JLPT N2
気味
Slight tendency / Touch of
Structure
Verb stem/Noun 気味
How it works
This grammar point expresses a slight tendency, feeling, or state that is often (but not always) negative. It is used when the speaker feels or senses a slight change or quality in a situation or person's condition. It translates to 'a touch of,' 'a bit of,' or 'seeming like.'
Examples
最近、少し太り気味なので、ダイエットを始めようと思っています。
I've been gaining a bit of weight lately, so I'm thinking of starting a diet.
昨夜から風邪気味で、喉が少し痛いです。
I've had a touch of a cold since last night, and my throat hurts a little.
新入社員の彼は、緊張気味の様子で挨拶をした。
The new employee gave his greeting looking somewhat nervous.
Common mistakes
Confusing '気味' (gimi) with 'がち' (gachi); use '気味' for a current slight feeling or physical state, while 'がち' is for a high frequency of an action or habit occurring.
Tip
Think of '気味' as 'subjective physical or mental sensations' (like tiredness or a cold), whereas 'っぽい' is more for 'visual appearances' or 'inherent characteristics'.
More JLPT N2 grammar
See 気味 in real Japanese
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