空気(くうき)を読(よ)む

くうきをよむ
expression (verb)
to read the room; to sense the atmosphere
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 EXPRESSION:
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.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
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:

  • 空気(くうき)を読(よ)める: can read the room
  • 空気(くうき)を読(よ)めない: can't read the room
  • 空気(くうき)を読(よ)んで: reading the room
  • 空気(くうき)読(よ)め!: Read the room! (command)

ABBREVIATION:
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)
general
Added 2026.1.17 17:54 · Revised 2026.6.28 6:19
06000/06306_kuukiwoyomu