Proverb / Kotowaza
意気投合
When two or more people's feelings, thoughts, or attitudes perfectly align.
spirits fitting together
Quick Answer
When two or more people's feelings, thoughts, or attitudes perfectly align.
- Literal Image
- spirits fitting together
- How to Use It
- Can be used when meeting someone new and discovering shared interests, or when a group reaches a unanimous and enthusiastic consensus on a plan.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where people find themselves in complete harmony or agreement with one another. It implies an instant connection or a deep mutual understanding where perspectives match perfectly.
Literal Image
spirits fitting together
How to Use It
Can be used when meeting someone new and discovering shared interests, or when a group reaches a unanimous and enthusiastic consensus on a plan.
Tone
Used in neutral or positive contexts to describe successful social or professional connections.
Examples
初対面の人と趣味の話で意気投合した。
I hit it off with someone I met for the first time while talking about our hobbies.
彼とはすぐに意気投合して親友になった。
I hit it off with him immediately, and we became best friends.
その場の全員が意気投合し、プロジェクトが発足した。
Everyone present was in complete agreement, and the project was launched.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the kanji are straightforward, the yojijukugo format and specific combination of 'spirit' and 'matching' require some familiarity with idiomatic Chinese-origin compounds.
意気
いき / iki
spirit, disposition, or mental attitude
投合
とうごう / tougou
matching, fitting together perfectly, or agreement
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
It is specifically about thoughts and feelings matching; it cannot be used for physical objects fitting together.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term is composed of 'iki' (意気), which refers to one's feelings or mental attitude, and 'tougou' (投合), which means to fit together perfectly. Together, they describe the state of mutual understanding and harmony between people.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
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Source Note
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