勝(か)ち気(き)

かちき
noun, na-adjective
competitive spirit; strong-willed; determined to win
emotion
1. competitive spirit; strong-willed nature; determination to win
A personality trait characterized by a strong desire to win or succeed, unwillingness to lose, and determination to overcome challenges. Can be positive (driven) or negative (too competitive).
彼女(かのじょ)は勝(か)ち気(き)な性格(せいかく)だ。
She has a competitive personality.
勝(か)ち気(き)が強(つよ)くて負(ま)けを認(みと)めない。
She's so competitive that she won't admit defeat.
勝(か)ち気(き)な姿勢(しせい)がチームを引(ひ)っ張(ぱ)っている。
Her competitive spirit is driving the team.

Etymology

勝(か)ち (winning, from 勝(か)つ) + 気(き) (spirit, temperament)

Literally "winning spirit" - the temperament of someone who wants to win.

Common patterns

Usage

Can be viewed as:

  • Positive: driven, determined, ambitious, spirited
  • Negative: too competitive, unable to compromise, sore loser

Context and degree determine whether it's seen favorably.

Common collocations

Often used for

  • Describing women (often as a notable trait)
  • Athletes and competitors
  • Business leaders
  • Children who don't like to lose

Similar words

Register

Neutral. Common in everyday conversation when describing personalities.

Related Words

Synonym: 負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)い (hating to lose)
Compare: 闘争心(とうそうしん) (fighting spirit)
Compare: 競争心(きょうそうしん) (competitive spirit)
Compare: 向上心(こうじょうしん) (ambition, desire to improve)
Compare: 気(き)が強(つよ)い (strong-willed)
general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07000/07468_kachiki