At the A1 level, you are just starting your Japanese journey. The word 'kimagure' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it in very simple contexts. Think of it as a word to describe things that change 'just because.' The most helpful way to learn it is by associating it with a cat. A cat is 'kimagure' because it wants food one minute and then wants to sleep the next. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember the phrase 'Kimagure na neko' (A whimsical cat). This helps you see how the word works as a label for something that doesn't follow a plan. You might also hear it when talking about the weather, like 'Kimagure na tenki' (unpredictable weather). Even at A1, knowing this word helps you express that something is 'a little bit strange' because it keeps changing. It's a fun word because it sounds like what it describes—the 'ki' (spirit) just 'magure' (wanders) around. Try to use it when you see something changing its mind suddenly. It's a great 'character' word to add to your basic vocabulary of 'big,' 'small,' 'good,' and 'bad.'
By A2, you are learning to describe people and their habits. 'Kimagure na' is very useful here. You can use it to describe a friend who often changes their mind about what to eat or where to go. Instead of just saying 'He is strange' (Kare wa hen desu), you can say 'Kare wa kimagure desu' (He is whimsical/fickle). This makes your Japanese sound more specific and natural. You should also start noticing the 'na' at the end. This 'na' is important because it connects the word to a noun. For example, 'Kimagure na hito' (A fickle person). You might also start using it as an adverb by changing 'na' to 'ni'. For example, 'Kimagure ni kaimono o suru' (to go shopping on a whim). This level is all about expanding your ability to describe daily life. 'Kimagure' is a perfect word for describing those moments where you do something without a big plan. It's also common in Japanese culture to use this word to describe the 'Chef's Special' in restaurants, often called 'Chef no kimagure' (Chef's whim). Seeing this on a menu is a great real-world application of your A2 vocabulary!
At B1, you are expected to handle more nuanced descriptions of personality and abstract concepts. 'Kimagure' is a key word for this level. It allows you to discuss the 'why' behind people's actions—or the lack of a 'why.' You should understand that 'kimagure' isn't always negative. While it can mean someone is unreliable, it can also mean they are spontaneous and fun. At B1, you should be able to use the word in more complex sentences, like 'Kare no kimagure na koudou ni furimawasareta' (I was jerked around by his whimsical behavior). This involves understanding causative/passive structures and how 'kimagure' fits into them. You should also be able to distinguish it from similar words like 'wagamama' (selfish) or 'utsurigi' (fickle in interests). B1 learners should feel comfortable using 'kimagure' to describe not just people and cats, but also the 'kimagure' nature of life or fate. It's about capturing that sense of randomness. In your writing, use it to add flavor to your characters. Instead of a character being 'unpredictable,' they are 'kimagure,' which suggests their mood is the driving force. This level is where you start to 'feel' the word's cultural weight.
At the B2 level, you should be using 'kimagure' with high precision. You understand its role in literature, song lyrics, and professional settings. For example, in a business context, you might use it to describe a 'kimagure na shijou' (a capricious market) that fluctuates without clear economic indicators. You are also aware of the word's etymology—how the 'ki' (spirit) and 'magure' (straying) create a poetic image of a wandering mind. B2 learners can use the word to discuss social dynamics, such as how a 'kimagure' leader might affect team morale. You should also be familiar with common idioms and collocations, such as 'unmei no kimagure' (a whim of fate). Your ability to use the adverbial form 'kimagure ni' should be seamless, allowing you to describe actions that are impulsive yet characteristic. You can also contrast 'kimagure' with its antonyms like 'keikakuteki' (planned) or 'chakujitsu' (steady) to build complex arguments or descriptions. At this stage, you aren't just translating 'fickle'; you are using 'kimagure' to express a specific Japanese cultural view of spontaneity and the fluidity of the human heart.
C1 learners should have a near-native grasp of 'kimagure,' including its subtle emotional undertones. You can use it to critique literature, perhaps discussing a 'kimagure' protagonist whose lack of consistent motivation is a central theme. You understand how the word functions in different registers—from the casual 'tada no kimagure' (just a whim) to the more sophisticated 'shisaku no kimagure' (a whim of poetic thought). You are also capable of using it in rhetorical ways, perhaps questioning whether a political decision was 'kimagure na kettei' (a capricious decision) or a calculated move. Your vocabulary includes related but more obscure terms, and you can explain the difference between 'kimagure' and 'soratoboke' (feigning ignorance/playing the fool) or other personality descriptors. In speech, your intonation conveys the exact degree of frustration or endearment the word implies. You also recognize 'kimagure' in historical contexts or classical-style writing where it might appear in slightly different forms. For a C1 student, 'kimagure' is a tool for painting vivid, psychologically deep pictures of human behavior and the world's inherent unpredictability.
At the C2 level, 'kimagure' is a word you manipulate with total mastery. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts like the 'whimsicality of existence' or the 'capricious nature of the gods' in various mythologies, using the Japanese term to ground these ideas in a specific linguistic context. You are sensitive to the word's appearance in high-level literature, such as the works of Natsume Soseki or Yukio Mishima, where 'kimagure' might describe the fleeting, ephemeral nature of beauty or desire. You can debate the social implications of 'kimagure' behavior in a collectivist society versus an individualist one. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of the word in wordplay, puns, or as part of a sophisticated irony. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has shifted or stayed constant over centuries. For a C2 learner, 'kimagure' is not just a vocabulary item; it's a window into the Japanese psyche's relationship with change, mood, and the 'ki' that flows through all things. You use it to add a layer of existential nuance to your most advanced discourses.

