Translation and Meaning of: 人間 - ningen

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 人間 (にんげん, "ningen"). It is a common term in Japanese vocabulary and carries deep meanings that go beyond simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word really means, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and even some cultural curiosities surrounding it. If you want to better understand Japanese or just want to learn more about this expression, keep reading!

Meaning and translation of 人間 (にんげん)

The word 人間 is often translated as "human being" or "person." However, its meaning goes a bit beyond that. While terms like 人 (ひと, "hito") can refer to individuals in a more generic way, 人間 carries a more philosophical connotation, encompassing humanity as a whole, its characteristics, and its nature.

In everyday contexts, you might hear phrases like "人間は弱い" (にんげんはよわい, "humans are fragile") or "人間関係" (にんげんかんけい, "human relationships"). These uses show how the word is connected to discussions about behavior, society, and even human weaknesses and virtues.

Origin and composition of the kanji 人間

The kanji 人間 is composed of two characters: 人 (person) and 間 (space, interval). Together, they form the idea of "the space between people" or "human world." This composition reflects a collective view of humanity, emphasizing interaction and coexistence.

Originally, the term had a broader meaning, referring to the "world of humans" in contrast to the divine or the natural. Over time, its usage expanded to include discussions about ethics, psychology, and even science fiction, where 人間 can be contrasted with robots or aliens.

Cultural and philosophical use of 人間

In Japan, 人間 is not just a common word; it frequently appears in philosophical and literary discussions. Many Japanese authors and thinkers use this term to explore themes such as the human condition, morality, and society. For example, in the work "人間失格" (にんげんしっかく, "Ningen Shikkaku") by the writer Osamu Dazai, the title can be translated as "No Longer Human," reflecting a deep contemplation on flaws and redemption.

Moreover, in animes and mangas, it is common to see 人間 being used to differentiate humans from other races or creatures. This distinction emphasizes the idea that the word carries a conceptual weight, going beyond a simple definition.

Tips for memorizing 人間

An effective way to retain this word is to associate it with broader concepts such as "humanity" or "human nature." Since it appears in many serious and philosophical contexts, trying to use it in sentences that discuss ethics or society can aid in memorization.

Another tip is to remember its kanji composition: 人 (person) + 間 (space). Thinking of it as "the space where people exist" can help in understanding its deeper meaning. If you enjoy animes or Japanese literature, paying attention to the use of 人間 in these media is also a great way to learn.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 人類 (jinrui) - humanity
• 人 (hito) - Person, individual
• 人間性 (ningen-sei) - Human nature, human character
• 人間世界 (ningen sekai) - Human world
• 人間関係 (ningen kankei) - Human relations

人間

Romaji: ningen
Kana: にんげん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: human being; man; person

Meaning in English: human being;man;person

Definition: A creature that possesses intelligence and conducts business.

Example Sentences - (人間) ningen

See below some example sentences:

違えることは人間らしいことだ。

Chigae ru koto wa ningen rashii koto da

Making mistakes is human.

Different is human.

• 違えること - action of making mistakes or failures
• は - Topic particle
• 人間らしいこと - typical human behavior
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

食料は人間にとって不可欠なものです。

Shokuryō wa ningen ni totte fukaketsu na mono desu

Nutrition is essential to human beings.

Food is essential for human beings.

• 食料 - food
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• にとって - for
• 不可欠 - essential
• な - adjective particle
• もの - thing
• です - is

道徳は人間の行動規範である。

Dōtoku wa ningen no kōdō kihan de aru

Morality is the norm of human behavior.

Morality is a human code of activity.

• 道徳 - morality
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possessive particle
• 行動 - behavior
• 規範 - standard
• である - is

酸素は人間にとって必要不可欠な要素です。

Sanso wa ningen ni totte hitsuyōfukaketsu na yōso desu

Oxygen is an essential element for humans.

• 酸素 (sanso) - Oxygen
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• にとって (ni totte) - For
• 必要不可欠 (hitsuyoufukaketsu) - Essential, indispensable
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 要素 (yousou) - Element
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

間違えることは人間らしい。

Machigaeru koto wa ningen rashii

To err is human.

It seems human to make a mistake.

• 間違える - verb that means "to err"
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 人間 - noun that means "human being"
• らしい - suffix that indicates "seems to be" or "characteristic of"

衣食住は人間の三大欲求です。

Ishokujuu wa ningen no sandai yokkyuu desu

Clothing

Clothing and shelter are the three main needs of human beings.

• 衣食住 - clothing, food, and housing
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possession particle
• 三 - three
• 大 - large
• 欲求 - desire, necessity
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

自由は人間の基本的な権利です。

Jiyuu wa ningen no kihonteki na kenri desu

Freedom is a fundamental right of human beings.

Freedom is the basic right of humans.

• 自由 - freedom
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possession particle
• 基本的な - basic
• 権利 - right
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

生存は人間にとって最も基本的な欲求の一つです。

Seizon wa ningen ni totte mottomo kihonteki na yokkyū no hitotsu desu

Survival is one of the most basic needs for human beings.

Survival is one of the most basic needs for human beings.

• 生存 - survival
• 人間 - Human being
• にとって - for
• 最も - the most
• 基本的な - fundamental
• 欲求 - wish
• の - of
• 一つ - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• です - is

概念は人間の思考の基礎である。

Gainen wa ningen no shikou no kiso de aru

The concepts are the foundation of human thinking.

The concept is the basis of human thought.

• 概念 (gainen) - concept
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 思考 (shikou) - thought
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 基礎 (kiso) - Base, foundation
• である (dearu) - to be

欲望は人間の弱さだ。

Yokubou wa ningen no yowasa da

Desire is the weakness of the human being.

Desire is human weakness.

• 欲望 (yokubou) - desire, ambition
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人間 (ningen) - Human being
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 弱さ (yowasa) - weakness
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present