根気

• Reading: こんき
• Romaji: konki
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon/ne) — root; 気 (ki/ke) — spirit, energy
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɴ.ki/

Meaning

Patience; perseverance; persistence; tenacity.

Refers to the stamina and determination needed to keep working at something difficult over a long period. Often appears in the expressions 根気が必要 (requires patience), 根気よく (patiently), and 根気強い (tenacious). Valued highly in Japanese culture as a character trait.

Examples

1. この研究は根気が必要な作業だ。 This research requires a lot of patience.
2. 根気よく練習を続けたおかげで上達した。 I improved because I kept practicing patiently.
3. 彼女は根気強い人で決して諦めない。 She is a tenacious person who never gives up.

Usage Guide

Context: work, study, personal development

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 根 (kon, root) + 気 (ki, spirit/energy). Literally 'root energy,' suggesting the deep, foundational energy required for sustained effort.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal