Translation and Meaning of: 世紀 - seiki

The Japanese word 世紀 (せいき) is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and historical connections. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to better comprehend Japanese culture and mentality. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even some tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a common word in history books and news articles, 世紀 also appears in cultural contexts, such as animes and literature. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese perceive the concept of "century" or how this word is applied in different situations, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and accurate explanations for those who truly wish to learn Japanese.

Meaning and origin of 世紀

The word 世紀 is composed of two kanji: 世 (せい), which means "world" or "era," and 紀 (き), which refers to "record" or "chronicle." Together, they form the concept of "century," but they can also be interpreted as a "remarkable era" or "historical period." This dual interpretation reveals how the Japanese language often combines abstract ideas to create terms rich in meaning.

The use of 世紀 dates back to the period when Japan adopted Chinese influences, both in writing and in the organization of time. While in the West we count centuries in a linear fashion, in Japan there is a tradition of naming specific eras, such as the Meiji Era or the Heisei Era. This means that 世紀 is not just a measure of time, but also a reference to distinct cultural and political periods.

How 世紀 is used in everyday life

In daily life, the Japanese use 世紀 mainly to refer to centuries in the western sense, such as "20th century" (２０世紀) or "21st century" (２１世紀). However, in more formal or historical contexts, the word can take on a grander tone, as in "世紀の大発見" (the great discovery of the century) or "世紀の事件" (the event of the century).

An interesting curiosity is that, in animes and mangas, 世紀 is sometimes used to describe large-scale fictitious events, such as intergalactic wars or technological revolutions. This shows how the word can be flexible, adapting to both real and imaginary situations. If you are a fan of Japanese pop culture, you may have encountered this use in works like "Mobile Suit Gundam" or "Attack on Titan."

Tips for memorizing 世紀

If you are struggling to remember how to write or pronounce 世紀, a useful technique is to associate the kanji with mental images. For example, 世 (world) can be visualized as a globe, while 紀 (record) can be imagined as a scroll. Putting the two together, you have the "record of the world" — that is, a century of history.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "今は２１世紀です" (It is now the 21st century) or "２０世紀の音楽" (music of the 20th century). Repeating these constructions out loud helps reinforce not only the word itself but also its natural use in conversations. And if you like flashcards, including 世紀 in your Anki deck can be a great way to review it regularly.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 世代 (sedai) - Generation, a specific time of people or events.
• 世 (yo) - World, society, or generation in a broader sense.
• 世界 (sekai) - World, universe; refers to everything that exists, including different cultures and countries.
• 時代 (jidai) - Era, a period of historical time, focusing on the characteristics and significant events of that time.

世紀

Romaji: seiki
Kana: せいき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: century; it was

Meaning in English: century;era

Definition: 100 years.