狂気

• Reading: きょうき
• Romaji: kyouki
• Kanji breakdown: 狂 (kyō) — mad, wild, crazy; 気 (ki) — spirit, disposition
• Pronunciation: /kʲoː.ki/

Meaning

Madness; insanity; lunacy. A state of mental derangement or extreme irrationality.

A noun describing a state beyond normal reason or sanity. Used literally for mental illness (狂気に陥る — to fall into madness) and figuratively for extreme, irrational behaviour or obsession (狂気じみた — bordering on insanity). Common in literary, dramatic, and critical contexts. Carries a strong, visceral weight.

Examples

1. あの映画は人間の狂気を描いた作品だ。 That movie is a work that depicts the madness of humanity.
2. 彼の行動は狂気としか思えなかった。 His behavior could only be described as insanity.
3. 天才と狂気は紙一重だとよく言われる。 It is often said that genius and madness are two sides of the same coin.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, film, psychology, dramatic expression

Tone: intense

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 狂 (kyō, mad/wild/crazy) + 気 (ki, spirit/disposition). Literally 'mad spirit' — a disposition that has departed from reason.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal