空気を読む (kuuki wo yomu) means “to read the room” or “to sense the atmosphere.” This uniquely Japanese expression describes the ability to pick up on unspoken social cues, understand the mood of a situation, and act appropriately without being told explicitly.

Literally “to read the air,” this concept is crucial in Japanese culture, which values indirect communication and social harmony. Being able to 空気を読む means understanding what’s appropriate in a given situation without explicit instruction.

A person who can’t read the atmosphere is called 空気が読めない人 (kuuki ga yomenai hito) or abbreviated as KY, which is considered a social weakness in Japan.

This phrase is essential for understanding Japanese social dynamics and communication styles.
#Japanese #JapaneseLearning #Culture #Communication December 12, 2025