Translation and Meaning of: 出生 - shushou

The Japanese word 出生[しゅっしょう] is a term that sparks curiosity both for its meaning and its use in the Japanese language and culture. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in languages, understanding this expression can open doors to better comprehend social and familial concepts in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, translation, and how it is used in everyday life.

Furthermore, we will see how this word is perceived by native speakers and in which contexts it appears most frequently. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to satisfy your linguistic curiosity, this guide will help you master 出生[しゅっしょう] in a practical and direct way.

Meaning and Translation of 出生[しゅっしょう]

出生[しゅっしょう] is a word that means "birth" or "origin" in Japanese. It is often used in formal contexts, such as official documents, family records, or discussions about genealogy. Unlike more colloquial words like 誕生[たんじょう] (also "birth"), しゅっしょう carries a more bureaucratic or technical tone.

In translations to English, it is commonly found as "birth" or "origin," depending on the context. For example, in phrases like "出生地[しゅっしょうち]" (place of birth), it appears in forms and identification documents. Its use is not limited to people, but can also refer to the origin of institutions or even ideas.

Origin and Cultural Use

The word 出生[しゅっしょう] is composed of two kanji: 出 (to exit, to emerge) and 生 (life, birth). This combination literally reflects the concept of "coming to life," reinforcing its main meaning. Historically, it has been used in Japanese family registries (koseki) to document information about birth and lineage.

In Japan, the notion of family origin is culturally significant, and 出生[しゅっしょう] is directly linked to this. It can be used in discussions about ancestry or social status, although its everyday use is more restricted to administrative contexts. Unlike other words related to birth, such as 生まれ[うまれ], which has a more colloquial use, しゅっしょう maintains a more serious and formal tone.

How to Memorize and Use Correctly

An effective way to memorize 出生[しゅっしょう] is to associate it with bureaucratic situations or important documents. Think in terms like "birth certificate" (出生証明書[しゅっしょうしょうめいしょ]) or "birth registration" (出生届[しゅっしょうとどけ]). This connection to specific contexts helps to establish the vocabulary practically.

Additionally, it's worth noting that 出生[しゅっしょう] is not a word that comes up often in daily conversations. Its use is more common in formal texts, news, or legal discussions. Therefore, when studying it, focus on situations where formality is necessary, avoiding its application in informal dialogues where other expressions would be more natural.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 誕生 (Tanjou) - Birth; the act of being born.
• 生まれる (Umaru) - To be born; the process of coming to life.
• 生れる (Umareru) - Nascer; an alternative form of 生まれる, with the same meaning.
• 生誕 (Seitan) - Birth; generally used in a more formal or religious context, such as the birth of a deity.

出生

Romaji: shushou
Kana: しゅっしょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: birthday

Meaning in English: birth

Definition: To be born. birthday.

Example Sentences - (出生) shushou

See below some example sentences:

私の出生地は東京です。

Watashi no shussei chi wa Tokyo desu

My birthplace is Tokyo.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle of possession which indicates that the noun that comes before it belongs to the personal pronoun "I"
• 出生地 - noun meaning "birthplace" in Japanese
• は - topic particle that indicates that the noun that comes before it is the subject of the sentence
• 東京 - noun meaning "Tokyo" in Japanese, the capital of Japan
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates that the place of birth is Tokyo