心 意 気(こころいき)

こころいき

noun

spirit; determination; mettle

1. spirit; determination; mettle; attitude

A person's spirited attitude, determination, or willingness to take on a challenge. Conveys admiration for someone's resolve or generous disposition.

その心意気(こころいき)はすばらしい。

That spirit is wonderful.

職人(しょくにん)の心意気(こころいき)を感(かん)じる仕事(しごと)だ。

This is work where you can feel the craftsman's spirit.

若(わか)い人(ひと)たちの心意気(こころいき)に期待(きたい)して、プロジェクトを任(まか)せることにした。

Counting on the young people's determination, I decided to entrust the project to them.

A warm, positive word that expresses admiration for someone's inner resolve and generous attitude. Often associated with the spirit of Edo-period townspeople (江戸(えど)っ子(こ)) and traditional craftsmanship. It suggests not just determination but a willingness to act with integrity and generosity.

Forms

心(こころ) (heart, mind) + 意気(いき) (spirit, enthusiasm)

Common collocations

心意気(こころいき)を見(み)せる: to show one's spirit
心意気(こころいき)に感(かん)じる: to be moved by someone's spirit
心意気(こころいき)がいい: to have a fine spirit
心意気(こころいき)を買(か)う: to appreciate someone's determination

Similar words

意気込(いきご)み: enthusiasm, eagerness — focuses on the energy before starting something
気概(きがい): spirit, backbone — stronger, emphasizes courage in the face of adversity
志(こころざし): aspiration, ambition — focuses on goals and purpose rather than attitude

Related Words

Compare: 意気込(いきご)み (enthusiasm, eagerness)

Compare: 気概(きがい) (spirit, backbone)

Compare: 志(こころざし) (aspiration, ambition)

general

Added 2026.3.29 21:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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