勝(か)ち気(き)

かちき
noun, na-adjective
competitive spirit; strong-willed; determined to win
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.

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

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

GRAMMAR:

  • 勝(か)ち気(き)な + noun (as na-adjective)
  • 勝(か)ち気(き)が強(つよ)い - to be very competitive
  • 勝(か)ち気(き)な性格(せいかく) - competitive personality

NUANCE:

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:

  • 勝(か)ち気(き)な性格(せいかく) - competitive personality
  • 勝(か)ち気(き)が強(つよ)い - strongly competitive
  • 勝(か)ち気(き)な女性(じょせい) - a strong-willed woman
  • 勝(か)ち気(き)な姿勢(しせい) - competitive attitude

OFTEN USED FOR:

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

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)い - hating to lose, competitive
  • 闘争心(とうそうしん) - fighting spirit
  • 競争心(きょうそうしん) - competitive spirit
  • 向上心(こうじょうしん) - ambition, desire to improve
  • 気(き)が強(つよ)い - strong-willed

REGISTER:
Neutral. Common in everyday conversation when describing personalities.

general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50
07000/07468_kachiki