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意気地 (いくじ, ikuji) Japanese meaning: self-respect | Kotomora
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彼かれ
は
意気地いくじ
が
ない
から
、
すぐ
諦あきら
め
て
しまう
。
He has no backbone, so he gives up right away.
I wish that guy would show a little guts.
Related words 根性 stresses raw guts, willpower, or stubborn fighting spirit, while 意気地 focuses on the self-respect and pride that keep one from backing down.
気概 is a formal, literary word for strong spirit or mettle, whereas 意気地 is more colloquial and typically appears in everyday negative remarks like 意気地がない.
勇気 is the general word for courage in any situation, while 意気地 specifically refers to the inner pride and resolve needed to stand firm or persevere.
Don't confuse with 意気地 (as in 意気地がない) refers to backbone or nerve in a specific moment, while 心意気 describes an overall spirited character or resolve.
意気地 means 'backbone' or 'guts' (as in 意気地なし, 'coward'), a different concept from 意気盛ん's 'full of vigor', despite sharing the kanji 意気.
意気地 is close in meaning to 気概 but is mostly used in negative constructions like 意気地がない (spineless), whereas 気概 stands alone as a positive quality.
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.
き
意気地 (いくじ) means willpower or guts to see something through and is a distinct word from 意気 (いき), despite sharing the first kanji.
