Processing keyword: ～気味 (〜gimi)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～気味 (〜gimi)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point ～気味 (〜gimi). Understanding this expression will enhance your ability to describe subtle states or feelings in yourself or others.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The suffix ～気味 (〜gimi) is used to express a slight tendency or feeling towards a certain state. It indicates that something feels a bit like or has a touch of a particular condition. This expression is often used to describe a situation that is perceived slightly negatively.

Meaning

• ～気味 (〜gimi): A bit..., A touch of..., Tend to..., Looking somewhat...

Structure

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem / Noun	+	気味
遅れ	+	気味
疲れ	+	気味
風邪	+	気味

• Verb Stem + 気味
• Noun + 気味

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3. Comparative Analysis

～気味 (〜gimi) vs ～っぽい (〜ppoi) While both ～気味 and ～っぽい can indicate a tendency towards something, ～っぽい often implies that something "feels like" or "acts like" something else and can be more subjective or casual. ～気味, on the other hand, suggests an objective slight tendency towards a state, often with a negative connotation. | | ～気味 | ～っぽい | |----------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Usage | Slight tendency or feeling | Resembling or being characteristic of | | Connotation | Often slight and negative | Can be neutral or negative | | Examples | 疲れ気味 (a bit tired) | 子供っぽい (childish) |

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 最近、忙しくて疲れ気味です。
   • Saikin, isogashikute tsukare-gimi desu.
   • "I've been feeling a bit tired lately because I've been busy."
2. 風邪気味なので、今日は早く寝ます。
   • Kaze-gimi nano de, kyō wa hayaku nemasu.
   • "I'm feeling a bit like I'm catching a cold, so I'll go to bed early today."
3. 新人社員は緊張気味に自己紹介をした。
   • Shinjin shain wa kinchō-gimi ni jikoshōkai o shita.
   • "The new employee introduced himself a bit nervously."
4. 太り気味だから、運動を始めようと思います。
   • Futori-gimi dakara, undō o hajimeyō to omoimasu.
   • "I'm getting a bit overweight, so I think I'll start exercising."
5. 彼は最近、遅刻気味で上司に注意された。
   • Kare wa saikin, chikoku-gimi de jōshi ni chūi sareta.
   • "He's been tardy lately, so his boss warned him."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, modesty and understatement are valued traits. Using expressions like ～気味 allows speakers to express concerns or negative states softly without sounding overly direct or harsh. It aligns with the cultural emphasis on harmony and subtlety in communication.

Levels of Politeness

The use of ～気味 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall politeness of the sentence will depend on other factors like verb endings and honorifics.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using ～気味 with Adjectives: Remember that ～気味 is only attached to nouns and verb stems, not adjectives.
  • Incorrect: 寒い気味
  • Correct: 風邪気味
• Overuse in Positive Contexts: Since ～気味 often carries a slight negative nuance, avoid using it for positive tendencies.
  • Incorrect: 元気気味
  • Correct: 元気そう

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 気味 as "give me" a little of that feeling. It suggests having "a bit of" a certain state.
• Practice Attachments: Make lists of common nouns and verb stems that often pair with ～気味 to become familiar with its use.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～気味 (〜gimi) expresses a slight tendency or feeling towards something, often with a negative nuance.
• It attaches to noun and verb stems.
• It is used to softly convey a state without being too direct.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ～気味 to verbs?
2. Translate: 食べ過ぎ気味なので、食事の量を減らします。
3. What is the nuance associated with ～気味? Answers:
4. Attach ～気味 to the verb stem (the masu-form without masu).
5. "I've been eating a bit too much, so I will reduce my meal portions."
6. It indicates a slight or subtle tendency towards a state, often with a negative connotation.

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