Translation and Meaning of: 暮らす - kurasu

The Japanese word 暮らす[くらす] is an essential verb for anyone who wants to understand everyday life in Japan or immerse themselves in the Japanese language. Its main meaning is "to live" or "to spend time," but it carries nuances that reflect habits, routines, and even life philosophies. In this article, we will explore its practical use, cultural context, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being common in everyday conversations, 暮らす appears in expressions that reveal how the Japanese view life. If you've studied Japanese, you know that small details make a difference — and this verb is a great example of that. Let's uncover everything from its writing to situations where it naturally occurs.

Meaning and usage of 暮らす in daily life

暮らす goes beyond just "to live." It describes the act of leading a life, with an emphasis on the environment and routine. While 住む[すむ] refers to "to reside" in a place, 暮らす encompasses habits, sustenance, and even the emotional climate of those living there. For example, saying "田舎で暮らす" is not just "to live in the countryside," but rather "to lead a life in the countryside," with all that it implies.

An interesting detail is that 暮らす often appears with adverbs or expressions that define the quality of life. Phrases like "幸せに暮らす" (to live happily) or "静かに暮らす" (to live quietly) are common. This characteristic shows how the verb is linked to the subjective perception of time and space.

The kanji 暮らす and its relation to time

The kanji 暮, present in 暮らす, is a visual clue about its meaning. It combines the radicals of "sun" (日) and "grass" (艸), suggesting the idea of "the sun setting among the plants" — that is, the end of the day. This image refers to the passage of time in daily life, reinforcing the concept of life as a series of days that come to an end.

Scholars of ancient Japanese point out that 暮れる (kureru, "to darken") and 暮らす (kurasu) share the same etymological root. This connection explains why 暮らす carries the idea of "managing day-to-day life." The kanji was not chosen by chance: it reflects a cultural view where life and the natural rhythm are intertwined.

Tips for memorizing and using 暮らす correctly

A practical way to remember 暮らす is to associate it with scenes from daily life. Think of activities like cooking, taking care of the house, or enjoying simple moments. These images match perfectly with the verb, as it is rarely used for big events but rather for daily flow. Write down sentences like "ここで十年暮らした" (I lived here for ten years) to see the verb in context.

Avoid confusing 暮らす with 生活する (seikatsu suru), which also means "to live" but has a more formal and administrative tone. While 生活する appears in documents or discussions about the cost of living, 暮らす is more personal and everyday. This subtle difference is crucial to sounding natural when speaking Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 暮らす

暮らす Ichidan verb
live (polite form)
living
暮らした - lived
暮らせる - can live

Synonyms and similar words

生活する (Seikatsu suru) - To live, to have a daily life.
居住する (Kyoju suru) - To reside, to inhabit in a specific place.
住む (Sumu) - To live in a place, to reside.
住居する (Jukyo suru) - To have a residence, to live.
暮す (Kurasu) - To live, to spend the day; emphasizes the aspect of living daily life.
暮らしをする (Kurashi wo suru) - Living a life; it refers to the act of living in a practical sense.
暮らしを営む (Kurashi wo itonamu) - Manage a life; it emphasizes the maintenance of daily life.
暮らしを立てる (Kurashi wo tateru) - Establishing a life; suggests building a stable life.
日々を過ごす (Hibi wo sugosu) - Spending days; living day by day.
日常生活を送る (Nichijo seikatsu wo okuru) - Lead daily life; emphasizes the daily routine.
家庭を持つ (Katei wo motsu) - Having a family implies having family responsibilities.
家庭生活をする (Katei seikatsu wo suru) - Living family life; it refers to the family routine.
家庭を営む (Katei wo itonamu) - Managing a family; emphasizes the administration and care of a home.
家庭を築く (Katei wo kizuku) - Building a family refers to the process of forming a home.
家庭を守る (Katei wo mamoru) - Protecting the family means ensuring family well-being.
家庭を支える (Katei wo sasaeru) - Support for the family; emphasizes the role of supporting family members.
家庭を維持する (Katei wo iji suru) - To maintain a family; refers to the continuity of family life.