気風

• Reading: きふう
• Romaji: kifuu
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, air, disposition; 風 (fuu/kaze) — wind, style, manner, custom
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɸɯː/

Meaning

Temperament; prevailing spirit; the characteristic ethos or collective disposition of a group, region, or era.

A noun describing the shared psychological atmosphere or cultural character ingrained in a people, organisation, or region — something collectively felt rather than individually chosen. Common in historical and sociological writing, and frequently used to compare cultural identities (e.g., 江戸っ子の気風 — the spirited, generous character of an Edo townsperson).

Examples

1. 江戸っ子の気風は、さっぱりとした気前の良さで知られている。 The temperament of Edoites is known for its straightforward generosity.
2. この会社には自由で挑戦的な気風が根付いており、若者に人気がある。 This company has a deeply rooted spirit of freedom and ambition, making it popular among young people.
3. 地域の気風を理解しなければ、その地の文化を本当に知ることはできない。 Without understanding the local temperament, you cannot truly know the culture of that place.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, history, sociology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 気 (spirit, air, atmosphere) and 風 (wind, manner, style). Together they evoke the invisible but pervasive spirit that defines the character of a place or people.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Cultural