Translation and Meaning of: 吐き気 - hakike

If you have ever studied Japanese or had with Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 吐き気 (はきけ). It appears in medical contexts, everyday conversations, and even in animes, but do you know exactly what it means and how to use it correctly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as interesting facts that can aid in memorization. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those learning Japanese.

The meaning and origin of 吐き気

The word 吐き気 (はきけ) is composed of the kanjis 吐 (to spit, to vomit) and 気 (energy, feeling), forming the literal meaning of "the sensation of vomiting" or "nausea." It is used in both medical contexts and in everyday life to describe physical discomfort. Unlike some Japanese words that have more complex origins, 吐き気 is quite straightforward in its construction, which makes it easier for language learners to understand.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji 気 is often associated with abstract concepts such as "spirit" or "vital energy," here it takes on a more physical meaning, related to a bodily sensation. This duality of the kanji 気 is one of the interesting aspects of the Japanese language, as the same character can carry different meanings depending on the context.

Everyday and cultural use of 吐き気

In Japan, 吐き気 is a common word in conversations about health, especially when someone is feeling unwell. For example, it is normal to hear phrases like "昨日から吐き気がする" (I've been feeling nauseous since yesterday) in doctor's offices or among friends. Although it is a direct term, Japanese people tend to use it discreetly, as openly discussing physical symptoms can be considered impolite in certain situations.

Culturally, nausea also appears in expressions related to strong emotions. Some people use 吐き気がする metaphorically to describe repulsion or extreme discomfort, although this use is less formal. In animes and dramas, you may find the word in scenes involving sick characters or in moments of emotional tension, reinforcing its impact both on the physical and psychological levels.

Tips for memorizing and using 吐き気 correctly

An effective way to 吐き気 is to associate its kanjis with clear mental images. Since 吐 refers to "vomit" and 気 to "sensation," visualize someone holding their stomach with a look of nausea. This technique, known as mnemonic, is ed by studies on language learning and can be especially helpful for those who struggle with kanjis.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. When watching an anime or medical drama, pay attention when the word appears. Visual and auditory contexts help consolidate vocabulary in long-term memory. If you use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with sentences like "薬を飲んだら吐き気が治まった" (the nausea went away after I took the medicine) can be a great way to review.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 吐き気 (Hakike) - Nausea sensation
• 嘔吐感 (Ōtokan) - Feeling of wanting to vomit
• 吐きそうな感じ (Hakisonakanjī) - Feeling like you're about to vomit
• 吐き気がする (Hakike ga suru) - Feel nauseous
• 吐き気を催す (Hakike o moyasu) - Induce nausea