気味Slight tendency or early sign
気味 describes a mild current tendency, a slightly noticeable state, or an early sign of something. It is especially common for conditions that are undesirable, such as fatigue, delay, shortage, or illness.
A mild state, not a fully developed one
気味 presents the state as slightly present or beginning to develop. The speaker has noticed a lean in that direction, but is not saying that the condition is complete or severe.
Typical uses
Changing the ending
Use 気味だ at the end of a plain sentence and 気味です in polite speech. Before a noun, replace the ending with 気味の. The form 気味に can modify a following verb when the meaning fits.
彼は疲れ気味に見えたので、声をかけなかった。
He looked a little tired, so I did not speak to him.
AnalyzeA current lean versus a recurring pattern
気味 usually points to a slight state or tendency noticeable now. がち more often describes something that repeatedly happens or is generally liable to happen.
More examples
最近、少し太り気味なので、夜食を控えている。
I have been gaining a little weight recently, so I am cutting back on late-night snacks.
Analyze新しい担当者は、会議で緊張気味だった。
The new person in charge seemed a little tense at the meeting.
Analyze現在、部品の在庫が不足気味です。
Our stock of parts is currently running a little low.
Analyze連休明けで、今日は社員全体が疲れ気味だ。
After the long weekend, the staff as a whole seem a little tired today.
Analyze薬を飲み始めてから、食欲が落ち気味だ。
Since I started taking the medicine, my appetite has been declining slightly.
Analyze予算の消化が遅れ気味なので、計画を見直した。
Because spending the budget was running slightly behind schedule, we reviewed the plan.
Analyzeこの数日は風邪気味で、声が出にくい。
I have felt as though I am coming down with a cold for the past few days, and it is hard to get my voice out.
Analyze