In Japanese, komi (コミ or 込み) generally means 'included' or 'contained,' particularly when referring to something being added to a total or calculation.
General Meaning of Komi
Beyond its specific application in the game of Go, the term komi carries a broader meaning in Japanese, signifying that something is 'included' or 'already incorporated.' A common example is zei-komi (税込み), which literally translates to 'tax included,' indicating that the stated price already encompasses the consumption tax. This usage highlights komi's fundamental sense of inclusion in everyday contexts.
Komi in the Game of Go
In the context of the ancient board game Go, komi takes on a highly specialized meaning. It refers to a specific number of compensation points given to the second player (Black) to offset the first player's (White's) inherent advantage of making the first move. This komi value is crucial, as it is 'included' in the final score calculation to determine the winner.
Actions related to Komi in Go:
- Komi-dashi (コミ出し): This term describes the action of giving komi, typically by the player who moves first (White) to the player who moves second (Black).
- Komi-morai (コミもらい): Conversely, this refers to the action of receiving komi, typically by the player who moves second (Black).
The English equivalents often used for komi in Go are "compensation points" or simply "compensation."
Practical Significance
The introduction of komi in Go is a modern innovation designed to ensure fairness and balance in gameplay. By standardizing the compensation for the first-move advantage, komi allows for more competitive and strategic games, where the outcome is less dependent on who plays first and more on the players' skill.
Overview of Komi Terms
To clarify the various uses of komi, the table below summarizes its key meanings and contexts:
| Term | Japanese Character/Kana (Romaji) | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komi | 込み / コミ | Included, contained, comprising | General Usage |
| Zei-komi | 税込み | Tax included (price already contains tax) | General Usage |
| Komi | 込み / コミ | Compensation points given to the second player in Go | Game of Go |
| Komi-dashi | コミ出し | The act of giving komi (e.g., by the first player) | Go (Action) |
| Komi-morai | コミもらい | The act of receiving komi (e.g., by the second player) | Go (Action) |
