気品

• Reading: きひん
• Romaji: kihin
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, aura, atmosphere; 品 (hin) — quality, elegance, dignity
• Pronunciation: /ki.hiɴ/

Meaning

Elegance; refinement; grace; dignity. An air of sophistication and noble bearing.

A noun describing an intangible quality of refined dignity that a person, place, or object exudes. More about inherent grace than outward display — someone with 気品 doesn't need to try to appear elegant. Common collocations include 気品がある (to have elegance), 気品が漂う (elegance wafts/emanates), and 気品のある (elegant, as a modifier). Often used to describe traditional Japanese aesthetics, formal settings, and distinguished individuals.

Examples

1. 彼女の立ち居振る舞いには気品がある。 There is a grace to the way she carries herself.
2. この庭園には独特の気品が漂っている。 A distinctive elegance drifts through this garden.
3. 気品のある話し方に思わず聞き入ってしまった。 I found myself drawn in by her refined way of speaking.

Usage Guide

Context: aesthetics, compliments, literature

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 気 (ki, spirit/aura) + 品 (hin, quality/elegance). Literally 'spirit of quality' — an aura of refined dignity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated