The suffix 気味 (ぎみ) attaches to nouns or verb stems to express that something is slightly or somewhat in a certain state, or that there is a tendency toward that state. It conveys the nuance of "a touch of," "a bit," or "tending to," and is most common to describe undesirable or negative conditions – particularly regarding health, mood, or situations that are slightly off.
Structure
- Noun + 気味:
- Verb[stem] + 気味: → 太り + 気味 → (tending to gain weight)
Usage
気味 is used when the speaker senses or feels a slight tendency but not a full-blown state. It softens the statement, suggesting the condition is mild or just beginning.
、。
I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately.
、。
I've been overeating and am putting on a bit of weight.
。
The project is running a bit behind schedule.
Common collocations
Some frequently seen combinations include:
- – slightly coming down with a cold
- – somewhat tired
- – slightly overweight / tending to gain weight
- – running slightly late / behind
- – a bit worn out
Notes
- 気味 almost always carries a negative or undesirable connotation. It is rarely used with positive states.
- When used as a modifier before a noun, it takes の:
。
I'm waiting for the train that's running a bit late.
- Do not confuse 気味 (ぎみ) with (きみ) as in (creepy/eerie), which is a different word with a different reading.
Lingaku