Translation and Meaning of: 生存 - seizon

The Japanese word 生存[せいぞん] is a term that piques curiosity both for its direct meaning and for its cultural implications. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how this word is used in daily life can be quite useful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it appears in different contexts.

Additionally, we will see how 生存[せいぞん] is perceived in the Japanese language, including its frequency of use and practical examples. If you want to memorize this word efficiently or discover how it is applied in real situations, keep reading to find valuable information.

Meaning and usage of 生存 [せいぞん]

The word 生存[せいぞん] can be translated as "survival" or "existence," depending on the context. It is composed of the kanjis 生 (life, to be born) and 存 (to exist, to maintain), which together reinforce the idea of continuing to live or remaining in existence. It is a term frequently used in discussions about biology, philosophy, and even in everyday situations.

A common example of use is in phrases like 生存競争[せいぞんきょうそう], which means "struggle for survival". This type of expression appears in books, news articles, and even in informal conversations when discussing life's challenges. The word carries a more formal tone, but it is not rare or excessively technical.

Origin and writing in kanji

The origin of 生存[せいぞん] dates back to classical Chinese, where the kanjis 生 and 存 were already used together with a similar meaning. In Japan, this combination was adopted and integrated into the vocabulary, keeping its original essence. The reading せいぞん is one of the most common, but it can also appear in compounds with other pronunciations.

It is worth noting that the kanji 生 is one of the most versatile in the Japanese language, appearing in various words related to life and birth. On the other hand, 存 is less common, but still important for expressing the idea of permanence. Memorizing these components can help in understanding not only 生存 but also other terms that utilize them.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 生存[せいぞん] is to associate it with survival situations, such as in movies or documentaries. Thinking of concrete examples like "surviving in the wild" or "ensuring the existence of a species" helps to consolidate the meaning. Furthermore, practicing with simple sentences can make learning more natural.

Another tip is to observe how the word appears in real contexts, such as in articles about ecology or philosophical debates. Often, it comes up in discussions about sustainability or ethics, which can enrich your understanding. If you enjoy animes or dramas, pay attention to dialogues involving themes of life and death – 生存 may appear there as well.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 生命 (Seimei) - Lifeforce or essence of life
• 存在 (Sonzai) - Existence; the state of being present
• 生きること (Ikiru koto) - The act of living; living as an experience
• 生き残り (Ikinokori) - Survival; the act of surviving in adverse situations.

生存

Romaji: seizon
Kana: せいぞん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: existence; to be; survival

Meaning in English: existence;being;survival

Definition: To keep living. To preserve life.

Example Sentences - (生存) seizon

See below some example sentences:

生存は人間にとって最も基本的な欲求の一つです。

Seizon wa ningen ni totte mottomo kihonteki na yokkyū no hitotsu desu

Survival is one of the most basic needs for human beings.

Survival is one of the most basic needs for human beings.

• 生存 - survival
• 人間 - Human being
• にとって - for
• 最も - the most
• 基本的な - fundamental
• 欲求 - wish
• の - of
• 一つ - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• です - is