気性(きしょう)

気性(きしょう) refers to a person's or animal's innate emotional temperament — particularly how easily they become agitated, angry, or calm.

Common collocations

• 気性(きしょう)が荒(あら)い: rough-tempered, hot-headed
• 気性(きしょう)が激(はげ)しい: fierce-tempered, volatile
• 気性(きしょう)が穏(おだ)やか: mild-tempered, gentle
• 気性(きしょう)の激(はげ)しい人(ひと): a person with a fierce temperament

Usage

Often used for both people and animals (especially horses). Tends to appear in descriptive or evaluative contexts rather than casual conversation.

Watch out

気象(きしょう) (weather/meteorology) has the same reading but completely different meaning.

Similar words

• 性格(せいかく): personality, character (broader, more common)
• 気質(きしつ): temperament, disposition (similar, slightly more literary)