肝(きも)

きも
noun
key point, gist; liver
abstractbody-internal
1. key point, gist, crux
The most important or essential part of something. The critical element that determines success or failure.
そこが肝(きも)だ。
That's the key point.
タイミングが肝(きも)だ。
Timing is crucial.
この料理(りょうり)の肝(きも)は、火(ひ)の通(とお)し方(かた)にある。
The key to this dish lies in how you control the heat.
2. liver; innards, guts
The liver organ, or more broadly the internal organs. Also used figuratively to refer to courage or nerve.
肝(きも)が据(す)わっている。
To have guts; to be bold.
肝(きも)を冷(ひ)やした。
It gave me a fright.
彼(かれ)は肝(きも)が太(ふと)いから、どんな場面(ばめん)でも動(どう)じない。
He has nerves of steel, so he stays calm in any situation.

Usage

Sense 1 is common in everyday conversation to identify the most important aspect of something. 〜が肝(きも)だ means "~ is the key."

Sense 2 appears mainly in set expressions involving courage, fear, or surprise.

Common expressions

Related words

Related Words

Related: 肝心(かんじん) (crucial, essential)
general
Added 2026.2.10 17:06 · Revised 2026.10.11 22:57
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