Ki

Ki is the term for Go in Japanese, often used in compound words related to the game. Unlike Igo (囲碁), which specifically refers to the game of Go, Ki has a broader meaning and appears in various contexts, such as Kishi (棋士, professional Go player) and Kiin (棋院, Go institute).

The same character 棋 is used in Chinese (Qí) to refer to Go and other board games, including Chinese chess (Xiangqi, 象棋). However, in the context of Go, it signifies the deep strategic and philosophical nature of the game.

Beyond the game itself, Ki symbolizes the intellectual challenge and artistic elements of Go. It is deeply connected to the game’s long history and is often associated with mastery, patience, and strategic insight.