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)

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.

Example Sentences - (生) ki

See below some example sentences:

新入生は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかることがあります。

Shinnyūsei wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakaru koto ga arimasu

New students can take time to get used to a new environment.

• 新入生 - "new students"
• は - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "new students".
• 新しい - means "new" in Japanese.
• 環境 - It means "environment" in Japanese.
• に - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or target of the action, in this case "to" the new environment.
• 慣れる - It means "to get used to" in Japanese.
• のに - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a condition or a reason, in this case "to" get used to the new environment.
• 時間 - "tempo" means "time" in Japanese.
• がかかる - it's a Japanese expression that means "to take time" or "to be necessary time".
• こと - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates an action or an event, in this case "to take time".
• あります - It is a polite way to say "there is" or "there are" in Japanese.

旅は人生の宝物です。

Tabi wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Travel is a treasure in life.

Travel is a treasure of life.

• 旅 - "viagem" em japonês significa 旅行 (りょこう, ryokou).
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 人生 - Means "life" in Japanese.
• の - It is a grammatical particle that indicates possession or relation.
• 宝物 - means "treasure" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.

普通の人生を送りたいです。

Futsū no jinsei o okuritai desu

I want to live an ordinary life.

I want to live a normal life.

• 普通の - adjective meaning "normal"
• 人生 - substantive that means "life"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 送りたい - Verb in the desiderative form that means "want to send"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the sentence

有りのままで生きる

arino mamade ikiru

Live as if it is

Live as it is

• 有り - means "to exist" or "to be present".
• の - a grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship.
• まま - It means "as it is" or "in the current condition."
• で - a grammatical particle that indicates the means or the way something is done.
• 生きる - means "to live".

正に生きる。

Seikini ikiru

Live positively.

Live to the right.

• 正 - means "correct" or "fair" in Japanese.
• に - It is a particle that indicates the means or the way in which something is done.
• 生きる - signifies "to live" in Japanese.

The phrase "正に生きる" can be translated as "to live correctly" or "to live justly."

気楽に生きる。

kiraku ni ikiru

Live relaxed in a relaxed way.

Live comfortably.

• 気楽 (kiraku) - means "relaxed" or "carefree"
• に (ni) - a part750cle that indicates the way something is done
• 生きる (ikiru) - means "to live"

生きることは素晴らしいことです。

Ikiru koto wa subarashii koto desu

Living is a wonderful thing.

Living is great.

• 生きること - live
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• こと - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

生死をかける

Seishi wo kakeru

It means "risking one's life" or "throwing everything on the table".

Be life -and -death

• 生 - Life
• 死 - Death
• を - object particle
• かける - Bet, risk

生理現象は女性にとって必要なものです。

Seiri genshō wa josei ni totte hitsuyōna mono desu

Physiological phenomena are necessary for women.

• 生理現象 - physiological phenomenon
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Women
• にとって - for
• 必要な - necessary
• もの - thing
• です - is

生物は自然界の多様性を表しています。

Seibutsu wa shizenkai no tayousei wo arawashite imasu

Living beings represent the diversity of nature.

Creatures represent the diversity of nature.

• 生物 - Japanese word meaning "living beings"
• は - grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 自然界 - Japanese word meaning "natural world"
• の - Japanese grammatical particle indicating possession or relationship
• 多様性 - Japanese word meaning "diversity"
• を - grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 表しています - Japanese verb meaning "to represent"