Word
雰囲気
Meaning in Englishatmosphere (e.g., musical), mood, ambiance
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
What 雰囲気 means is the overall mood or atmosphere of a place, scene, or situation; it refers to the intangible impression created by surroundings, people, and activity.
Main meanings
- ambience or vibe surrounding a place, scene, or event
- the perceived mood or character of a setting or situation
- aura or style conveyed by decor, lighting, and behavior
- figurative sense describing how something feels emotionally or artistically
How to use it
Used to describe the mood of places, scenes, or people; in casual speech you can say この店はいい雰囲気だ; in writing you discuss 雰囲気を醸す or 雰囲気を作る; it can refer to physical atmosphere (lighting, decor) or social tone (behavior, energy).
Variants and close terms
- ムード (muudo) – mood
- 風情 (fūzei) – atmosphere, charm
- 空気感 (kūki-kan) – sense of the air or ambience
- 雰囲気がいい/悪い (ambience is good/bad)
Composition
- 雰 = haze, mist
- 囲 = surround
- 気 = spirit, mood
Etymology
kanji components 雰 (mist, haze) + 囲 (surround) + 気 (spirit, mood); the compound is a Sino-Japanese formation read as ふんいき, combining the idea of hazy surroundings with spirit to express an overall atmosphere.
Word class
Noun (名詞)
Related words by kanji and components
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お元気で
ogenkide
Take care'
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換気
kanki
ventilation
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気圧
kiatsu
atmospheric pressure
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気を付ける
kiotsukeru
to be careful, to pay attention, to take care
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気配
kehai
indication, sign, hint
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蒸気
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steam, vapor
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水蒸気
suijouki
water vapor, steam
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強気
tsuyoki
firm, strong
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生意気
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impertinent, impudent