気が置けない

• Reading: きがおけない
• Romaji: kigaokenai
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, feeling, mood
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɡa.o.ke.na.i/

Meaning

Easy to get along with; feeling at ease around someone. No need for formality or reserve.

An i-adjective expression describing people with whom one can relax completely. A frequently misunderstood phrase — it means comfortable and approachable, NOT untrustworthy. 気を置く means 'to feel guarded,' so 置けない (cannot place) means there is no need for caution. Common in 気が置けない仲間 (friends you can be yourself around).

Examples

1. 彼女は気が置けない友人の一人だ。 She is one of those friends I can completely be myself around.
2. 気が置けない仲間と過ごす週末は最高だ。 Weekends spent with friends I can totally relax around are the best.
3. 職場に気が置けない同僚がいると安心する。 It's reassuring to have an easygoing coworker you can be yourself with.

Usage Guide

Context: friendships, relationships, daily life, self-reflection

Tone: warm

Origin & History

From 気 (ki, feeling/spirit) + が + 置けない (okenai, cannot place). 気を置く originally meant to hold oneself in reserve or stay on guard. The negative form means there is no such need — one can be completely at ease.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal