気を抜く

• Reading: きをぬく
• Romaji: ki wo nuku
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, focus; 抜 (batsu/nu) — pull out, extract
• Pronunciation: /ki.o.nɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To lose focus; to let one's guard down; to relax one's attention; to slack off.

An expression using Group 1 (godan) verb 抜く (to pull out, extract). Literally 'to pull out one's spirit/attention,' meaning to let concentration slip. Often used as a warning (気を抜くな = don't let your guard down) or to describe moments when inattention causes problems. Common in sports, work, and any situation requiring sustained focus.

Examples

1. 試合の終盤で気を抜いて逆転された。 We let our guard down late in the game and got scored on.
2. 慣れてきた頃が一番気を抜きやすい。 The moment you start to feel comfortable is when you're most likely to lose focus.
3. 最後まで気を抜かずにやり遂げよう。 Let's see it through to the end without losing concentration.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, work, competition

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

From 気 (spirit, focus, tension) and 抜く (to pull out, extract). The image is of tension or alertness being pulled out like a cork from a bottle, leaving one deflated and unfocused.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal