1.
patient; easygoing; unhurried; leisurely
Having a calm, relaxed disposition that does not rush or become easily frustrated. Willing to wait without getting anxious.
気長に待つ。
To wait patiently.
気長な性格だから怒らない。
Because of a patient personality, they don't get angry.
子育ては気長に取り組むことが大切だ。
It's important to approach child-rearing with patience.
A na-adjective composed of 気 (spirit/temperament) + 長 (long), literally meaning 'long-tempered.' Used both as a modifier (気長な) and adverbially (気長に).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 気長に待つ: to wait patiently
- 気長な人: a patient person
- 気長に付き合う: to deal with something patiently over time
- 気長に構える: to take a relaxed approach
USAGE:
The adverbial form 気長に is extremely common, often used as advice or encouragement to be patient. It implies a positive, calm attitude rather than passive resignation.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 辛抱強い: persevering, enduring — emphasizes enduring hardship; stronger sense of effort
- {のんびり}: laid-back, easygoing — more casual; describes a relaxed pace rather than patience specifically
- 気短: short-tempered, impatient — the direct opposite of 気長