気負い

• Reading: きおい
• Romaji: kioi
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, energy; 負い (oi) — bearing, carrying (from 負う)
• Pronunciation: /ki.o.i/

Meaning

Eagerness; being psyched up; over-enthusiasm. The state of being wound too tight before a challenge, often to the point of being counterproductive.

A noun derived from the verb 気負う (to be overanxious). It has a mildly negative nuance, suggesting that one's eagerness may exceed what the situation calls for and lead to mistakes. The phrase 気負いなく (without unnecessary pressure) is a common and positive formulation.

Examples

1. 気負いすぎると、本番でかえって失敗することがある。 If you psych yourself up too much, it can actually backfire when the moment comes.
2. 新入社員の気負いは分かるが、落ち着いて取り組んでほしい。 I understand the eagerness of new employees, but I'd like them to settle down and take things step by step.
3. 彼女は気負いなく試験に臨み、見事に合格した。 She went into the exam without any excess pressure and passed with flying colors.

Usage Guide

Context: coaching, advice, self-reflection

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

From the verb 気負う, combining 気 (ki) meaning 'spirit' or 'energy' and 負う (ou) meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear.' The image is of shouldering one's fighting spirit to the point of being burdened by it.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal