Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
息のかかる (いきのかかる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
have the personal support of ; be under the patronage of
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression meaning to be backed or protected by an influential person. Often used in the prenominal form 息のかかった to describe someone or something that enjoys such patronage.
あの
会かい
社しゃ
は
政せい
界かい
の
大おお
物もの
の
息いき
が
かかっ
て
いる
らしい
。
That company seems to be under the patronage of a political heavyweight.
Written forms 息いき のかかる
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
息いき の 掛か かる
Variant spelling using 掛かる; less common but still encountered.
Kanji 息 breath, respiration, son Similar words 後うし ろ 盾だて 後ろ盾 is a noun meaning 'backing' or 'supporter', while 息のかかる is a verbal expression describing the state of being supported.
パトロン パトロン is a loanword for 'patron', often used in artistic or financial contexts, whereas 息のかかる implies a more personal, behind-the-scenes influence.
Etymology The expression literally means 'breath hangs over', metaphorically suggesting that someone's influence or spirit is present and protective. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a set phrase in modern Japanese.