Translation and Meaning of: 心 - kokoro

The Japanese word 心[こころ] is one of those that carries a deep and culturally rich meaning. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to a better understanding of the Japanese mentality. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even how it appears in expressions and philosophies of Japan. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, the I love Japanese. it's a great reference.

The meaning and essence of 心[こころ]

In its most direct translation, 心[こころ] means "heart," but not in the literal sense of the organ. It refers to the heart as a symbol of emotions, mind, and spirit. The Japanese use this word to talk about feelings, intentions, and even the essence of a person. For example, when someone says "心が痛む" (kokoro ga itamu), it means that the heart hurts, which means the person is suffering emotionally.

The interesting thing is that 心[こころ] is not limited to individual emotions. It also appears in collective concepts, such as "和の心" (wa no kokoro), which refers to the spirit of harmony highly valued in Japanese culture. This word is so versatile that it can be used in philosophical, religious, and even everyday contexts.

The origin and the kanji for 心[こころ]

The kanji 心 has an ancient history, dating back to Chinese writing. It represents a stylized heart and is used in both Japanese and Chinese with similar meanings. Interestingly, this kanji also appears as a radical in other words related to emotions and thoughts, such as 思う (omou - to think) and 感じる (kanjiru - to feel).

In the Japanese language, 心[こころ] is one of the oldest and most fundamental words. It appears in classical texts such as the "Manyoshu," an anthology of Japanese poetry from the 8th century. This shows how the concept of "kokoro" has always been central to Japanese culture, influencing everything from literature to philosophy.

Everyday use and expressions with 心[こころ]

In daily life, Japanese people use 心[こころ] in various expressions. One of the most common is "心配" (shinpai), which means "worry." Another example is "心地よい" (kokochi yoi), which describes a pleasant or comfortable sensation. These combinations show how the word is ingrained in everyday vocabulary.

Moreover, 心[こころ] appears in proverbs and popular sayings. One example is "初心忘るべからず" (shoshin wasuru bekarazu), which means "never forget your initial heart," or in other words, stay true to your principles. These expressions emphasize the cultural significance of this word in Japanese communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• こころ (kokoro) - Heart; mind; spirit
• しん (shin) - Spirit; heart (in the sense of feelings); new
• しんぞう (shinzou) - Heart (organ); used in medical contexts
• しんぱい (shinpai) - Worry; anxiety (related to feeling)
• しんせい (shinsei) - Seriousness; sincerity (in relation to the heart and feelings)
• しんりん (shinrin) - Forest; a place that can soothe the heart
• しんそう (shinsou) - Senses; leads to emotions and feelings
• しんぞく (shinzoku) - Attachment; linked to the feeling of belonging (related to the heart)

心

Romaji: kokoro
Kana: こころ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: mind; heart; spirit

Meaning in English: mind;heart;spirit

Definition: The essential part of a person's thoughts and emotions. It refers to emotions, consciousness, etc.

Example Sentences - (心) kokoro

See below some example sentences:

残る思い出が心に残る。

Nokoru omoide ga kokoro ni nokoru

As memórias que permanecem me deixam com um sentimento duradouro.

As memórias restantes permanecem em meu coração.

• 残る (nokoru) - permanecer, ficar
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 心 (kokoro) - coração, mente, alma
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the location where something is or takes place
• 残る (nokoru) - permanecer, ficar
• . (ponto final)

柔軟な心が大切です。

Jūnan na kokoro ga taisetsu desu

Uma mente flexível é importante.

O coração flexível é importante.

• 柔軟な - flexível, maleável
• 心 - heart, mind
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

標語は人々の心を動かす力を持つ。

Hyōgo wa hitobito no kokoro o ugokasu chikara o motsu

Slogans have the power to move people's hearts.

The slogan has the power to move people's hearts.

• 標語 - means "slogan" in Japanese.
• は - a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, can be translated as "is".
• 人々 - significa "pessoas" em japonês.
• の - a particle that indicates possession, can be translated as "of".
• 心 - means "heart" in Japanese.
• を - the particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, can be translated as "that".
• 動かす - means "to move" in Japanese.
• 力 - means "strength" in Japanese.
• を - the particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, can be translated as "that".
• 持つ - means "to have" in Japanese.
• . - period that indicates the end of the sentence.

心地がいいですね。

Kokochi ga ii desu ne

Its confortable.

Its confortable.

• 心地 - sensation, comfort
• が - subject particle
• いい - good, pleasant
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね - particle of confirmation or emphasis

心理学は興味深いです。

Shinrigaku wa kyoumi fukai desu

A psicologia é interessante.

A psicologia é interessante.

• 心理学 - psicologia
• は - Topic particle
• 興味深い - interesting
• です - verb to be in the polite form

安心してください。

Anshin shite kudasai

Fique tranquilo.

tenha certeza.

• 安心してください - "Por favor, fique tranquilo"

Explicação das palavras - - 安心 - "tranquilidade, paz de espírito" - して - partícula que indica uma ação, neste caso, "fazer" - ください - "por favor" (forma educada de pedir algo)

人々の心に希望が募る。

Hitobito no kokoro ni kibou ga tsunoru

A esperança cresce nos corações das pessoas.

A esperança é levantada no coração das pessoas.

• 人々の - "pessoas" em japonês
• 心に - "no coração" em japonês
• 希望が - "esperança" em japonês
• 募る - "aumentar, crescer" em japonês

人と心が繋がる。

Hito to kokoro ga tsunagaru

Our hearts are connected with people.

People and hearts are connected.

• 人 - significa "pessoas" em japonês.
• と - is a linking particle in Japanese, which can be translated as "and" or "with".
• 心 - means "heart" or "mind" in Japanese.
• が - is a subject particle in Japanese, which indicates that "heart" is the subject of the sentence.
• 繋がる - is a verb in Japanese that means "to connect" or "to bind".

下降する経済は心配です。

Koukou suru keizai wa shinpai desu

I am worried about the declining economy.

I am worried about the declining economy.

• 下降する - verb that means "to fall," "to decrease," "to diminish"
• 経済 - noun that means "economy"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that what follows is the main subject
• 心配 - noun that means "concern," "anxiety"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present tense of the verb "to be" or "to stay"

中心に集まろう。

Chūshin ni atsumarou

Let's meet downtown.

• 中心 (Chūshin) - means "center" in Japanese
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 集まろう (atsumarou) - a Japanese verb meaning "let's get together"