Translation and Meaning of: 心 - kokoro

The Japanese word 心[こころ] is one of those that carries a deep and culturally rich meaning. If you are learning Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to a better understanding of the Japanese mindset. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday usage, and even how it appears in expressions and philosophies of Japan. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is a great reference.

The meaning and essence of 心[こころ]

In its most direct translation, 心[こころ] means "heart," but not in the literal sense of the organ. It refers to the heart as a symbol of emotions, mind, and spirit. The Japanese use this word to talk about feelings, intentions, and even the essence of a person. For example, when someone says "心が痛む" (kokoro ga itamu), it means that the heart hurts, which means the person is suffering emotionally.

The interesting thing is that 心[こころ] is not limited to individual emotions. It also appears in collective concepts, such as "和の心" (wa no kokoro), which refers to the spirit of harmony highly valued in Japanese culture. This word is so versatile that it can be used in philosophical, religious, and even everyday contexts.

The origin and the kanji for 心[こころ]

The kanji 心 has an ancient history, dating back to Chinese writing. It represents a stylized heart and is used in both Japanese and Chinese with similar meanings. Interestingly, this kanji also appears as a radical in other words related to emotions and thoughts, such as 思う (omou - to think) and 感じる (kanjiru - to feel).

In the Japanese language, 心[こころ] is one of the oldest and most fundamental words. It appears in classical texts such as the "Manyoshu," an anthology of Japanese poetry from the 8th century. This shows how the concept of "kokoro" has always been central to Japanese culture, influencing everything from literature to philosophy.

Everyday use and expressions with 心[こころ]

In daily life, Japanese people use 心[こころ] in various expressions. One of the most common is "心配" (shinpai), which means "worry." Another example is "心地よい" (kokochi yoi), which describes a pleasant or comfortable sensation. These combinations show how the word is ingrained in everyday vocabulary.

Moreover, 心[こころ] appears in proverbs and popular sayings. One example is "初心忘るべからず" (shoshin wasuru bekarazu), which means "never forget your initial heart," or in other words, stay true to your principles. These expressions emphasize the cultural significance of this word in Japanese communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

こころ (kokoro) - Heart; mind; spirit
しん (shin) - Spirit; heart (in the sense of feelings); new
しんぞう (shinzou) - Heart (organ); used in medical contexts
しんぱい (shinpai) - Worry; anxiety (related to feeling)
しんせい (shinsei) - Seriousness; sincerity (in relation to the heart and feelings)
しんりん (shinrin) - Forest; a place that can soothe the heart
しんそう (shinsou) - Senses; leads to emotions and feelings
しんぞく (shinzoku) - Attachment; linked to the feeling of belonging (related to the heart)

Related words

安心

anshin

relief; mental tranquility

良心

ryoushin

consciousness

用心

youjin

care; precaution; guard; caution

野心

yashin

ambition; aspiration; designs; betrayal

真心

makokoro

sincerity; devotion

熱心

nesshin

zeal; enthusiasm

内心

naishin

innermost thoughts; real intention; most important heart; someone's mind; in the heart

都心

toshin

heart (of the city)

中心

chuushin

center; core; heart; pivot; emphasis; balance

自尊心

jisonshin

self-respect; presumption

心

Romaji: kokoro
Kana: こころ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: mind; heart; spirit

Meaning in English: mind;heart;spirit

Definition: The essential part of a person's thoughts and emotions. It refers to emotions, consciousness, etc.

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How to Write in Japanese - (心) kokoro

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (心) kokoro:

Example Sentences - (心) kokoro

See below some example sentences:

彼女は清純な心を持っています。

Kanojo wa seijun na kokoro o motte imasu

She has a pure heart.

彼女 (kanojo) - She
は (wa) - Topic particle
清純な (seijun na) - Pure, innocent
心 (kokoro) - Heart, mind
を (wo) - Direct object particle
持っています (motteimasu) - Have, possess

彼女の心は狂っている。

Kanojo no kokoro wa kurutte iru

Your heart is crazy.

彼女 - her in Japanese
の - possessive particle in Japanese, indicating that "heart" belongs to "her"
心 - "coração" in Japanese
は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that "heart" is the main subject of the sentence
狂っている - "crazy" in Japanese, indicating the current state of "her" "heart"

彼女を心に留める。

Kanojo wo kokoro ni todomeru

I keep her in my heart.

Remember if.

彼女 - her in Japanese
を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
心 - "coração" in Japanese
に - Location particle in Japanese
留める - "to remember" or "to keep in mind" in Japanese

彼女の歌声には感心する。

Kanojo no utagoe ni wa kanshin suru

I am impressed with her singing voice.

I'm impressed with her singing voice.

彼女 - she
の - of
歌声 - Singing voice
に - in
は - (topic particle)
感心 - admiration, praise
する - make

彼女の言葉にはいつも下心がある。

Kanojo no kotoba ni wa itsumo shitagokoro ga aru

Your words always have a heart.

彼女 - she
の - of
言葉 - words
には - have
いつも - always
下心 - ulterior motives
が - there are
ある - Gifts

彼女は熱心に勉強しています。

Kanojo wa nesshin ni benkyou shiteimasu

She is studying with enthusiasm.

She is studying eagerly.

彼女 - means "she" in Japanese.
は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "she".
熱心に - adverb that means "enthusiastically" or "with dedication".
勉強しています - compound verb that means "studying" or "learning".

彼女は料理に心を凝らす。

Kanojo wa ryōri ni kokoro o korasu

She dedicates her soul to cooking.

She is excited to cook.