# 気味（ぎみ）: slightly; -like; tending to ~

> Learn how to use 気味（ぎみ）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning slightly; -like; tending to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-gimi/

**気味（ぎみ）** means **-like; -looking; tending to ~; slightly ~**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **express that someone or something shows a mild tendency or early sign of a state**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **describe mild, temporary, or early tendencies**, **気味（ぎみ）** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does 気味（ぎみ） mean?

Use **気味（ぎみ）** when you want to **express that someone or something shows a mild tendency or early sign of a state**.

Natural translations include:
- slightly; -like; tending to ~
- -like; -looking; tending to ~; slightly ~
- slightly; -like; tending to

## How to form 気味（ぎみ）

Verb stem + 気味 / Noun + 気味

Examples of the pattern:
- 疲れ気味
- 風邪気味
- 太り気味

## When is 気味（ぎみ） used?

Use **気味（ぎみ）** in situations like:
- describing mild symptoms
- early signs
- slight tendencies

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in describing mild symptoms, test questions, and written narratives

## 気味（ぎみ） example sentences

- 最近、疲れ気味だ。 \u2014 I've been feeling a bit tired lately.
- 風邪気味なので、休みます。 \u2014 I'm feeling slightly under the weather, so I'll take the day off.
- 彼は少し太り気味だ。 \u2014 He's slightly overweight.
- 遅刻し気味だったが、今日は間に合った。 \u2014 I tended to be late, but I made it on time today.
- 部屋が乾燥気味だ。 \u2014 The room is a bit dry.

## Nuance of 気味（ぎみ）

The key nuance is **mild, temporary, and non-committal; used for early or slight symptoms**.

This matters because **〜気味 avoids definitive diagnoses. It is often used when the speaker is not sure or does not want to state something too strongly. Common in health and personal states.**.

For example:
- In describing mild symptoms, it sounds natural and specific.
- Compared with **[がち](/blog/n3-gachi/)**, it carries a different weight and implication.

## 気味（ぎみ） vs がち

Both **気味（ぎみ）** and **[がち](/blog/n3-gachi/)** can express **-like**, but they are different.

**気味（ぎみ）**:
- implies a mild, current state or slight tendency; temporary

**[がち](/blog/n3-gachi/)**:
- implies a repeated tendency or pattern over time

Quick contrast examples:
- 疲れがちだ。 \u2014 I tend to get tired often.
- 疲れ気味だ。 \u2014 I feel slightly tired today.

## Common mistakes with 気味（ぎみ）

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for severe or confirmed conditions (use 〜すぎ or a direct diagnosis instead)
- Attaching it to i-adjectives instead of noun/verb stems
- Using it in formal medical writing where more precise language is needed

## Is 気味（ぎみ） on the JLPT?

Yes. **気味（ぎみ）** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for 気味（ぎみ）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you've been feeling a bit tired lately.
- Describe someone who is slightly overweight.
- Say a room feels a bit dry.

## Learning path for 気味（ぎみ）

To learn **気味（ぎみ）** efficiently, review adjective and noun modification first, then practice how the pattern describes tendency, excess, or noticeable quality.

1. First, make sure you can form **気味（ぎみ）** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [っぽい](/blog/n3-ppoi/), [がち](/blog/n3-gachi/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about personality, appearance, amount, and evaluation; then check whether replacing **気味（ぎみ）** with [だらけ](/blog/n3-darake/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [っぽい](/blog/n3-ppoi/) — because it also describes degree, tendency, or noticeable quality.
- [がち](/blog/n3-gachi/) — because it also describes degree, tendency, or noticeable quality.
- [だらけ](/blog/n3-darake/) — because it also describes degree, tendency, or noticeable quality.
- [あまりにも](/blog/n3-amari-ni-mo/) — because it also describes degree, tendency, or noticeable quality.

## Learn 気味（ぎみ） with Hane

If you want to review **気味（ぎみ）** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)