空気(くうき)を読(よ)む

くうきをよむ
expression
to read the room; to sense the atmosphere
slangidiom
1. to read the room, to sense the atmosphere
To understand unspoken social cues and the general mood of a situation, and to act appropriately.
空気(くうき)を読(よ)んで発言(はつげん)を控(ひか)えた。
I read the room and held back from commenting.
もっと空気(くうき)を読(よ)んでほしい。
I wish they would read the room better.
彼(かれ)は空気(くうき)を読(よ)むのが上手(じょうず)だ。
He's good at reading the room.
空気(くうき)を読(よ)めない人(ひと)は困(こま)る。
People who can't read the room are difficult to deal with.

Cultural note

空気(くうき)を読(よ)む is a key concept in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of understanding unspoken social cues and expectations.
Japan is often described as a high-context culture, where much communication is implicit rather than explicit. The ability to 空気(くうき)を読(よ)む is highly valued in social and professional settings.

Common expressions

Forms

KY (ケーワイ) = 空気(くうき)読(よ)めない (can't read the room)
This slang term became popular in the 2000s to describe someone socially oblivious.

Usage

Expected in:

Note: While valued in Japanese society, some argue that excessive emphasis on 空気(くうき)を読(よ)む can stifle individual expression and honest communication.

Related Words

Related: KY (can't read the room)
Related: 忖度(そんたく) (surmising someone's wishes)
Related: 察(さっ)する (to guess)
Related: 行間(ぎょうかん)を読(よ)む (to read between the lines)
Compare: 同調圧力(どうちょうあつりょく) (peer pressure)
Related: 場(ば)をわきまえる (to know one's place)
Related: 場(ば)を和(なご)ませる (to lighten the mood)
Compare: 忖度(そんたく)する (to surmise someone's feelings)
Compare: 顔色(かおいろ)をうかがう (to watch someone's expression)
general
Added 2026.1.17 17:54 · Revised 2026.10.7 4:23
06000/06306_kuukiwoyomu