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, Suki Nihongo is 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:

先生は私たちに多くを教えてくれました。

Sensei wa watashitachi ni ooku o oshiete kuremashita

The teacher taught us a lot.

先生 (sensei) - Teacher
は (wa) - Topic particle
私たち (watashitachi) - we
に (ni) - target particle
多く (ooku) - very
を (wo) - direct object particle
教えてくれました (oshiete kuremashita) - taught us

利潤は企業の生命線です。

Riritsu wa kigyou no seimeisen desu

Profit is the lifeline of the company.

利潤 (りじゅん) - Profit
は - Topic particle
企業 (きぎょう) - company
の - Possession particle
生命線 (せいめいせん) - lifeline, livelihood
です - verb to be in the present affirmative

厳しい世界で生きる。

Kibishii sekai de ikiru

Living in a harsh world.

Live in a harsh world.

厳しい - means "rigorous" or "severe"
世界 - It means "world".
で - it is a particle that indicates the place or situation in which something happens
生きる - means "to live"

受験は人生の大きな試練です。

Juken wa jinsei no ookina shiren desu

The entrance exam is a big challenge in life.

Taking an exam is a great test of life.

受験 - admission exam
は - Topic particle
人生 - life
の - Possession particle
大きな - large
試練 - challenge, trial
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

吹奏することは私の人生の喜びです。

Fuisō suru koto wa watashi no jinsei no yorokobi desu

Brassing is the joy of my life.

吹奏すること - playing a wind instrument
は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
私 - I
の - grammatical particle that indicates possession
人生 - life
の - grammatical particle that indicates possession
喜び - joy, pleasure
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

問答は人生の一部です。

Mondou wa jinsei no ichibu desu

Questions and answers are part of life.

問答 - "questions and answers"
は - It is a topic marking particle in Japanese.
人生 - Means "life" in Japanese.
の - it is a possessive particle in Japanese.
一部 - "part" in Japanese.
です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.

基本に忠実に生きる。

Kihon ni chūjitsu ni ikiru

Live true to the basics.

Live faithfully to the basics.

基本 - means "foundations" or "basic principles".
に - is a particle that indicates the relationship between two things, in this case, between "基本" and "忠実".
忠実 - means "loyal" or "faithful".
に - again the particle that indicates the relationship between "忠実" and "生きる".
生きる - means "to live".

娯楽は人生に欠かせないものです。

Goraku wa jinsei ni kakasenai mono desu

Entertainment is indispensable to life.