Translation and Meaning of: 存在 - sonzai

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 存在[そんざい]. It carries a deep meaning and is used in philosophical, everyday contexts, and even in works of fiction. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written, and some practical examples of use. Additionally, we will understand how the Japanese perceive it in their daily lives and the best ways to memorize it.

Meaning and translation of 存在

The word 存在[そんざい] can be translated as "existence" or "being." It is used to refer to the presence of something or someone in the world, whether in a concrete or abstract form. For example, when talking about the existence of life on other planets, a Japanese person would use 存在 to express this idea.

Unlike some words that have more literal meanings, 存在 carries a philosophical weight. It appears in discussions about metaphysics, religion, and even in everyday conversations when someone questions the purpose of something. Its use is not limited to physical objects – it can be applied to concepts, feelings, and even to natural phenomena.

Origin and writing in kanji

The term 存在 is composed of two kanji: 存 (to exist, to keep) and 在 (to be present, to reside). Together, they reinforce the idea of something that not only exists but also occupies a space or has relevance. The first kanji, 存, also appears in words like 保存[ほぞん] (preservation), while 在 is found in terms like 在宅[ざいたく] (to be at home).

This combination is not random. In the Japanese language, many abstract concepts are formed by the union of kanjis that, individually, have related meanings. In the case of 存在, the combination of these ideograms creates a word that goes beyond mere physical presence, encompassing the notions of permanence and essence.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

存在 is a common word in Japanese vocabulary, appearing in both profound discussions and everyday situations. For example, in animes and mangas, it is often used in dialogues that involve existential questions or the search for a purpose. Characters may say things like "私の存在には意味があるのか" (Does my existence have any meaning?).

In daily life, the Japanese use 存在 in a more practical way. It can be used to affirm that something exists ("その店はまだ存在する" – "That store still exists") or to talk about someone's presence in a group. The word also appears in expressions like 存在感[そんざいかん] (sense of presence), used to describe people who draw attention with their charisma or impact.

Tips for memorizing 存在

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with its philosophical meaning. Think of phrases like "Existence precedes essence," a famous concept from existentialism. This connection helps to fix not only the translation but also the context in which 存在 is used.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. Watching Japanese movies or series that address existential themes can help identify how the word is used naturally. Repeating aloud phrases like "人間の存在は不思議だ" (Human existence is mysterious) also reinforces memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 在り方 (Ari kata) - Way of being or existing.
• 実在 (Jitsuzai) - Reality; concrete existence.
• 存在感 (Sonzai kan) - Presence; the feeling of existence that something or someone conveys.
• 存在する (Sonzai suru) - To exist; to be present.
• 存在感じる (Sonzai kanjiru) - Feel the existence; perceive the presence of something.
• 存在感覚 (Sonzai kankaku) - Sense of presence; perception of existence.
• 存在意識 (Sonzai ishiki) - Awareness of existence.
• 存在性 (Sonzai sei) - Nature of existence.
• 存在感ある (Sonzai kan aru) - To have presence; to possess a significant characteristic.
• 存在感を感じる (Sonzai kan o kanjiru) - Feel the presence of something.
• 存在感を持つ (Sonzai kan o motsu) - To have presence; to have a noticeable impact.
• 存在感を表現する (Sonzai kan o hyōgen suru) - Express the presence; convey a sense of existence.
• 存在感を与える (Sonzai kan o ataeru) - To be present; to create a sense of existence in others.
• 存在感を演出する (Sonzai kan o ensū suru) - Stage the presence; create an atmosphere where the presence is notable.
• 存在感を感じさせる (Sonzai kan o kanjisaseru) - Make someone feel the presence; impress with the sensation of existing.
• 存在感を強める (Sonzai kan o tsuyomeru) - Intensify presence; enhance the sense of existence.
• 存在感を表す (Sonzai kan o arawasu) - To represent presence; to manifest a sense of existence.
• 存在感を感じること (Sonzai kan o kanjiru koto) - The act of feeling the presence; the experience of perceiving existence.
• 存在感を持った (Sonzai kan o motta) - It had presence; it manifested a striking sense of existence.
• 存在感を感じるようになる (Sonzai kan o kanjiru yō ni naru) - Start to feel the presence; develop the perception of existence.
• 存在感を感じさせるようになる (Sonzai kan o kanjisaseru yō ni naru) - Start making others feel your presence; develop the ability to impact with the sense of existence.
• 存在感を表現すること (Sonzai kan o hyōgen suru koto) - The act of expressing presence; the practice of manifesting a sense of existence.

存在

Romaji: sonzai
Kana: そんざい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: existence; to be

Meaning in English: existence;being

Definition: There is a certain fact or reality.

Example Sentences - (存在) sonzai

See below some example sentences:

使用人は会社にとって重要な存在です。

Shiyōnin wa kaisha ni totte jūyō na sonzai desu

Employees are an important presence for the company.

The servant is important to the company.

• 使用人 - person who uses or uses something
• 会社 - company
• にとって - for, in relation to
• 重要 - important
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 存在 - Existence, presence
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

単なる存在ではない。

Tannaru sonzai dewa nai

It's not just a simple existence.

Not just being.

• 単なる - means "mere" or "simple".
• 存在 - means "existence".
• ではない - is a negation, meaning "it is not".

商社は日本のビジネスに欠かせない存在です。

Shōsha wa Nihon no bijinesu ni kakasenai sonzai desu

Trading companies are indispensable for Japanese business.

• 商社 - Empresa comercial
• は - Topic particle
• 日本の - From Japan
• ビジネス - business
• に - target particle
• 欠かせない - indispensable
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb "to be"

天皇は日本の象徴的存在です。

Tennou wa Nihon no shouchouteki sonzai desu

The emperor is a symbol of Japan.

• 天皇 - Emperor of Japan
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴的 - symbolic
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

存在することが大切です。

Sonza suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to exist.

• 存在する - means "to exist" in Japanese.
• こと - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is an abstract noun.
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.

家畜は農業にとって重要な存在です。

Kachiku wa nōgyō ni totte jūyōna sonzai desu

Cattle is an important thing for agriculture.

• 家畜 - farm animals
• は - Topic particle
• 農業 - agriculture
• にとって - for
• 重要な - important
• 存在 - existence
• です - is

年寄りは尊敬すべき存在です。

Toshiyori wa sonkei subeki sonzai desu

The elderly are a respectable presence.

The elderly are respected.

• 年寄り - means "old person" in Japanese.
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 尊敬 - means "respect" in Japanese.
• すべき - verb form that indicates an obligation or duty.
• 存在 - means "existence" in Japanese.
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense.

法律は人々を守るために存在します。

Hōritsu wa hitobito o mamoru tame ni sonzai shimasu

The law exists to protect people.

• 法律 - "she" in Japanese
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - "pessoas" means "people" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - It means "protect" in Japanese.
• ために - expression that indicates purpose
• 存在します - means "to exist" in Japanese

看護師は病気の人々を助けるために大切な存在です。

Kangoshi wa byouki no hitobito wo tasukeru tame ni taisetsu na sonzai desu

Nurses are an important presence to help sick people.

Nurses are important to help sick people.

• 看護師 - nurse
• は - Topic particle
• 病気 - illness
• の - Possessive particle
• 人々 - people
• を - Direct object particle
• 助ける - to help
• ために - For
• 大切な - Important
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb to be/estar

親は子供にとって大切な存在です。

Oya wa kodomo ni totte taisetsu na sonzai desu

Parents are an important presence in children's lives.

Parents are important to children.

• 親 (oya) - means "father" or "mother" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the parents"
• 子供 (kodomo) - means "child" or "son" in Japanese
• にとって (ni totte) - "to" or "in relation to", in this case, "to the children"
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• な (na) - grammatical particle that indicates the adjectival form of the previous term, in this case, "important"
• 存在 (sonzai) - It means "existence" or "presence" in Japanese
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the polite and formal way of stating something, in this case, "is"