- このカフェの雰囲気最高だよ！The vibes of this cafe are amazing!
- この店の雰囲気はとても良いですね。Kono mise no fun'iki wa totemo yoi desu ne.The vibe of this shop is very good, isn't it?
- ここは落ち着いた雰囲気のカフェです。Koko wa ochitsuita fun'iki no kafe desu.This is a cafe with a calm vibe.
- 独特な雰囲気がある街ですね。Dokutoku na fun'iki ga aru machi desu ne.It is a town with a unique vibe.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are entering a new cafe.
- 陽太 Yotaここ、雰囲気がおしゃれだね。Koko, fun'iki ga oshare da ne.This place has a stylish vibe.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。すごく落ち着くよ。Hontou da ne. Sugoku ochitsuku yo.You're right. It's very relaxing.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵はこういう雰囲気が好きなの？Himari wa kou iu fun'iki ga suki na no?Do you like this kind of vibe, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、大好き！Un, daisuki!Yeah, I love it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 雰囲気, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 雰囲気, CC BY-SA 4.0.
