気を利かせる

• Reading: きをきかせる
• Romaji: ki wo kikaseru
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, awareness; 利 (ri/ki) — profit, effective, sharp
• Pronunciation: /ki.o.ki.ka.se.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To use tact; to be thoughtful; to exercise discretion; to take a hint and act accordingly.

An expression using Group 2 (ichidan) verb 利かせる (causative of 利く, to be effective). Literally 'to make one's awareness work effectively,' meaning to read a situation perceptively and act appropriately without being asked. Highly valued in Japanese culture where reading the air (空気を読む) and anticipating others' needs is a social skill.

Examples

1. 彼女は気を利かせて二人きりにしてくれた。 She was thoughtful enough to leave the two of us alone.
2. 後輩が気を利かせてお茶を入れてくれた。 The junior staff member was considerate and made us some tea.
3. 気を利かせたつもりが余計なお世話だった。 What I thought was being thoughtful turned out to be meddling.

Usage Guide

Context: social situations, workplace, hospitality

Tone: appreciative

Origin & History

From 気 (awareness, sensitivity) and 利かせる (to make effective). Related to the broader Japanese concept of 気が利く (to be perceptive/considerate) — a highly prized social trait.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal