Find Out the Use of the Word Kimochi in Japanese

Illustration of feelings (Pixabay.com/kaboompics)

Kimochi (気持ち) is a Japanese word that is often used in various contexts, both in everyday conversation and in Japanese pop culture. In Japanese culture, kimochi has a deeper and broader meaning. The term does not only refer to positive feelings, but also includes a variety of other emotions that can be felt.

Definition of the word kimochi

Literally, kimochi means “feeling.” The word is made up of two terms: “ki” (気) meaning “energy” or “soul,” and “mochi” (持ち) meaning “to have” or “to hold.” So, kimochi can be interpreted as “the energy that is possessed” or “the feeling that is within.”

When someone says “kimochi ga ii” (気持ちがいい), it means “it feels good,” which can refer to a feeling of comfort, happiness, or satisfaction. On the other hand, “kimochi ga warui” (気持ちが悪い) means “it feels bad,” which can describe discomfort or dissatisfaction. There is also “atsui kimochi” (熱い気持ち) which can be interpreted as desire, made up of the words 熱い (atsui) meaning “hot” and 気持ち (kimochi) meaning “feeling.”

Kimochi is also often used in a more romantic context. For example, when someone says “kimochi wo tsutaeru” (気持ちを伝える), it means “to convey feelings.” This is an important step in communication between couples, where they share their feelings with each other.

The difference between kimochi and kibun

Illustration of a man in the countryside

気持ち (kimochi) and 気分 (kibun) have very similar meanings. They both describe physical or emotional feelings. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between the two words so that the intended meaning is conveyed properly.

The word 気持ち (kimochi) describes a feeling or sensation that someone experiences. It can be physical, such as feeling uncomfortable. It can also be emotional, such as feeling happy. Meanwhile, the word 気分 (kibun) describes one's own mood and cannot be used to talk about other people or used in general statements like 気持ち (kimochi). For example, 気分がいい (kibun ga ii) means to be in a good mood and 気分が悪い (kibun ga warui) means to be in a bad mood or also means to feel nauseous.

Thus, the words 気持ち (kimochi) and 気分 (kibun) can be used interchangeably for physical and emotional situations in many situations. However, when talking about one's own emotional state, 気分 (kibun) is used to describe your mood, while 気持ち (kimochi) is used to express your feelings.  

The difference between kimochi and kanji

Unlike 気持ち (kimochi) and 気分 (kibun), the word 感じ (kanji) describes your impression of something, such as いい感じ (ii kanji) can mean looks good and 感じ悪い (warui kanji) can mean scary. Since 感じ (kanji) is used to describe an impression or a thing, you can use it to describe your impression of objects or people. 

The role of kimochi in Japanese culture

In Japan, people are often expected to understand what others are thinking or feeling without having to say it. Japanese people may expect this kind of awareness and understanding in many situations. The term 気持ちがわかる人 (kimochi ga wakaru) in Japanese can mean understanding feelings.

In addition, kimochi also plays an important role in Japanese art and culture. Many Japanese artists, writers, and musicians express their feelings through their artwork. They seek ways to convey subtle and complex feelings in a way that can be appreciated by others. In painting, the painter's feelings can be seen in the use of color, shape, and composition that create a certain atmosphere, which can arouse the feelings of the audience.

In the entertainment world, the term kimochi also often appears in anime, manga, and Japanese dramas. The characters in the story often face various complex feelings. This allows the audience to connect with the characters, feel what they feel, and experience a deep emotional journey.

One example of the use of kimochi in media is in Japanese pop songs, where the lyrics often describe emotional struggles, unrequited love, or beautiful memories. Songwriters try to express their feelings through melody and lyrics, and often, these songs become very popular because of their ability to touch the hearts of listeners. This shows how important kimochi or feelings are in everyday life and can be used as inspiration for work.

From these contexts, it can be seen that kimochi is more than just a word; it encompasses the entire spectrum of human experience. Awareness of our own and others’ feelings can shape how we interact. In Japanese culture, where nuance and subtlety are highly valued, kimochi or feelings become crucial to understanding human relationships.

Conclusion about kimochi

Ultimately, kimochi or feelings invite us to be more sensitive to emotions, both our own and others. In this dynamic journey of life, understanding kimochi or feelings can help us to create deeper and more meaningful relationships. By sharing our feelings, we are able to forge stronger bonds with others, enrich our life experiences, and deepen our sense of empathy and understanding. In a world that can sometimes feel cold and alienating, kimochi or feelings remind us of the power of feelings and genuine human connection.