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

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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)