気(き)が利(き)く

きがきく
expression
attentive, thoughtful, tactful
1. attentive, thoughtful, considerate
Describes someone who notices what others need and acts accordingly without being asked.
彼女(かのじょ)は気(き)が利(き)くから、いつも助(たす)かる。
She's so attentive, she's always a great help.
気(き)が利(き)く後輩(こうはい)がコーヒーを入(い)れてくれた。
A thoughtful junior colleague made me coffee.
もっと気(き)を利(き)かせてほしい。
I wish you'd be more attentive.
2. witty, clever, stylish
Describes something that shows good taste or clever design.
気(き)の利(き)いたプレゼントをもらった。
I received a clever/stylish gift.

STRUCTURE: 気(き) (spirit/attention) + が + 利(き)く (to be effective). Literally 'one's attention works well.'

GRAMMAR NOTES:

  • Prenominal form: 気(き)の利(き)いた + noun (a thoughtful/clever [noun])
  • Negative: 気(き)が利(き)かない (not attentive, inconsiderate)

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 気配(きくば)り (thoughtfulness, consideration) - a noun form of similar meaning
  • 気(き)が回(まわ)る (to be alert to others' needs) - similar meaning

CONTRAST:

  • 気(き)が利(き)く describes someone perceptive about social situations
  • 頭(あたま)がいい describes general intelligence

Related Words

Antonym: 気(き)が利(き)かない (inattentive)
core
Added 2026.1.18 19:03 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06880_kigakiku