気まぐれな 30秒了解

  • Used for people, weather, or cats that change their minds suddenly and unpredictably.
  • A na-adjective meaning 'capricious,' 'whimsical,' or 'fickle' in English.
  • Can be negative (unreliable) or positive (spontaneous/artisanal like a 'Chef's Whim').
  • Grammatically requires 'na' before nouns and 'ni' when used as an adverb.

The Japanese word 気まぐれな (kimagure na) is a versatile na-adjective that captures the essence of unpredictability, whimsy, and mood-driven behavior. At its core, it describes a state where one's mind or actions shift without a predictable pattern or a logical reason. In English, we often translate this as 'capricious,' 'whimsical,' or 'fickle.' Understanding this word requires looking at its components: ki (気), meaning spirit, mind, or atmosphere, and magure (まぐれ), which relates to chance, accident, or straying from a path. When combined, they suggest a spirit that wanders or strays according to the moment's impulse. This isn't necessarily a negative trait; while it can imply someone is unreliable, it can also describe a charmingly spontaneous personality or the poetic unpredictability of nature.

Core Meaning
To act on a whim; having a mind that changes easily like the wind.

彼はとても気まぐれな性格で、急に旅行に行こうと言い出すことがあります。 (He has a very capricious personality and sometimes suddenly suggests going on a trip.)

In Japanese society, where harmony (wa) and predictability are often valued, being called kimagure can carry a subtle nuance of being a bit difficult to deal with. However, in creative fields or when describing a cat's behavior, it is frequently used with a sense of endearment. A 'kimagure' artist might only paint when inspiration strikes, and a 'kimagure' cat might demand affection one moment and walk away the next. This word is essential for B1 learners because it moves beyond simple adjectives like 'happy' or 'sad' into the realm of complex personality traits and environmental descriptions.

Common Contexts
Describing the weather (especially in spring), cats, artists, romantic partners, or sudden changes in plans.

山の天気は気まぐれなので、雨具を持って行ったほうがいいですよ。 (Mountain weather is fickle, so you should take rain gear.)

When you use kimagure, you are highlighting the lack of a fixed schedule or logical progression. It is the opposite of keikakuteki (planned). If someone does something 'kimagure ni' (the adverbial form), they are doing it purely because they felt like it at that specific second. This spontaneity is a key part of Japanese conversational nuance, allowing speakers to describe behavior that is neither intentionally malicious nor strictly organized. It often softens the criticism of someone's inconsistency by attributing it to their nature rather than a calculated choice.

Nuance Note
While 'fickle' in English can be quite negative, 'kimagure' can sometimes imply a sense of freedom or being untethered by social expectations.

彼女の気まぐれな微笑みに、彼はいつも振り回されている。 (He is always being jerked around by her whimsical smile.)

猫は気まぐれな動物として知られています。 (Cats are known as whimsical animals.)

Using 気まぐれな (kimagure na) correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a na-adjective. This means that when it modifies a noun directly, you must include the particle na. For example, 'a fickle person' is kimagure na hito. If you want to say someone 'is' whimsical, you use the standard copula: kare wa kimagure da (He is whimsical). Because the word describes a state of being or a quality, it fits naturally into many sentence patterns used to describe personality or environmental conditions. It is also frequently turned into an adverb by replacing na with ni, as in kimagure ni koudou suru (to act on a whim).

Noun Modification
[Adjective] + な + [Noun]: 気まぐれな行動 (whimsical action), 気まぐれな風 (fickle wind).

彼の気まぐれな発言に、会議の参加者は皆困惑した。 (Everyone at the meeting was confused by his whimsical remarks.)

One of the most common ways to see this word used is in the phrase kimagure o okosu (to have a whim/to act up whimsically). This implies that the 'whimsicality' is an event that has started. Furthermore, in informal settings, you might hear people say tada no kimagure da yo (it's just a whim), often used to downplay the significance of a sudden change in plans or a surprising purchase. This usage helps to smooth over social friction by suggesting that the action wasn't a calculated slight, but merely a passing feeling. It's a key phrase for explaining away behavior that might otherwise seem irrational or disorganized.

Adverbial Use
[Adjective] + に + [Verb]: 気まぐれに店に立ち寄る (to stop by a shop on a whim).

昨日は気まぐれに一人で海を見に行った。 (Yesterday, on a whim, I went to see the sea by myself.)

In more formal or literary contexts, kimagure can be paired with complex verbs to describe the 'fickleness of fate' (unmei no kimagure). This elevates the word from daily gossip to a philosophical reflection on the randomness of life. Even at the B1 level, being able to distinguish between a 'capricious person' (negative/neutral) and a 'whimsical decision' (neutral/positive) is vital. The word is incredibly flexible, adapting to the emotional temperature of the conversation. If you are frustrated, kimagure sounds like 'unreliable.' If you are charmed, it sounds like 'spontaneous.' Context is everything with this adjective.

Common Collocations
気まぐれな神様 (a fickle god), 気まぐれな客 (a fickle customer), 気まぐれな恋 (a fleeting/whimsical love).

それはほんの気まぐれな思いつきに過ぎなかった。 (That was nothing more than a whimsical idea.)

運命の気まぐれで、二人は再会した。 (By a whim of fate, the two met again.)

You will encounter 気まぐれな (kimagure na) in a wide variety of everyday situations in Japan. One of the most common places is in weather reports or casual talk about the seasons. Japan's spring weather is famously called kimagure because it can be sunny one moment and raining the next. People will often say, 'Haru no tenki wa kimagure da ne' (Spring weather is fickle, isn't it?). This usage is so common that it’s almost a set phrase. It helps people bond over the shared experience of the unpredictable environment, using the word to personify the weather as something with its own changing mind.

In Anime and Manga
Characters who are 'free spirits' or 'moody' are often described this way. Think of the 'cat-like' character who helps the hero only when they feel like it.

あのアニメの主人公は気まぐれな性格で有名です。 (The protagonist of that anime is famous for their whimsical personality.)

Another frequent setting is in the hospitality and food industry. You might see a 'Kimagure Salad' or 'Kimagure Pasta' on a menu at a café or bistro. This doesn't mean the chef is indecisive; rather, it means the dish is made with whatever fresh ingredients the chef felt like using that day. It's the Japanese equivalent of 'Chef's Special' or 'Today's Whim.' This adds an air of artisanal quality and freshness to the food, suggesting that the chef is following their culinary intuition rather than a rigid, pre-set menu. It's a very positive and appetizing use of the word.

On Menus
シェフの気まぐれサラダ (Chef's Whimsical Salad) — usually implies a daily special using seasonal ingredients.

今日のランチは「シェフの気まぐれパスタ」にしよう。 (Let's have the 'Chef's Whimsical Pasta' for lunch today.)

Finally, you will hear this word in gossip or discussions about relationships. If a friend is complaining about a partner who changes their mind constantly or cancels plans at the last minute, they might use kimagure with a sigh. It describes that frustrating quality of someone who isn't necessarily mean, but whose internal compass is always spinning. In literature and song lyrics (J-Pop), kimagure is a romanticized word, often used to describe a mysterious or elusive lover whose heart is hard to pin down. It adds a layer of 'cool' or 'unreachable' mystique to a person.

In Music Lyrics
Often used to describe 'kimagure na koi' (a whimsical/fleeting love) that ends as suddenly as it began.

彼女は気まぐれな恋人だけど、そこが魅力なんだ。 (She's a whimsical lover, but that's her charm.)

そんな気まぐれな態度をとらないでよ。 (Don't take such a whimsical/fickle attitude.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 気まぐれな (kimagure na) is confusing it with other adjectives that describe 'odd' or 'selfish' behavior. While a kimagure person might seem selfish because they change plans, the word itself doesn't mean 'selfish.' That would be wagamama. Wagamama implies a person who insists on their own way regardless of others, whereas kimagure simply means they follow their shifting moods. You can be kimagure without being wagamama—for instance, if you suddenly decide to give everyone a gift on a whim, that's kimagure but definitely not selfish.

vs. Wagamama (Selfish)
Kimagure is about 'changeability'; Wagamama is about 'self-centeredness'.

× 彼は気まぐれなので、自分の意見ばかり通そうとする。 (Incorrect use if you mean he's selfish; use 'wagamama' instead.)

Another common pitfall is confusing kimagure with futeikei (shapeless/unfixed) or fuantei (unstable). While kimagure weather is fuantei (unstable), you wouldn't use kimagure to describe an unstable economy or a bridge that is physically shaky. Kimagure almost always requires a 'will' or a 'spirit' behind the change, or at least a personification of the subject (like the weather or fate). If there is no sense of 'mood' involved, kimagure is usually the wrong choice. Use fuantei for technical or purely physical instability.

vs. Fuantei (Unstable)
Kimagure involves 'mood/spirit'; Fuantei is for 'lack of stability' in a general/physical sense.

× 経済が気まぐれなので、投資は危険だ。 (Incorrect; use 'fuantei' for the economy.)

Lastly, learners often forget that kimagure is a na-adjective. They might try to use it as a noun without the proper particles or use it like an i-adjective (e.g., saying 'kimagure-i'). Always remember the na. Also, be careful not to over-rely on 'fickle' as the only translation. In many contexts, 'playful' or 'spontaneous' is a better English equivalent. If you use it only to mean 'unreliable,' you'll miss the positive nuances found in phrases like 'kimagure cooking' or 'kimagure travel.' Understanding the 'spirit' (ki) part of the word helps you remember that it's about the internal state of the subject.

Grammar Check
Correct: 気まぐれな猫 (Kimagure na neko). Incorrect: 気まぐれの猫 (Kimagure no neko — though 'kimagure no' can be used in specific compound phrases, 'na' is the standard adjective form).

× 彼は気まぐれ人です。 (Missing 'na' — should be 'kimagure na hito'.)

昨日の雨は、ただの気まぐれだったようだ。 (Yesterday's rain seems to have been just a whim [of nature].)

To truly master 気まぐれな (kimagure na), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. A common alternative is utsurigi na (移り気な). While kimagure focuses on the suddenness and mood-driven nature of a change, utsurigi specifically highlights a person's tendency to lose interest quickly and move their 'ki' (spirit) from one thing to another. It is often used to describe someone who can't stick to a hobby or a partner. If kimagure is 'acting on a whim,' utsurigi is 'having a wandering heart.'

Comparison: Utsurigi na (移り気な)
More focused on 'changing interests' or 'infidelity' than just general whimsical behavior.

彼は移り気な性格で、趣味が長続きしない。 (He has a fickle nature and his hobbies don't last long.)

Another similar word is muraki na (むら気な). This word is closer to 'moody' in English. It describes someone whose work or attitude varies greatly depending on their mood. If a student studies hard one day but does nothing the next because they 'don't feel like it,' they are muraki. While kimagure can describe a one-off whim, muraki implies a pattern of inconsistent effort or temperament. Then there is omouituki (思いつき), which means 'a sudden idea.' This is a noun often used with 'de' (by/on). 'Omoituki de koudou suru' (to act on a sudden idea) is very similar to 'kimagure ni koudou suru,' but omoituki focuses more on the thought itself than the person's character.

Comparison: Muraki na (むら気な)
Specifically refers to 'moodiness' that affects performance or work consistency.

あの職人はむら気なところがあり、出来上がりに差がある。 (That craftsman is moody, so there's a difference in the quality of his work.)

For a more positive or formal alternative, you might use hongoshi (本腰 - not a direct synonym but related to focus) or focus on the word jiyu-honpo (自由奔放), which means 'free and uncontrolled.' While kimagure can be annoying, jiyu-honpo is often seen as an admirable trait of a creative or bold person. If you want to praise someone's unpredictability, jiyu-honpo is a stronger choice. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of unpredictability you want to convey, making your Japanese sound much more natural and nuanced.

Comparison: Jiyu-honpo (自由奔放)
Describes a 'free spirit' who isn't bound by rules—usually more positive than kimagure.

彼女は自由奔放に生きている。 (She lives her life in a free and unrestrained way.)

それは思いつきの行動だった。 (That was an action taken on a sudden impulse.)

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The 'magure' in 'kimagure' is the same 'magure' as in 'magure-atari' (a lucky fluke). This shows the deep linguistic connection between whimsy and pure chance in the Japanese mindset.

发音指南

UK /ki.ma.ɡɯ.ɾe.na/
US /ki.mɑ.ɡu.reɪ.nɑ/
Japanese is a pitch-accent language. For 'kimagure', the pitch is typically low on 'ki' and high on 'ma-gu-re'.
押韵词
Hagure (straying) Yugure (evening) Megure (to go around) Teate (treatment) Sakate (reverse grip) Namate (raw/fresh) Kogane (gold) Akane (madder red)
常见错误
  • Pronouncing 're' like an English 'r' with curled tongue.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese syllables should have equal length).
  • Forgetting the 'na' when modifying a noun.
  • Pronouncing 'g' like 'j'.
  • Making the 'u' in 'gu' too long.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

The kanji for 'ki' is A1 level, but 'magure' is usually written in hiragana. It's easy to recognize once learned.

写作 2/5

Mostly hiragana, so it's simple to write. Only 'ki' (気) is a common kanji.

口语 3/5

The four-syllable 'kimagure' flows well, but getting the pitch accent right takes a little practice.

听力 3/5

Very common in anime and daily life, so it's easy to pick out once you know the sound.

接下来学什么

前置知识

気 (ki) 性格 (seikaku) 天気 (tenki) 猫 (neko) 変な (hen na)

接下来学习

移り気な (utsurigi na) むら気な (muraki na) 自由奔放 (jiyu-honpo) 振り回す (furimawasu) 思いつき (omoituki)

高级

浮塵 (fujin - floating dust/instability) 変幻自在 (hengen-jizai - ever-changing) 朝令暮改 (chourei-bokai - changing orders constantly) 流転 (ruten - flux/transience) 一喜一憂 (ikki-ichiyuu - swinging between joy and sorrow)

需要掌握的语法

Na-Adjective noun modification

気まぐれな人 (A whimsical person)

Adverbial formation with 'ni'

気まぐれに行動する (To act whimsically)

Using 'tokoro' to describe qualities

彼は気まぐれなところがある (He has a whimsical side)

Passive voice for being affected by someone's whim

彼の気まぐれに振り回される (To be jerked around by his whims)

Nominalization with 'sa' (Degree)

彼の気まぐれさには困ったものだ (His level of whimsy is a problem)

按水平分级的例句

1

気まぐれな猫ですね。

It's a whimsical cat, isn't it?

Uses 'na' to connect the adjective to the noun 'neko'.

2

今日は気まぐれな天気です。

Today the weather is fickle.

Describes the weather (tenki).

3

彼は少し気まぐれです。

He is a bit whimsical.

Uses the copula 'desu' after the adjective.

4

気まぐれな人ですね。

You're a whimsical person, aren't you?

The particle 'ne' adds a sense of seeking agreement.

5

気まぐれに歩きます。

I walk on a whim.

Changes 'na' to 'ni' to make it an adverb.

6

これは気まぐれなプレゼントです。

This is a whimsical present.

Implies the gift was given without a special occasion.

7

気まぐれな色が好きです。

I like whimsical colors.

Directly modifies 'iro' (color).

8

あの人は気まぐれじゃないです。

That person is not whimsical.

Negative form 'janai desu'.

1

気まぐれな性格を直したいです。

I want to fix my whimsical personality.

Uses 'seikaku' (personality) as the noun.

2

気まぐれに新しい服を買いました。

I bought new clothes on a whim.

Adverbial use describing the action of buying.

3

明日の予定は気まぐれに決めましょう。

Let's decide tomorrow's plans on a whim.

Uses the volitional form 'kimemashou'.

4

母は気まぐれなところがあります。

My mother has a whimsical side.

'Tokoro' here means 'aspect' or 'side' of someone.

5

気まぐれな風が吹いています。

A fickle wind is blowing.

Poetic description of the wind.

6

シェフの気まぐれサラダを食べました。

I ate the chef's whimsical salad.

Common restaurant menu terminology.

7

彼は気まぐれだから、約束を忘れるかもしれません。

Since he is fickle, he might forget the promise.

Uses 'dakara' to show cause and effect.

8

気まぐれな旅も楽しいですよ。

Whimsical trips are also fun, you know.

The particle 'yo' adds emphasis.

1

彼の気まぐれな態度に、みんな困っています。

Everyone is troubled by his whimsical attitude.

Uses 'taido' (attitude) and 'komatte iru' (to be troubled).

2

気まぐれな運命に翻弄される主人公。

A protagonist at the mercy of a whimsical fate.

More literary use with 'unmei' (fate) and 'honrou' (jerked around).

3

ただの気まぐれで言ったことだから、気にしないで。

I just said it on a whim, so don't worry about it.

Uses 'tada no' to emphasize 'only/just'.

4

山の天気は気まぐれなので、注意が必要です。

Mountain weather is fickle, so caution is necessary.

Standard warning phrase.

5

彼女は気まぐれに髪を切ることにした。

She decided to cut her hair on a whim.

Focuses on a sudden decision.

6

気まぐれな客を相手にするのは大変だ。

It's hard to deal with fickle customers.

'Aite ni suru' means to deal with someone.

7

彼は気まぐれを起こして、突然仕事を辞めた。

He had a whim and suddenly quit his job.

'Kimagure o okosu' means to act on a sudden whim.

8

子供の気まぐれな質問に答えるのは難しい。

It's difficult to answer a child's whimsical questions.

Describes the spontaneous nature of children.

1

市場の気まぐれな動きを予測するのは不可能だ。

It is impossible to predict the capricious movements of the market.

Professional context using 'shijou' (market).

2

彼の気まぐれな性格が災いして、信頼を失った。

His whimsical personality backfired, and he lost trust.

'Wazawai shite' means 'to result in disaster/misfortune'.

3

芸術家は時として、気まぐれなインスピレーションに従う。

Artists sometimes follow whimsical inspirations.

Formal use of 'toki to shite' (sometimes).

4

気まぐれな流行に流されないようにしたい。

I want to avoid being swept away by whimsical trends.

'Nagasarenai' is the passive negative form of 'nagasu' (to wash away).

5

その法案は、政治家の気まぐれで修正された。

That bill was revised on a politician's whim.

Political/formal context.

6

人生は気まぐれな巡り合わせで満ちている。

Life is full of whimsical coincidences.

'Meguriawase' refers to chance meetings or turns of fate.

7

気まぐれな微笑みを浮かべて、彼女は去っていった。

With a whimsical smile on her face, she walked away.

Descriptive, literary style.

8

計画性のない気まぐれな行動は慎むべきだ。

One should refrain from whimsical actions that lack planning.

'Tsutsimumu beki' means 'should refrain from'.

1

独裁者の気まぐれな一言が、国家の運命を変えた。

A single whimsical word from the dictator changed the fate of the nation.

High-level political/historical description.

2

その小説の魅力は、気まぐれなプロット展開にある。

The charm of that novel lies in its whimsical plot developments.

Literary criticism context.

3

自然界の気まぐれな猛威に対し、人間は無力だ。

Humans are helpless against the whimsical fury of the natural world.

Abstract and formal vocabulary ('moui' - fury).

4

気まぐれな思考の連鎖が、思わぬ発見につながった。

A whimsical chain of thought led to an unexpected discovery.

Scientific/intellectual context.

5

彼は気まぐれに真実を語り、また気まぐれに嘘をつく。

He tells the truth on a whim, and lies on a whim as well.

Parallel structure for emphasis.

6

歴史はしばしば、個人の気まぐれによって塗り替えられる。

History is often rewritten by the whims of individuals.

Passive voice 'nurikaerareru'.

7

気まぐれな好奇心こそが、創造性の源泉である。

Whimsical curiosity is the very source of creativity.

Philosophical statement.

8

その場の気まぐれな思いつきを、戦略と呼ぶべきではない。

A whimsical idea of the moment should not be called a strategy.

Strong critical tone.

1

神々の気まぐれな遊戯に、人間は翻弄されるばかりだ。

Humans are merely jerked around by the whimsical play of the gods.

Mythological/philosophical register.

2

筆の気まぐれに任せて描かれた線には、魂が宿っている。

Lines drawn by leaving it to the whim of the brush possess a soul.

Aesthetics and art theory context.

3

言語という気まぐれな生き物を手なずけるのは至難の業だ。

Taming the whimsical creature that is language is an extremely difficult feat.

Metaphorical and highly formal.

4

移ろいゆく季節の気まぐれな美しさを愛でる。

To appreciate the whimsical beauty of the ever-changing seasons.

Classical Japanese poetic sentiment.

5

それは論理を超越した、純粋な気まぐれの産物であった。

It was a product of pure whim, transcending logic.

Abstract philosophical description.

6

意識の底に潜む気まぐれな衝動が、彼を突き動かした。

The whimsical impulses lurking at the bottom of his consciousness drove him forward.

Psychological/literary depth.

7

社会の気まぐれな称賛ほど、空虚なものはない。

Nothing is as empty as the whimsical praise of society.

Social commentary.

8

歴史の気まぐれな断片を拾い集め、物語を紡ぐ。

To gather the whimsical fragments of history and weave a story.

Sophisticated metaphor ('tsumugu' - to spin/weave).

常见搭配

気まぐれな性格
気まぐれな天気
気まぐれな行動
気まぐれな微笑み
気まぐれな客
気まぐれな神様
気まぐれな風
気まぐれな恋
気まぐれな思いつき
気まぐれな一言

常用短语

シェフの気まぐれ

— Chef's special/whim. Used on menus to indicate a daily special.

今日のデザートは、シェフの気まぐれケーキです。

単なる気まぐれ

— A mere whim. Used to downplay the importance of an action.

これは単なる気まぐれで買ったものです。

運命の気まぐれ

— A whim of fate. Describes an unexpected turn of events.

運命の気まぐれで、二人は再会した。

気まぐれを起こす

— To have a whim. To suddenly start acting unpredictably.

彼は時々、妙な気まぐれを起こす。

気まぐれに任せる

— To leave it to whim. To act without a plan.

今日は気まぐれに任せて歩こう。

気まぐれな人

— A fickle or whimsical person.

あの気まぐれな人にはついていけない。

気まぐれな態度

— A fickle or moody attitude.

そんな気まぐれな態度はやめてください。

気まぐれな流行

— A passing/fickle trend.

気まぐれな流行を追うのは疲れる。

気まぐれな返事

— A half-hearted or non-committal reply made on a whim.

彼の気まぐれな返事に期待してはいけない。

気まぐれな季節

— A fickle season (often referring to spring or autumn).

気まぐれな季節の変わり目ですね。

容易混淆的词

気まぐれな vs わがまま (wagamama)

Wagamama is 'selfish' (insisting on one's way), while kimagure is 'fickle' (changing one's mind).

気まぐれな vs 変な (hen na)

Hen na means 'strange' in general. Kimagure is a specific type of 'strange' related to changing moods.

気まぐれな vs 不安定な (fuantei na)

Fuantei is 'unstable' (like a bridge or the economy). Kimagure is for 'unpredictability' driven by spirit or mood.

习语与表达

"気まぐれも休み休み言え"

— Literally: 'Say your whims with breaks.' Idiomatically: 'Stop being so fickle/stop talking nonsense.'

そんな気まぐれなことばかり、休み休み言え!

Informal/Rough
"女心と秋の空"

— A woman's heart is like the autumn sky (fickle). Note: This is an old idiom often associated with 'kimagure'.

女心と秋の空と言うけれど、彼女は本当に気まぐれだ。

Proverbial
"猫の目"

— Changing like a cat's eye. Used for something that changes rapidly and unpredictably.

山の天気は猫の目のように気まぐれだ。

Idiomatic
"気まぐれが過ぎる"

— To be too whimsical. When someone's fickleness becomes a problem.

君は少し気まぐれが過ぎるよ。

Neutral
"気の向くままに"

— Wherever the spirit leads. A more positive way to say 'on a whim.'

気の向くままに旅をする。

Neutral/Positive
"魔が差す"

— To be possessed by an evil spirit (to have a sudden bad impulse). Related to 'kimagure' when the whim is negative.

魔が差して、気まぐれに嘘をついてしまった。

Neutral
"風の吹きまわし"

— The way the wind blows. Used to describe a sudden change in mood or situation.

今日の風の吹きまわしで、彼は上機嫌だ。

Idiomatic
"出来心"

— A sudden impulse or whim, usually to do something wrong.

ほんの出来心でやってしまった。

Neutral
"浮き沈み"

— Ups and downs. Often describes a 'kimagure' person's emotions.

彼の感情は浮き沈みが激しくて気まぐれだ。

Neutral
"箸の上げ下ろし"

— Even the smallest movement. Used to say someone is so 'kimagure' they change their mind about everything.

箸の上げ下ろしまで気まぐれだ。

Idiomatic

容易混淆

気まぐれな vs 移り気な (utsurigi na)

Both mean 'fickle'.

Utsurigi specifically implies a person who moves their interest or love from one thing to another frequently. Kimagure is broader and covers any sudden whim or mood change.

移り気な彼はすぐに新しい彼女を作った。

気まぐれな vs むら気な (muraki na)

Both relate to moods.

Muraki focuses on the inconsistency of performance or work. Kimagure focuses on the randomness of actions and decisions.

むら気な性格のせいで、テストの点数が安定しない。

気まぐれな vs 浮気な (uwaki na)

Related to being 'fickle' in relationships.

Uwaki specifically means 'cheating' or 'unfaithful.' Kimagure is just 'whimsical' and doesn't necessarily imply cheating.

浮気な男は信用できない。

気まぐれな vs 気ままな (kimama na)

Both involve the 'ki' (spirit).

Kimama is 'carefree' or 'doing as one pleases' (often positive). Kimagure is 'unpredictable' or 'fickle' (neutral to negative).

退職して気ままな生活を送る。

気まぐれな vs 思いつき (omoituki)

Both involve sudden thoughts.

Omoituki is a noun meaning 'a sudden idea.' Kimagure is an adjective describing a character trait or the nature of an action.

それは単なる思いつきだった。

句型

A2

[Person] は気まぐれです。

田中さんは気まぐれです。

A2

気まぐれな [Noun] です。

気まぐれな天気ですね。

B1

気まぐれに [Verb]。

気まぐれに散歩しました。

B1

[Person] の気まぐれに [Verb-Passive]。

上司の気まぐれに振り回された。

B2

気まぐれなところがある。

彼女は気まぐれなところがある。

B2

ただの気まぐれに過ぎない。

それはただの気まぐれに過ぎない。

C1

気まぐれを絵に描いたような [Noun]。

彼は気まぐれを絵に描いたような人物だ。

C2

[Noun] の気まぐれに任せる。

筆の気まぐれに任せて描く。

词族

名词

気まぐれ (kimagure - a whim/caprice)

动词

気まぐれる (kimagureru - to act whimsically - rare/archaic form, usually 'kimagure o okosu' is used)

形容词

気まぐれな (kimagure na - whimsical)

相关

気 (ki - spirit)
まぐれ (magure - chance)
まぐれ当たり (magure-atari - a lucky hit)
移り気 (utsurigi - fickleness)
むら気 (muraki - moodiness)

如何使用

frequency

Very common in daily life, literature, and media.

常见错误
  • Using 'kimagure' to mean 'selfish'. Wagamama (わがまま)

    'Kimagure' means changing one's mind often. 'Wagamama' means wanting to have your own way. A person can be whimsical without being selfish.

  • Saying 'kimagure hito'. Kimagure na hito (気まぐれな人)

    'Kimagure' is a na-adjective and must be followed by 'na' when modifying a noun.

  • Using 'kimagure' for an unstable building. Fuantei (不安定)

    'Kimagure' is for unpredictable behavior or nature driven by 'mood.' Buildings don't have moods, so use 'fuantei' (unstable).

  • Using 'kimagure' as an i-adjective (e.g., kimagurei). Kimagure na / Kimagure da.

    Japanese has two types of adjectives. 'Kimagure' is a na-adjective (adjectival noun) and follows na-adjective grammar rules.

  • Using 'kimagure' for a serious medical condition. Seishin-teki ni fuantei (精神的に不安定)

    'Kimagure' is a relatively light, casual word. For serious mental health instability, use more clinical or formal terms.

小贴士

Adjective vs. Adverb

Remember to use 'na' when modifying a noun (kimagure na neko) and 'ni' when modifying a verb (kimagure ni koudou suru). This is a fundamental rule for na-adjectives that learners often forget.

Menu Reading

When you see '気まぐれ' on a Japanese menu, don't translate it as 'unreliable food.' It's a positive term meaning the chef is being creative and using seasonal items. It's often the best thing to order!

Catching the Nuance

Pay attention to whether the speaker uses 'tada no' (just a) before 'kimagure.' If they say 'tada no kimagure,' they are making the action sound small and unimportant to avoid taking responsibility or being serious.

The 'Ki' Connection

Connect 'kimagure' to other 'ki' words like 'kibun' (mood) or 'kimochi' (feeling). All these words deal with the internal 'spirit' or 'atmosphere' of a person, which helps you group them in your mind.

Softening Criticism

If you need to tell someone they are being inconsistent, using 'kimagure' is often softer and less offensive than calling them 'unreliable' or 'selfish.' It attributes the behavior to a natural mood.

The 'Tokoro' Pattern

A very natural way to describe someone's trait is 'Kimagure na tokoro ga aru' (They have a whimsical side). This sounds more nuanced than just saying 'They are whimsical.'

Cat Mnemonic

Associate 'Kimagure' with a cat. Every time you see a cat, say 'Kimagure na neko.' This repetition will cement the word and its most common usage in your brain.

Weather Descriptions

Use 'kimagure' to describe the weather in your journal. It's a great way to practice describing nature in a way that sounds like a native speaker.

Fate and Life

Try using 'unmei no kimagure' (whim of fate) when talking about big, unexpected life events. It adds a sophisticated and poetic touch to your Japanese.

Don't drop the 'na'

Unlike i-adjectives, na-adjectives like 'kimagure' cannot stand alone before a noun without the 'na.' Make it a habit to say 'kimagure-na' as one unit.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'Key' (Ki) that 'Ma' (Mom) 'Gu' (Goo-goo eyes) 'Re' (Really) wants. Mom really wants the key, but she keeps changing her mind about which one! She's so 'kimagure'!

视觉联想

Imagine a cat (ki-ma-gu-re) sitting on a fence. It looks left, it looks right, then it suddenly jumps down and runs away for no reason. That cat is the definition of 'kimagure'.

Word Web

Ki (Spirit) Magure (Stray) Neko (Cat) Tenki (Weather) Seikaku (Personality) Chef (Menu) Unmei (Fate) Ni (Adverb)

挑战

Try to describe three things you did this week 'kimagure ni' (on a whim) to a friend. For example: 'Kimagure ni kaimono o shimashita' (I went shopping on a whim).

词源

The word is a combination of 'ki' (気), meaning spirit or mind, and 'magure' (まぐれ). 'Magure' comes from the verb 'magureru' (まぐれる), which is an older form of 'magireru' (紛れる), meaning to be confused, to go astray, or to be lost in something else.

原始含义: A spirit that has gone astray or is wandering without a fixed destination.

Japonic / Japanese.

文化背景

Avoid using 'kimagure' to describe someone's serious mental health issues or a professional's lack of competence in a formal review, as it can sound dismissive or trivializing.

English speakers might find 'kimagure' more positive than 'fickle,' which often carries a heavy moral judgment. In Japanese, it's often just a statement of fact about someone's nature.

Kimagure Orange Road (a famous 1980s anime/manga series about a whimsical love triangle). Chef no Kimagure Salad (found on countless menus across Japan). J-Pop lyrics often use 'kimagure' to describe the elusive nature of a crush.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Eating out at a Japanese Bistro

  • 気まぐれサラダをください。
  • 今日の気まぐれは何ですか?
  • シェフの気まぐれパスタがお勧めです。
  • 気まぐれにデザートも頼もうかな。

Talking about Pets

  • うちの猫は本当に気まぐれです。
  • 気まぐれなところが可愛いんです。
  • 猫は気まぐれな動物だと言われます。
  • 気まぐれに甘えてきます。

Discussing the Weather

  • 今日は気まぐれな天気ですね。
  • 気まぐれな雨に降られました。
  • 春の天気は気まぐれです。
  • 気まぐれな風が吹いています。

Describing a Friend

  • 彼は気まぐれだから、あまり期待しないで。
  • 彼女の気まぐれには慣れました。
  • 気まぐれな性格をどうにかしたい。
  • 彼の気まぐれな行動に驚いた。

Creative Work

  • 気まぐれなインスピレーションを待つ。
  • 気まぐれに描いた絵が売れた。
  • 気まぐれなアイデアを形にする。
  • 芸術家は気まぐれなものだ。

对话开场白

"あなたは自分のことを気まぐれな性格だと思いますか? (Do you think you have a whimsical personality?)"

"最近、何か気まぐれで買ったものはありますか? (Is there anything you bought on a whim recently?)"

"「シェフの気まぐれメニュー」を注文したことがありますか? (Have you ever ordered a 'Chef's Whimsical Menu'?)"

"気まぐれな友達と旅行に行くのはどう思いますか? (What do you think about traveling with a whimsical friend?)"

"猫と犬、どちらがより気まぐれだと思いますか? (Which do you think is more whimsical, a cat or a dog?)"

日记主题

今日、自分が気まぐれに取った行動について書いてください。 (Write about an action you took on a whim today.)

気まぐれな人と一緒に仕事をする時のメリットとデメリットを考えてください。 (Consider the pros and cons of working with a whimsical person.)

あなたの国の天気は気まぐれですか?詳しく説明してください。 (Is the weather in your country fickle? Explain in detail.)

もし自分がもっと気まぐれな性格だったら、人生はどう変わると思いますか? (If you had a more whimsical personality, how do you think your life would change?)

「運命の気まぐれ」を感じた経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience where you felt a 'whim of fate'.)

常见问题

10 个问题

Not necessarily. While it can mean someone is unreliable or fickle (negative), it can also mean they are spontaneous and free-spirited (positive). In a restaurant context, 'Chef no kimagure' is a positive term meaning the chef is using their best creative intuition and fresh ingredients. The nuance depends entirely on the context and the speaker's tone.

It's generally better to use 'fuantei' (unstable) or 'hendou ga hageshii' (highly volatile) for technical or economic contexts. 'Kimagure' implies a 'spirit' or 'mood' behind the change. However, in a literary or metaphorical sense, you could say 'shijou no kimagure' (the market's whim) to personify the market as a fickle entity.

'Kimagure na' is used for general whims and mood changes. 'Utsurigi na' is specifically used when someone's interests or feelings 'move' (utsuru) from one object to another. For example, if you change your hobby every week, you are 'utsurigi.' If you suddenly decide to go to the park instead of the library, that is 'kimagure.'

You use the adverbial form 'kimagure ni.' For example, 'Kimagure ni kaimono ni itta' (I went shopping on a whim). You can also use 'tada no kimagure de' (by mere whim).

Yes, it is the most common adjective to describe cat behavior in Japan. Cats are seen as the embodiment of 'kimagure' because they are famously unpredictable and follow their own moods.

Yes, you can say 'Kare wa kimagure na hito da' to mean he is a person who is habitually whimsical or fickle. It describes a long-term character trait rather than just a one-time event.

It means 'Chef's Whim' or 'Chef's Special.' It indicates that the dish is made with whatever ingredients are best or freshest that day, rather than following a strict, unchangeable recipe. It's usually a good sign of quality!

While 'magure' can be written with kanji (紛れ), it is almost always written in hiragana as part of 'kimagure' (気まぐれ). Using the kanji for 'magure' in this word is very rare and can make it harder to read.

In formal settings, you can use it with polite forms like 'kimagure deございます' or 'kimagure na koto deございます.' However, since the word itself is somewhat casual, in very formal business writing, you might choose 'fuantei' or 'fu-ittei' (not fixed) instead.

The most direct opposites are 'keikakuteki' (planned), 'chakujitsu' (steady/reliable), or 'ikkan shita' (consistent). If someone is the opposite of whimsical, they are usually seen as very reliable and steady.

自我测试 180 个问题

writing

Write 'A whimsical cat' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'The weather is fickle' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'I bought this on a whim' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'He has a whimsical personality' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Don't be jerked around by his whims' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Whimsical inspiration' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'A whim of fate' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'It was just a whimsical idea' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Whimsical person' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Chef's whimsical salad' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'I walked on a whim' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'The wind is fickle' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'A life full of whims' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'A whimsical decision' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Whimsical curiosity' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'History is changed by whims' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Fickle season' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'I suddenly had a whim' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'Whimsical smile' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write 'The whimsicality of language' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical cat' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'He is whimsical' in Japanese politely.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I went to the sea on a whim' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'The weather is fickle today' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I was jerked around by his whim' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I'll have the Chef's whimsical salad' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'It was just a whimsical idea' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical fate brought us together' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical person' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Fickle wind' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I ate on a whim' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical answer' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical trend' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical decision' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical curiosity' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Dictator's whim' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical remark' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical choice' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whimsical smile' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Whim of the brush' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na neko.' What animal is it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na tenki.' What is whimsical?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure ni kaimono.' What was done?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na seikaku.' What is being described?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Chef no kimagure.' Where are you?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Unmei no kimagure.' What is whimsical?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na omoituki.' What was it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na hohoemi.' What was seen?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na hito.' Who is described?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na kaze.' What is blowing?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure ni tabeta.' What did the person do?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na kotae.' What was given?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na ryuukou.' What is being discussed?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na kettei.' What was made?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Kimagure na koukishin.' What is the source of creativity?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

有帮助吗?
还没有评论。成为第一个分享想法的人!