Japanese word of the day: 換気 (Kanki)

What does 換気 (Kanki) mean?

換気 (Kanki) [noun] — It refers to the act of ventilation or air circulation, meaning the process of letting fresh air in and stale air out.

While it is primarily a noun, it can also be used with verbs like 換気する(Kankisuru).

Kanji details 換 and 気

換 — interchange, period, change, convert, replace, renew.
Radical: hand 手 (扌龵)

気 — spirit, mind, air, atmosphere, mood.
Radical: steam, breath 气

Example sentences with 換気 (Kanki)

• この部屋は換気が悪いから、窓を開けよう。

  (Kono heya wa kanki ga warui kara, mado o ake yō.)

  🪟 This room has poor ventilation, so let’s open the window.

• 料理の後は必ず換気してください。

  (Ryōri no ato wa kanarazu kanki shite kudasai.)

  🌬️ Be sure to ventilate after cooking.

• 授業の合間に部屋を換気しましょう。

  (Jugyō no aima ni heya o kanki shimashō.)

  🎐 Let’s ventilate the room between classes.

Confused about how to conjugate 換気する? Our conjugation tables can help.

換気 (Kanki) in context

換気 (Kanki) is a common practice in homes, workplaces, and public spaces, ensuring fresh air circulation and preventing stuffiness. In Japanese households, it's routine to open windows or use ventilation fans (換気扇, kanki sen) to reduce humidity and prevent mold. In workplaces and schools, regular ventilation is encouraged, especially during flu season or in crowded areas, with announcements like 「定期的に換気を行ってください」(teiki teki ni kanki o okonattekudasai) [Please ventilate regularly].