機嫌

• Reading: きげん
• Romaji: kigen
• Kanji breakdown: 機 (ki) — machine, opportunity, trigger; 嫌 (gen/ken) — dislike, hate
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɡe.ɴ/

Meaning

Mood; temper; humor. One's current emotional disposition.

A noun used to describe someone's temporary mood or spirits. Commonly appears in expressions like 機嫌がいい (in a good mood) and 機嫌が悪い (in a bad mood). ご機嫌 is the polite form, used in the greeting ご機嫌いかがですか (how are you?).

Examples

1. 今日は朝から機嫌がいいですね。 You've been in a good mood since this morning, haven't you?
2. 赤ちゃんが機嫌が悪くて泣いている。 The baby is in a bad mood and crying.
3. 部長のご機嫌を取るのは大変だ。 It's tough trying to keep the boss in a good mood.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, family, workplace

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Originally a Buddhist term. 機 (ki, opportunity/trigger) and 嫌 (gen, like/dislike). Referred to the turning point of one's feelings — the moment that determines whether one feels good or bad.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal