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.
彼は気骨のある人だ。
He's a man of strong character.
気骨ある態度で権力に立ち向かった。
They stood up to authority with a spirited attitude.
あの記者は気骨のあるジャーナリストとして知られている。
That reporter is known as a journalist with backbone.
A compound of 気 (spirit) and 骨 (bone). The metaphor of "bone" representing inner strength is similar to the English "backbone." Almost always used as a compliment.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 気骨のある人: a person of strong character
- 気骨ある態度: a spirited attitude
- 気骨を見せる: to show one's backbone
- 気骨のある文章: writing with spirit/conviction
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 根性: guts, determination — more colloquial and emphasizes endurance and perseverance
- 骨がある: to have backbone — colloquial expression with similar meaning
- 信念: conviction, belief — focuses on the beliefs themselves rather than the strength to uphold them