kI

The word “kI” means the life force or inner energy said to flow through the body, central to martial arts such as aikido and karate. In plain terms, either the "life energy" concept from East Asian martial arts and philosophy, or a Pacific-island plant used for leaves and fibre.

“KI” is pronounced kee (/kiː/ in IPA).

Here is “kI” used in a sentence: “The instructor told beginners to breathe from the belly and let their ki settle.”

“KI” is a noun.

The word “kI” comes from Chinese. From the Japanese character 気/氣, meaning vital energy or spirit — the same concept behind Chinese "qi".

“KI” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“KI” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the life force or inner energy said to flow through the body, central to martial arts such as aikido and karate.

"Ki" is the Japanese term for the life force or inner energy said to flow through the body, central to martial arts such as aikido and karate. "Chi" or "qi" is the Chinese term for the same concept. They refer to essentially the same idea of vital energy, differing mainly in language of origin.

In martial arts such as aikido and karate, ki is the inner life energy said to flow through the body, which practitioners aim to focus and direct. It is often linked with breathing, posture, and concentration when performing techniques.

No. Besides meaning inner life force, "ki" is also the name of a tropical plant, Cordyline fruticosa, native to the Pacific islands and parts of Asia. It is grown for its colourful leaves and traditional uses, so context makes clear which meaning is intended.

Yes. The ki plant, Cordyline fruticosa, is also widely known as the "ti" plant. It is a tropical species native to the Pacific islands and parts of Asia, grown for its colourful leaves and valued for a range of traditional uses.