Translation and Meaning of: 世界 - sekai

The Japanese word 世界[せかい] is one of those that frequently appears in animes, songs, and even in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and use can open doors to better comprehend Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore everything about 世界, from its most common translation to how it is perceived in modern Japan.

In addition to being a useful word for those looking to expand their vocabulary, 世界 carries interesting nuances that reflect the Japanese view of the world. Whether in everyday expressions or philosophical contexts, it is more than just a simple translation of "world." Let’s dive into the details that make this word so special in the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 世界

世界 is generally translated as "world," but its meaning goes a bit beyond that. While in Portuguese "mundo" can refer to both the Earth and a specific context (like "business world"), in Japanese, せかい tends to encompass the idea of a broad physical and social space. It can mean everything from the Earth itself to a more abstract environment, such as "the world of art" (芸術の世界).

Another possible translation is "universe," especially in more philosophical or poetic contexts. However, it is worth noting that for "universe" in the astronomical sense, the Japanese typically use 宇宙[うちゅう]. The difference is subtle but important: 世界 is more about the human experience within a space, while 宇宙 refers to the physical cosmos.

Origin and composition of the kanji 世界

The word 世界 has its origins in Buddhism, where it was used to translate the Sanskrit term "loka," which means "world" or "sphere of existence." The kanjis that make it up are 世 (world, era) and 界 (boundary, limit). Together, they form the idea of a "defined world" or "sphere of living." This religious origin still resonates in expressions like あの世 (the other world, in the spiritual sense).

It is interesting to note that, while in modern Chinese these same characters (世界) maintain a similar meaning, in Japanese the word has gained broader uses in daily life. The kanji 世 alone can mean "generation" or "society," while 界 appears in words like 業界[ぎょうかい] (industry) or 政界[せいかい] (political world). This flexibility makes 世界 a word with layers of meaning that go beyond simple geography.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In modern Japan, 世界 is an extremely common word, appearing in news, conversations, and even place names. Expressions like 世界一[せかいいち] (number one in the world) or 世界観[せかいかん] (worldview) are frequently used. Its popularity reflects how Japanese society is becoming increasingly connected with the global sphere, whether in technology, culture, or business.

In the media, 世界 appears prominently in the titles of animes such as "Attack on Titan" (進撃の巨人), where concepts like "walls that protect the world" use this word. It is also common in popular songs, often carrying a poetic or nostalgic tone. This versatility makes 世界 one of those words that every Japanese language student ends up encountering sooner or later in their learning process.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 世界 (Sekai) - World, universe; the totality of things that exist.
• せかい (Sekai) - World, universe; the totality of things that exist.
• セカイ (Sekai) - World, universe; the totality of things that exist.

世界

Romaji: sekai
Kana: せかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: the world; society; the universe

Meaning in English: the world;society;the universe

Definition: The entirety of the land inhabited by humans.

Example Sentences - (世界) sekai

See below some example sentences:

未知の世界に踏み出す勇気を持っている。

Michi no sekai ni fumidasu yuuki wo motte iru

I have the courage to take a step into an unknown world.

I have the courage to enter an unknown world.

• 未知の世界 - means "unknown world".
• に - particle that indicates the target of the action.
• 踏み出す - verb meaning "to take a step forward".
• 勇気 - noun meaning "courage".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 持っている - verb meaning "to have".

架空の世界に入り込むのが好きです。

Kakuu no sekai ni hairikomu no ga suki desu

I like to enter a fictional world.

• 架空 (kakuu) - means "fiction" or "fantasy"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 世界 (sekai) - It means "world".
• に (ni) - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 入り込む (irikomu) - verb that means "to enter deeply" or "to dive"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - adjective meaning "to like"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality

私の理想は世界平和です。

Watashi no risou wa sekai heiwa desu

My ideal is world peace.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 理想 - noun that means "ideal" or "dream".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 世界 - Noun that means "world".
• 平和 - The noun that means "peace".
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating the assertion of the sentence.

私の願いは世界平和です。

Watashi no negai wa sekai heiwa desu

My desire is for world peace.

My desire is world peace.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 願い - noun meaning "desire"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 世界 - noun that means "world"
• 平和 - noun meaning "peace"
• です - verb to be in the polite form