noun
Common
kI
kee
KI (noun) means the life force or inner energy said to flow through the body, central to martial arts such as aikido and karate. Example: “The instructor told beginners to breathe from the belly and let their ki settle.”
noun
1
The life force or inner energy said to flow through the body, central to martial arts such as aikido and karate.
"The instructor told beginners to breathe from the belly and let their ki settle."
"Practitioners believe channeling ki correctly is what gives a strike real power."
2
A tropical plant (Cordyline fruticosa) native to the Pacific islands and parts of Asia, grown for its colourful leaves and traditional uses.
"Hawaiian dancers often wear skirts made from ki leaves."
How to use kI
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the "life energy" concept from East Asian martial arts and philosophy, or a Pacific-island plant used for leaves and fibre.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like kI.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- kis
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The instructor told beginners to breathe from the belly and let their _____ settle.
Etymology
From the Japanese character 気/氣, meaning vital energy or spirit — the same concept behind Chinese "qi".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “kI” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “kI”?
“KI” is pronounced kee (/kiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “kI” in a sentence?
Here is “kI” used in a sentence: “The instructor told beginners to breathe from the belly and let their ki settle.”
What part of speech is “kI”?
“KI” is a noun.
Where does the word “kI” come from?
The word “kI” comes from Chinese. From the Japanese character 気/氣, meaning vital energy or spirit — the same concept behind Chinese "qi".
Is “kI” a common word?
“KI” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “kI” have?
“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.
What is the difference between "ki" and "chi" (or "qi")?
"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.
What role does "ki" play in martial arts?
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.
Does "ki" only refer to energy?
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.
Is the "ki" plant the same as the "ti" plant?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include kI:
