気づく

• Reading: きづく
• Romaji: kizuku
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, mind, attention; づく from 付く (tsuku) — to attach
• Pronunciation: /ki.zɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To notice; to recognise; to become aware of something previously unnoticed.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the く row. Takes the particle に to mark the thing noticed (…に気づく). Implies a moment of realisation rather than deliberate observation. Often used for subtle things one might overlook. The kanji form 気付く is also common but 気づく is the standard mixed writing.

Examples

1. 財布を忘れたことに駅で気づいた。 I noticed at the station that I had forgotten my wallet.
2. 彼女の髪型が変わったことに誰も気づかなかった。 Nobody noticed that her hairstyle had changed.
3. 間違いに気づいてすぐに直した。 I noticed the mistake and fixed it right away.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, observation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 気 (ki, spirit/attention) and 付く (tsuku, to attach). Literally 'attention attaches to something' — the moment awareness latches onto a detail.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal