Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
意気地 (いくじ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 100,000 Meanings 1
noun
self-respect ; backbone ; guts ; willpower
Refers to a person's inner strength, pride, or drive to persevere. Often used in negative contexts (e.g., 意気地がない) to describe someone lacking courage or resolve. The reading いきじ is a less common variant.
あの 男おとこ に は 少すこ し は 意気地いくじ を 見み せ て ほしい 。
I wish that guy would show a little guts.
Similar words 根こん 性じょう 根性 emphasizes sheer guts, willpower, or fighting spirit, often in a more aggressive or stubborn sense. 意気地 is more about self-respect and the pride that keeps one from giving up.
気き 概がい 気概 is a more formal, literary term for strong spirit or mettle. 意気地 is more colloquial and often used in everyday negative assessments.
Etymology Compound of 意気 (spirit, heart) and 地 (disposition, nature). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of one's innate spirited nature.
