Translation and Meaning of: 生 - ki

The Japanese word 生[き] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and varied uses in the language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its context can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural aspects and practical tips for memorization.

In addition to being a common word in everyday life, 生[き] appears in various expressions and compounds, making it essential for those who wish to communicate naturally. Let’s dive into its origin, uses, and even how it is perceived in Japanese society. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, the I love Japanese. it's an excellent option.

Meaning and origin of 生[き]

The term 生[き] is derived from the kanji 生, which means "life" or "birth." Its reading in hiragana is き (ki), and it often appears in compound words or as part of expressions. Originally, this kanji represents the idea of something alive, fresh, or raw, depending on the context in which it is used.

In the Japanese language, 生[き] can be found in various combinations, such as 生きる (ikiru - "to live") or 生きた (ikita - "alive"). Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where the character also carried meanings related to vitality and existence. This historical connection helps to understand why it remains so relevant today.

Everyday use and practical examples

In daily life, 生[き] is used in situations involving life, energy, or freshness. For example, the word 生き物 (ikimono) means "living being," while 生ビール (nama biiru) refers to unpasteurized beer. These examples show how the term adapts to different contexts without losing its essence.

Another interesting use is in expressions like 生きがい (ikigai), which means "reason for living" or "purpose." This word gained global popularity for representing a Japanese philosophical concept about happiness and personal fulfillment. It can be seen, then, that 生[き] goes beyond the literal meaning, even influencing cultural discussions.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 生[き] is to associate it with words you already know, such as 生きる (ikiru) or 生命 (seimei - "life"). Creating flashcards with practical examples also helps reinforce the term. Another tip is to pay attention to animes or dramas where the word appears, as context aids in understanding.

An interesting fact is that the kanji 生 is one of the most versatile in Japanese, with multiple readings and meanings. It can be read as "sei", "nama", or "ki", depending on the word it is in. This flexibility makes its learning challenging, but also more rewarding when mastered.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

いきる (ikiru) - live
せい (sei) - life; to exist
なま (nama) - raw; fresh
うまれる (umareru) - to be born
しょう (shou) - life (referring to vitality)
しょうじる (shoujiru) - happen; appear (in a life context)
うぶ (ubu) - spring; newborn
なまいき (namaiki) - arrogant; daring (can also refer to a carefree life)
なまごみ (namagomi) - organic waste; organic scraps
なまぐさ (namagusa) - with a strong smell (usually related to something organic)

Related words

生け花

ikebana

1. flower arrangement

生き物

ikimono

living being; animal

生きる

ikiru

to live; exist

生き生き

ikiiki

vividly; cheered up

生かす

ikasu

revive; resurrect; take advantage of

野生

yasei

wild

生やす

hayasu

to grow; grow crops; wear a beard

発生

hassei

outbreak; spring; occurrence; incidence; origin

生える

haeru

to grow; to emerge; cut (teeth)

年生

nensei

student in .... year; student in .... year

生

Romaji: ki
Kana: き
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: pure; undiluted; raw; crude

Meaning in English: pure;undiluted;raw;crude

Definition: Life: It refers to the state of being alive and to life activities.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (生) ki

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (生) ki:

Example Sentences - (生) ki

See below some example sentences:

髪を生やす

kami wo hayasu

Grow hair

髪 (kami) - hair
を (wo) - object particle
生やす (hayasu) - to cultivate, to let grow

都会での生活は忙しいです。

Tokai de no seikatsu wa isogashii desu

Life in the city is hectic.

City life is busy.

都会 (tokai) - means big city or metropolis
で (de) - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
生活 (seikatsu) - means everyday life or lifestyle
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
忙しい (isogashii) - means busy or agitated
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

生産は経済の基盤です。

Seisan wa keizai no kiban desu

Production is the basis of the economy.

生産 - produção
は - Topic particle
経済 - economy
の - Possession particle
基盤 - base/foundation
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

教訓を生かすことが大切です。

Kyōkun o ikasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to build on the lessons learned.

It is important to take advantage of the lessons.

教訓 - lesson learned
を - object particle
生かす - take advantage of, use
こと - noun maker
が - subject particle
大切 - important
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

文化は人々の生活に欠かせないものです。

Bunka wa hitobito no seikatsu ni kakasenai mono desu

Culture is essential to people's lives.

Culture is indispensable to people's lives.

文化 (bunka) - culture
人々 (hitobito) - people
生活 (seikatsu) - life, way of life
欠かせない (kakasenai) - indispensable, essential
もの (mono) - thing
です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

学問は人生の宝物です。

Gakumon wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Knowledge is a treasure in life.

Academic is a treasure of life.

学問 - means "study" or "knowledge acquired through study".
は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "study".
人生 - means "human life."
の - possession particle, indicating that "human life" is the possessor of the treasure.
宝物 - means "treasure".
です - verb to be in the present tense, indicating that "study" is a treasure in human life.