What is the Kanji for 'Spirit'? | 気

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Spirit', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Spirit' is 気.

kanji

気

Meaning

Spirit

Reading

onyomiき

け

Parts

㐅Katakana me 气Air

Example Word

病気: illness. The Japanese verbal noun '病気 (びょうき)' means 'illness' or 'disease'. It refers to a state of poor health or a specific medical condition. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe physical or mental health issues. For example: He has a serious illness「彼は重い病気です」(かれはおもいびょうきです). I caught a cold and got sick「風邪をひいて病気になりました」(かぜをひいてびょうきになりました). It can also be used metaphorically to describe societal or systemic issues, such as 'the illness of society' (社会の病気, しゃかいのびょうき).

Radical

气

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 気

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

radical

㐅

Meaning

Katakana me

radical

气

Meaning

Air

Words Using 気

This kanji is used in 43 words:

word

気

Meaning

Spirit, Mood

word

元気

Meaning

Healthy, Energetic

word

気持ち

Meaning

Feeling

word

病気

Meaning

Illness

word

気に入る

Meaning

word

気付く

Meaning

Notice

word

気分

Meaning

Mood

word

天気予報

Meaning

Weather forecast

word

Kanji Related to 気 Through the Part 㐅

These 4 kanji contain the part 㐅 as well.

kanji

希

Meaning

Wish, Hope

kanji

刈

Meaning

Reap, Clip

kanji

凶

Meaning

Villain, Bad luck

kanji

刹

Meaning

Temple

Learn the Kanji 気

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 気 mean?

気 means 'Spirit'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in First Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N5 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.