〜気味（〜ぎみ）

A bit ~; Feeling somewhat ~

1. Overview

「〜気味」 expresses a slight tendency or feeling, often used to describe a mild state or inclination. It carries the meaning of "a bit" or "somewhat" and is commonly used in situations that are less than ideal.

2. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Noun + 気味
  • Verb (stem form) + 気味

• Explanation:

  • 「〜気味」 is used to describe a slight tendency or feeling, especially in negative contexts like health, mood, or work pressure.

3. Usage Explanation

• Describing mild states or tendencies: This structure is often used to express a sense of "feeling somewhat" or "being slightly" in a particular state. Compared to similar structures like 「〜っぽい」 or 「〜らしい」, it is weaker and conveys a subtler sense of the situation.

• English translation: Translates as "feeling a bit" or "somewhat."

4. Example Sentences

1. 風邪気味なので、今日は早く帰ります。
   I feel like I'm catching a cold, so I'll go home early today.

2. 最近、仕事が忙しくて疲れ気味だ。
   I've been feeling a bit tired lately because work has been busy.

3. 彼はストレス気味で、よくイライラしている。
   He seems a bit stressed and often gets irritated.

4. 運動不足気味のせいで、体重が増えてきた。
   Due to a lack of exercise, I've been gaining weight.

5. 今日は寝不足気味で、集中力が落ちている。
   I'm feeling a bit sleep-deprived today, and my concentration is low.

5. Key Points to Note

• Mild states: 「〜気味」 is only used to express slight states and is not appropriate for describing extreme or intense conditions. It's often used for small, everyday changes in how one feels or behaves.

• Common usage: It’s commonly used to describe slight changes in health, mood, or work stress.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜っぽい: Describes a more noticeable tendency or characteristic, focusing on external behavior or appearance.

  • Example: 彼は子供っぽいところがある。
    (He acts childish at times.)

• 〜気がする: Expresses the speaker's subjective feeling or impression and is more subjective than 「〜気味」.

  • Example: 今日は調子が悪い気がする。
    (I feel like I'm not in good shape today.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜っぽい: Used to describe a stronger tendency or characteristic in behavior or appearance.

  • Example: 疲れっぽい。
    (He seems tired.)

• 〜気がする: Used to express a personal feeling or impression.

  • Example: ちょっと風邪気がする。
    (I feel like I'm catching a cold.)

8. Summary

「〜気味」 is used to express a slight tendency or feeling, often translating to "a bit" or "somewhat." It is suitable for describing subtle changes in health, mood, or work conditions, and it carries a weaker tone compared to similar grammar structures, making it more nuanced and indirect.