1.
attentive, thoughtful, considerate
Describes someone who notices what others need and acts accordingly without being asked.
彼女は本当に気が利く。
She's really attentive.
気が利く後輩がコーヒーを入れてくれた。
A thoughtful junior colleague made me coffee.
もっと気を利かせてほしい。
I wish you'd be more attentive.
彼は気が利くから、いつも助かる。困っていると声をかけてくれる。
He's so attentive that he's always a great help. He speaks up when I'm in trouble.
新人なのに気が利いて、上司からも同僚からも好かれている。
Despite being new, she's so thoughtful that she's liked by both supervisors and colleagues.
2.
witty, clever, stylish
Describes something that shows good taste or clever design.
気の利いたプレゼントをもらった。
I received a clever gift.
気の利いた一言で場が和んだ。
A witty remark lightened the mood.
このレストランは料理だけでなく、気の利いたサービスでも人気がある。
This restaurant is popular not only for its food but also for its tasteful service.
彼はいつも気の利いたことを言うから、話していて楽しい。
He always says something witty, so it's fun to talk with him.
友人がくれた手作りのアルバムは、写真の選び方が気が利いていて、見ていて涙が出た。
The handmade album my friend gave me had such a thoughtful selection of photos that it brought me to tears.
STRUCTURE: 気 (spirit/attention) + が + 利く (to be effective). Literally 'one's attention works well.'
GRAMMAR NOTES:
- Prenominal form: 気の利いた + noun (a thoughtful/clever [noun])
- Negative: 気が利かない (not attentive, inconsiderate)
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 気配り (thoughtfulness, consideration) - a noun form of similar meaning
- 気が回る (to be alert to others' needs) - similar meaning
CONTRAST:
- 気が利く describes someone perceptive about social situations
- 頭がいい describes general intelligence
Related Words
Antonym:
気が利かない (inattentive)