気持ち

• Reading: きもち
• Romaji: kimochi
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, energy, mood; 持 (mo/chi) — hold, possess
• Pronunciation: /ki.mo.tɕi/

Meaning

Feeling; sensation; mood. Describes one's inner emotional or physical state.

An extremely versatile noun that covers both emotional feelings and physical sensations. Often used in compound expressions like 気持ちいい (feels good) and 気持ち悪い (feels bad/disgusting). Essential for expressing personal states in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 今日はとても気持ちがいい天気ですね。 The weather feels really nice today, doesn't it?
2. 友達の気持ちを大切にしたい。 I want to value my friend's feelings.
3. 試験に受かって、うれしい気持ちでいっぱいだ。 I passed the exam, and I'm filled with happiness.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, relationships, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 気 (ki, spirit/energy) and 持ち (mochi, holding). Literally means holding one's spirit — the state one's inner energy is in.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal