気を遣う
Meaning: To be considerate of others' feelings; to be mindful and attentive in social situations.
気を遣う describes the active effort of monitoring and responding to others' emotional states. While valued as a social skill, excessive 気遣い can be exhausting. Japanese people often describe social fatigue as 気を遣いすぎて疲れた (tired from being too considerate). It reflects the Japanese emphasis on maintaining smooth interpersonal relationships.
Examples
- 気を遣いすぎて逆に疲れちゃうタイプなんだよね。 我就是那种太会照顾别人情绪反而把自己累到的人。Soy del tipo de persona que se esfuerza tanto en ser considerada que acaba agotada.너무 눈치 보느라 오히려 지치는 타입이야.
- あの人は周りに気を遣える人だから好かれてる。 那个人很会照顾周围人的感受,所以很受欢迎。Esa persona cae bien porque sabe ser atenta con los demás.그 사람은 주변을 잘 배려하니까 인기가 많아.
- 先輩に気を遣うのは当たり前だけど、度が過ぎると大変。 照顾前辈的情绪是理所当然的,但做过头了也很累。Es normal ser considerado con los superiores, pero si te pasas, se vuelve agotador.선배에게 신경 쓰는 건 당연하지만, 지나치면 힘들어.
Pronunciation
/ki o tsɯ.ka.ɯ/
Usage Guide
Context: workplace, social situations, relationships, self-reflection
Tone: considerate, sometimes weary
✓ Do Say
- そんなに気を遣わなくていいよ、楽にして (You don't have to be so considerate, relax)不用那么客气,放轻松(你不用那么顾虑,随意就好)そんなに気を遣わなくていいよ、楽にして (No hace falta que seas tan atento, relájate)そんなに気を遣わなくていいよ、楽にして (그렇게 신경 안 써도 돼, 편하게 해)
- 気を遣ってくれてありがとう (Thanks for being so thoughtful)谢谢你这么细心体贴(感谢你这么照顾我的感受)気を遣ってくれてありがとう (Gracias por ser tan considerado)気を遣ってくれてありがとう (배려해 줘서 고마워)
✗ Don't Say
- 気を遣うのをやめろと命令するのは逆効果 (Ordering someone to stop being considerate usually has the opposite effect — they worry more)命令别人「别再顾虑了」往往适得其反——对方会更加紧张気を遣うのをやめろと命令するのは逆効果 (Ordenarle a alguien que deje de ser considerado suele tener el efecto contrario: se preocupa aún más)배려하는 것을 그만두라고 명령하면 역효과 — 오히려 더 신경 쓰게 된다
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 気を遣う (considerate) with 気をつける (be careful) — similar but different nuances
- Not understanding that 気を遣う can be both a compliment and a source of exhaustion depending on degree
Origin & History
From 気 (spirit/mind/energy) + 遣う (to use/send). Literally 'to use one's ki (mental energy)' for others. Reflects the deep cultural expectation of being attuned to others' needs without being asked.
Cultural Context
Era: Classical concept, integral to Japanese social interaction
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. One of the most commonly discussed social expectations in Japanese culture.
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