気配(きくば)り

きくばり
noun, suru-verb
attentiveness; consideration; thoughtfulness
1. attentiveness; consideration; thoughtfulness
The act of being attentive to others' needs and feelings, anticipating what they might need and acting accordingly. A valued social skill in Japanese culture.
彼女(かのじょ)は周(まわ)りへの気配(きくば)りができる人(ひと)だ。
She's someone who is considerate of those around her.
もう少(すこ)し気配(きくば)りしてほしい。
I wish you'd be a bit more considerate.
細(こま)やかな気配(きくば)りに感謝(かんしゃ)している。
I appreciate your thoughtful attention to detail.

FORMATION:
気(き) (spirit/attention) + 配(くば)り (distribution)
→ Distributing one's attention to others' needs

USAGE:

  • 気配(きくば)りをする/できる - to be considerate
  • 気配(きくば)りが足(た)りない - lacking in consideration
  • 細(こま)やかな気配(きくば)り - thoughtful/meticulous consideration

CULTURAL NOTE:
気配(きくば)り is highly valued in Japanese society, where anticipating others' needs without being asked is considered an important social skill. It involves reading the atmosphere (空気(くうき)を読(よ)む) and acting preemptively.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 心配(こころくば)り - Thoughtfulness, consideration (slightly more formal)
  • 気遣(きづか)い - Concern, solicitude
  • 心遣(こころづか)い - Thoughtfulness, kindness
  • 目配(めくば)り - Keeping an eye on things, visual attentiveness

Related Words

Synonym: 気遣(きづか)い (concern)
Related: 目配(めくば)り (watchfulness)
general
Added 2026.1.18 13:24 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
06500/06688_kikubari