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)

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.

Example Sentences - (心) kokoro

See below some example sentences:

心が蕩けるような美しい景色です。

Kokoro ga torokeru yōna utsukushī keshiki desu

It is such a beautiful landscape that my heart melts.

It is a beautiful scenario that makes your heart.

• 心が蕩ける - means "to melt the heart" or "to feel moved"
• ような - is a particle that indicates similarity or comparison, in this case, "like"
• 美しい - means "handsome" or "beautiful"
• 景色 - means "landscape" or "view"
• です - is a particle that indicates the end of the sentence and makes it an affirmative statement

心が揺らぐ。

kokoro ga yuragu

The heart is shaking.

My heart shakes.

• 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 揺らぐ (yuragu) - shake, sway, oscillate

心掛けは大切です。

Kokorogake wa taisetsu desu

Having a mindset is important.

Being careful is important.

• 心掛け - means "attitude" or "behavior" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate an affirmation or a statement.

心得を持って行動することが大切です。

Kokoroe wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with knowledge and experience.

It is important to act with knowledge.

• 心得 - knowledge, understanding
• を - direct object particle
• 持って - verb "to have, to own" in the gerund
• 行動 - action, behavior
• する - Verb "to do" in the present
• こと - abstract noun, in this case, "the fact of"
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - verb "to be" in the present, formal

心配しないでください。

Shinpai shinaide kudasai

Don't worry.

please, do not worry.

• 心配 - It means "preoccupation" or "anxiety".
• しないで - The negative form of the verb "fazer" in Japanese.
• ください - It is a polite way to ask for something in Japanese, equivalent to "please".

心臓は体の中で最も重要な器官です。

Shinzou wa karada no naka de mottomo juuyou na kikan desu

The heart is the most important organ in the body.

• 心臓 (shinzou) - heart
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体 (karada) - body
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 中 (naka) - inside
• で (de) - Location particle
• 最も (mottomo) - the most
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

憎しみは心を蝕む。

Zōshimi wa kokoro o mushibamu

Hate corrodes the heart.

Hate corrodes the heart.

• 憎しみ (zouhishimi) - hate, resentment
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 蝕む (mushibamu) - corrode, wear out

拍手をすると心が温かくなる。

Hakushu wo suru to kokoro ga atatakaku naru

Applause will warm your heart.

• 拍手 (hakushu) - applause
• をする (wo suru) - make
• と (to) - When
• 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 温かく (atatakaku) - Hot, warm
• なる (naru) - become

「日々心掛けることが大切です。」

Hibi kokorogakeru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to keep in mind every day.

• 日々 - means "every day" or "daily"
• 心掛ける - means "to keep in mind" or "to pay attention to"
• こと - means "thing" or "subject"
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
• です - is a particle that indicates the polite form of the verb "to be"

用心深く行動することが大切です。

Yōjin bukaku kōdō suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with caution and care.

It is important to act with caution.

• 用心深く - carefully
• 行動する - Act
• こと - thing
• 大切 - important
• です - is