noun
eagerness; enthusiasm; fighting spirit
Describes a state of being mentally charged up, often with a competitive or determined edge. Can imply being overly keyed up or trying too hard, sometimes with a negative nuance of excessive zeal.
試合前の気負いが空回りして、実力を出せなかった。
His pre-match eagerness backfired, and he couldn't perform to his ability.
新人らしい
It was a presentation that showed the enthusiasm typical of a newcomer.
Compound of 気 (ki, 'spirit, mind') and 負い (oi, the continuative form of 負う 'to bear, to be burdened with'). Literally 'bearing spirit', suggesting a state of being mentally charged or burdened by one's own enthusiasm.