病気

• Reading: びょうき
• Romaji: byouki
• Kanji breakdown: 病 (byou/yamai) — illness, sick; 気 (ki/ke) — spirit, energy
• Pronunciation: /bʲoː.ki/

Meaning

Illness; disease; sickness. Usually refers to conditions more serious than a common cold.

A general term for illness and disease, typically used for conditions beyond minor ailments. Common expressions include 病気になる (to become ill), 病気が治る (to recover from illness), and 病気で休む (to be absent due to illness). Can also be used figuratively to describe an obsession or bad habit.

Examples

1. 病気で学校を三日間休みました。 I was absent from school for three days due to illness.
2. 祖父の病気が早く治るといいです。 I hope my grandfather recovers from his illness soon.
3. 病気にならないように手を洗おう。 Let's wash our hands so we don't get sick.

Usage Guide

Context: health, school, hospital

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 病 (byou, illness) and 気 (ki, spirit/energy). The concept reflects the traditional East Asian view that illness is a disruption of vital energy.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal