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:

誤ることは人間らしいことだ。

Ayamaru koto wa ningen rashii koto da

To err is human.

The wrong thing is human.

• 誤る - verb that means "to err"
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 人間 - noun that means "human being"
• らしい - suffix that indicates similarity or appearance
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• だ - auxiliary verb that indicates the affirmative form and present tense

迷うことは人間らしい。

Mayou koto wa ningen rashii

It's human to feel lost.

It seems human to get lost.

• 迷う - (mayou) - means "to be lost" or "to be in doubt"
• こと - (koto) - means "thing" or "fact"
• は - (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人間 - (human) - means "human being"
• らしい - (rashii) - suffix that indicates that something is typical or characteristic of something or someone

進歩は人間の力です。

Shinpowa wa ningen no chikara desu

Progress is the power of humans.

• 進歩 - progresso
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 人間 - human
• の - possessive particle
• 力 - power
• です - copula que indica polidez