気味（ぎみ） means -like; -looking; tending to ~; slightly ~. It is a JLPT N3 grammar pattern used to express that someone or something shows a mild tendency or early sign of a state.
This grammar point often appears in neutral Japanese. If you want to describe mild, temporary, or early tendencies, 気味（ぎみ） is a useful pattern to learn.
What does 気味（ぎみ） mean?
Use 気味（ぎみ） when you want to express that someone or something shows a mild tendency or early sign of a state.
Natural translations include:
- slightly; -like; tending to ~
- -like; -looking; tending to ~; slightly ~
- slightly; -like; tending to
How to form 気味（ぎみ）
Verb stem + 気味 / Noun + 気味
Examples of the pattern:
- 疲れ気味
- 風邪気味
- 太り気味
When is 気味（ぎみ） used?
Use 気味（ぎみ） in situations like:
- describing mild symptoms
- early signs
- slight tendencies
Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in describing mild symptoms, test questions, and written narratives
気味（ぎみ） example sentences
- 最近、疲れ気味だ。 \u2014 I’ve been feeling a bit tired lately.
- 風邪気味なので、休みます。 \u2014 I’m feeling slightly under the weather, so I’ll take the day off.
- 彼は少し太り気味だ。 \u2014 He’s slightly overweight.
- 遅刻し気味だったが、今日は間に合った。 \u2014 I tended to be late, but I made it on time today.
- 部屋が乾燥気味だ。 \u2014 The room is a bit dry.
Nuance of 気味（ぎみ）
The key nuance is mild, temporary, and non-committal; used for early or slight symptoms.
This matters because 〜気味 avoids definitive diagnoses. It is often used when the speaker is not sure or does not want to state something too strongly. Common in health and personal states..
For example:
- In describing mild symptoms, it sounds natural and specific.
- Compared with がち, it carries a different weight and implication.
気味（ぎみ） vs がち
Both 気味（ぎみ） and がち can express -like, but they are different.
気味（ぎみ）:
- implies a mild, current state or slight tendency; temporary
がち:
- implies a repeated tendency or pattern over time
Quick contrast examples:
- 疲れがちだ。 \u2014 I tend to get tired often.
- 疲れ気味だ。 \u2014 I feel slightly tired today.
Common mistakes with 気味（ぎみ）
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for severe or confirmed conditions (use 〜すぎ or a direct diagnosis instead)
- Attaching it to i-adjectives instead of noun/verb stems
- Using it in formal medical writing where more precise language is needed
Is 気味（ぎみ） on the JLPT?
Yes. 気味（ぎみ） is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
Practice questions for 気味（ぎみ）
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you’ve been feeling a bit tired lately.
- Describe someone who is slightly overweight.
- Say a room feels a bit dry.
Learn 気味（ぎみ） with Kanjiru
If you want to review 気味（ぎみ） together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N3 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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