気 骨(きこつ)

きこつ

noun

backbone; strength of character; spirit

1. backbone; strength of character; fortitude; spirit

A strong, unyielding spirit or moral strength that enables someone to stand by their principles despite pressure or adversity.

彼(かれ)は気骨(きこつ)のある人(ひと)だ。

He's a man of strong character.

気骨(きこつ)ある態度(たいど)で権力(けんりょく)に立(た)ち向(む)かった。

They stood up to authority with a spirited attitude.

あの記者(きしゃ)は気骨(きこつ)のあるジャーナリストとして知(し)られている。

That reporter is known as a journalist with backbone.

A compound of 気(き) (spirit) and 骨(こつ) (bone). The metaphor of "bone" representing inner strength is similar to the English "backbone." Almost always used as a compliment.

Common collocations

気骨(きこつ)のある人(ひと): a person of strong character
気骨(きこつ)ある態度(たいど): a spirited attitude
気骨(きこつ)を見(み)せる: to show one's backbone
気骨(きこつ)のある文章(ぶんしょう): writing with spirit/conviction

Similar words

根性(こんじょう): guts, determination — more colloquial and emphasizes endurance and perseverance
骨(ほね)がある: to have backbone — colloquial expression with similar meaning
信念(しんねん): conviction, belief — focuses on the beliefs themselves rather than the strength to uphold them

Related Words

Compare: 根性(こんじょう) (guts, determination)

Compare: 信念(しんねん) (conviction, belief)

general

Added 2026.4.10 12:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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