和气

• Pinyin: hé qi
• Hanzi breakdown: 和 = 禾 + 口 — harmony/mildness; 气 = 气 (pictographic: rising vapor/air) — spirit/energy/temperament/atmosphere

Meaning

Gentle and amiable in manner; harmonious in disposition. As a noun: the spirit of goodwill and harmony in a relationship or atmosphere.

As an adjective, describes a person who is mild-tempered, approachable, and easy-going. As a noun, 和气 refers to the warm, harmonious atmosphere in a group or relationship. The proverb 和气生财 (harmony brings wealth) reflects the deep cultural belief that good human relationships are the foundation of prosperity and success.

Examples

1. 他说话和气，从不疾言厉色，即便面对刁蛮的客户也能保持从容平和的态度。 He speaks gently and never snaps at people; even with difficult customers, he stays calm and composed.
2. 夫妻之间和气相处，才能把日子过得红红火火，正所谓和气生财。 Only when a couple gets along harmoniously can their household truly thrive—after all, harmony brings prosperity.
3. 这家老字号店铺能经营百年，靠的是掌柜待客和气、童叟无欺的经营之道。 This old-established shop has stayed in business for a hundred years because the owner treats customers kindly and never cheats anyone, young or old.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, business culture, interpersonal, cultural values

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 做生意的人讲究和气生财，与人为善才能走得长远。(Business people value the principle that harmony brings wealth — being kind to others is the path to long-term success.)
• 他平日里待人和气，从不摆架子，朋友们都很乐意与他共事。(He is always amiable with people and never puts on airs — his friends are always happy to work alongside him.)

Don't Say

• 和气 to mean 空气 (air) or 气体 (gas/vapour) — these are entirely distinct; 和气 always refers to interpersonal harmony, a gentle demeanour, or a harmonious atmosphere

Origin & History

和 (harmonious; mild; gentle) + 气 (spirit; air; temperament; atmosphere)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal