What it means
気味 means “slightly” or “a touch,” and describes a person or thing as showing a small degree of a condition or tendency. It often suggests that the condition is noticeable and somewhat undesirable, such as feeling unwell, being delayed, or making more mistakes than usual. It commonly follows a noun or a verb masu-stem and functions as a suffix.
Usage note
気味 usually expresses a mild tendency or condition rather than a completely neutral description. With verbs, use the masu-stem, not the dictionary form; for example, 遅れ気味 is correct, while 遅れる気味 is not.
How to use it
最近、彼は風邪気味です。
Recently, he seems to have a slight cold.
最近、電車が遅れ気味です。
Recently, the train has been running a little late.
最近、彼は風邪気味だ。
Recently, he seems to have a slight cold.
最近、電車が遅れ気味だ。
Recently, the train has been running a little late.
Example sentences
最近、仕事が忙しくて、少し疲れ気味です。
Lately, I have been a little tired because work has been busy.
今月は線路工事の影響で、会議の開始が遅れ気味です。
This month, the start of meetings has been slightly delayed due to track construction.
このところ、野菜の値段