短気

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read たんき. 短 contributes shortness and 気 a state of mind, forming a word for a temperament that quickly loses patience or becomes angry.
• Basic usage: It describes a short temper or an impatient reaction arising from it. The example urges the listener not to lose their temper before hearing the other person out.
  • 短気を起こさず、相手の話を最後まで聞こう。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A temperament versus a reaction
  • 短気なところ identifies an impatient aspect of someone's personality, while 短気を起こす describes losing patience and reacting angrily on an occasion.