気(き)を配(くば)る

A common expression meaning to direct one's attention and care toward something. Composed of 気(き) (spirit, attention) and 配(くば)る (to distribute), so the literal sense is "to distribute one's attention." Implies a sustained, proactive awareness rather than a momentary focus.

Common patterns

• [noun]に気(き)を配(くば)る: to pay attention to [noun]

Common collocations

• 安全(あんぜん)に気(き)を配(くば)る: to pay attention to safety
• 健康(けんこう)に気(き)を配(くば)る: to be mindful of one's health
• 周囲(しゅうい)に気(き)を配(くば)る: to be attentive to one's surroundings
• 細部(さいぶ)に気(き)を配(くば)る: to pay attention to detail

Similar words

• 気(き)をつける: to be careful — focuses on avoiding danger or mistakes, more about caution
• 注意(ちゅうい)を払(はら)う: to pay attention — more formal, similar meaning
• 目(め)を配(くば)る: to keep an eye on — emphasizes visual monitoring
• 心遣(こころづか)い: consideration, thoughtfulness — noun form of a similar concept