Translation and Meaning of: 盛ん - sakan

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 盛ん[さかん]. It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal texts, and carries meanings that go beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in Japan, and tips for memorizing it efficiently. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to master the language.

Meaning and use of 盛ん

The word 盛ん[さかん] is an adjective in adverbial form (adverb derived from an adjective) that conveys the idea of something being "flourishing," "active," or "in full swing." It is often used to describe situations, events, or even historical periods that are at their peak. For example, one can say that a festival is 盛ん when there is a lot of participation and excitement.

Moreover, 盛ん also appears in more technical contexts, such as in the description of industries or cultural movements that are expanding. A classic example is its use in sentences like "その時代は芸術が盛んだった" (At that time, art was thriving). This versatility makes it a useful word both in everyday conversation and in more elaborate discussions.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 盛 is composed of two main elements: the radical for "bowl" (皿) and the component that suggests "prosperity" (成). This combination is not random – it reflects the idea of something overflowing, whether literally (like a full bowl) or metaphorically (like a period of great activity). This visual relationship helps to understand why the word carries the meaning of something in full vigor.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji itself has other readings (like "sei" in 盛大[せいだい]), the reading さかん is one of the most common in everyday life. Sources like Kanjipedia and 漢字源 confirm that this reading has been used since the Heian period, showing its long history in the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 盛ん is to associate it with situations of great movement or energy. Think of festivals, bustling cities, or even lively discussions – all are scenarios where this word fits perfectly. This mental connection helps to avoid confusion with similar terms, such as 活発[かっぱつ] (which also means "active," but with a focus more on individual vitality).

Another tip is to pay attention to the real use of the word in authentic materials. Dramas, news, and even song lyrics often employ 盛ん in clear contexts, which makes practical understanding easier. For example, the phrase "SNSで盛んに議論されている" (It is being widely discussed on social media) frequently appears in articles and reports, demonstrating its application in modern Japanese.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

盛り上がり (moriagari) - Animated atmosphere, peak of a situation.
活気 (kakki) - Vitality, energy, lively spirit.
賑わい (nigiwai) - Movement, bustle, lively atmosphere in a place.
繁盛 (hanjou) - Prosperity, success in business.
繁栄 (han'ei) - Prosperity, flourishing, economic growth.
盛況 (seikyou) - Success, prosperous or lively situation.
盛り上げる (moriageru) - Increase, excite, lift the spirit of an event.
盛んな (sakanna) - Active, expanding, vigorous.
盛り上がる (moriagaru) - Raise, increase, excite in a situation or event.
盛り上がった (moriagatta) - Excited, carried away by the situation.
盛り上がっている (moriagatte iru) - Being excited, party atmosphere or present enthusiasm.
盛り上がった雰囲気 (moriagatta fun'iki) - Lively weather, vibrant atmosphere.
盛り上がった空気 (moriagatta kuuki) - Energized environment, atmosphere full of emotions.
盛り上がった場面 (moriagatta bamen) - Heightened scene, moment of increased emotion or engagement.
盛り上がった状況 (moriagatta joukyou) - Elevated situation, animated circumstances.
盛り上がったパーティー (moriagatta paatii) - Lively party.
盛り上がったイベント (moriagatta ibento) - Animated event, full of life.