1.
to be satisfied; to feel at ease; to have one's conscience or feelings settled
Describes the state of inner satisfaction or relief that comes when one has done what one feels is necessary or right. Very often used in the negative form 気が済まない (to not feel right about something; to not be satisfied until something is done).
謝らないと気が済まない。
I won't feel right until I apologize.
自分で確認しないと気が済まない性格だ。
I have the kind of personality that can't rest until I've checked things myself.
言いたいことを全部言って、やっと気が済んだ。
I said everything I wanted to say and finally felt satisfied.
彼は完璧にやらないと気が済まないタイプだから、いつも残業している。
He's the type who won't rest until everything is perfect, so he's always working overtime.
Composed of 気 (mind, feeling) + が + 済む (to be finished, to be settled). The negative form 気が済まない is far more common than the affirmative, used to express a compulsion to do something or dissatisfaction with an incomplete state.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 気が済まない: to not feel satisfied; to feel compelled to do something
- 〜しないと気が済まない: to not feel right until one does ~
- やっと気が済んだ: to finally feel at ease
- 気が済むまで: until one is satisfied
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 気が晴れる: to feel refreshed; to feel relieved — focuses on clearing negative emotions
- 納得する: to be convinced; to accept — more intellectual than emotional
- 満足する: to be satisfied — more general; 気が済む implies a personal compulsion being resolved