Processing keyword: ～気味 (〜gimi)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～気味 (〜gimi)

Grammar Point: ～気味 (〜gimi)

1. Introduction

The Japanese suffix ～気味 (〜gimi) is used to express a feeling, tendency, or condition. It conveys that something is a bit like or has a flavor of a certain quality, often with a slightly negative connotation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The suffix indicates that something has a tendency or quality that is reminiscent of something else, often implying an undesirable aspect.
• Structure: The structure is as follows:
  • Noun + 気味 (gimi)
  • Verb stem + 気味 (gimi)
  • It can also be used with adjectives, although it's more common with nouns and verb stems.

Formation Diagram

Noun/Verb Stem + 気味 → Indicates a tendency or quality

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～ぽい (〜poi): This suffix also indicates resemblance but can be used in a more neutral or positive context (e.g., 幼稚ぽい - childish).
• ～がち (〜gachi): Indicates a tendency or a frequent occurrence, typically with a negative nuance (e.g., 忘れがち - tends to forget).

Differences

• ～気味 is often slightly more negative.
• ～ぽい can have a neutral or even positive nuance.
• ～がち implies a habitual action.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 彼は疲れ気味です。
   • (かれはつかれぎみです。)
   • "He seems to be a bit tired."
2. Informal:
   • 昨日から頭痛気味なんだ。
   • (きのうからずつうぎみなんだ。)
   • "I've been feeling a bit headache-y since yesterday."
3. Written:
   • 最近、彼女は仕事が忙しすぎて、すこしストレス気味だ。
   • (さいきん、かのじょはしごとがいそがしすぎて、すこしストレスぎみだ。)
   • "Recently, she has been a bit stressed out because her work is too busy."
4. Spoken:
   • 今日は風邪気味だから、早く寝るつもり。
   • (きょうはかぜぎみだから、はやくねるつもり。)
   • "I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I plan to go to bed early."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• The use of 気味 often reflects the Japanese cultural tendency to avoid direct or blunt expression. It softens the statement and makes it more socially acceptable to discuss negative feelings or conditions.
• In Japanese society, discussing feelings, especially negative ones, is often veiled in subtle language.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 事故気味 (じこぎみ): A bit accident-prone.
• 薄気味 (うすぎみ): A faint or slightly creepy feeling.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using it without a proper context: Beginners often use 気味 in contexts that might not warrant a nuance of a slight tendency or quality, leading to miscommunication.
• Confusing it with ぽい or がち: Learners often mix these suffixes due to their similarities.

Learning Strategies

• Remember that 気味 typically holds a negative or undesirable nuance.
• Associate the sound of "gimi" with "gimme a break" to remember it often implies something not quite right.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Meaning: 〜気味 indicates a slight tendency or quality, often with a negative nuance.
• Usage: Can be used with nouns, verb stems, and sometimes adjectives.
• Context: Useful for softening expressions of negative conditions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the structure of adding 気味 to a noun?
2. Does 〜気味 generally imply a positive or negative tendency?
3. Provide a sentence using 気味 in context. (Answers: 1. Noun + 気味 2. Negative 3. Any appropriate sentence with 気味.)