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:

生涯を大切に過ごしたい。

Shougai wo taisetsu ni sugoshitai

I want to spend my life in a valuable way.

I want to spend my life carefully.

生涯 - Whole life
を - Direct object particle
大切に - with care, with importance
過ごしたい - Wanting to pass, wanting to live

生け花は美しい芸術です。

Ikebana wa utsukushii geijutsu desu

Fresh flowers are beautiful art.

生け花 - Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangements
は - Topic particle
美しい - beautiful
芸術 - art
です - is

相応しい人生を送りたい。

Sōōshii jinsei o okuritai

I want to live a life that is adequate.

I want to live a proper life.

相応しい (sōōshii) - Adequado, apropriado
人生 (jinsei) - life
を (o) - direct object particle
送りたい (okuritai) - want to send, wish to have

瞬間を逃さずに生きよう。

Shunkan wo nogasazu ni ikiyou

Let's live without losing a single moment.

Let's live without losing the moment.

瞬間 (shunkan) - time
を (wo) - direct object particle
逃さずに (nogasazu ni) - without losing, without letting slip
生きよう (ikiyou) - let's live

私はまだ自分の人生の方向性を模索しています。

Watashi wa mada jibun no jinsei no hōkōsei o mosaku shite imasu

I'm still looking for the direction of my life.

私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
まだ (mada) - adverb meaning "yet"
自分 (jibun) - reflexive pronoun meaning "myself"
の (no) - possessive particle indicating a relationship of ownership
人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
の (no) - connecting particle linking "life" with "方向性"
方向性 (hōkōsei) - noun meaning "direction" or "orientation"
を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
模索しています (mosaku shiteimasu) - compound verb meaning "to search" or "to explore"

私は自分の人生を変えることができます。

Watashi wa jibun no jinsei o kaeru koto ga dekimasu

I can change my own life.

I can change my life.

私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
自分 (jibun) - Japanese reflexive pronoun that means "to oneself."
の (no) - Japanese particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my".
人生 (jinsei) - 生活 (seikatsu)
を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "vida".
変える (kaeru) - Japanese verb that means "to change"
こと (koto) - Japanese noun that indicates an action or event, in this case, "to change."
が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "I"
できます (dekimasu) - できる (dekiru)

私の人生は充実しています。

Watashi no jinsei wa juujitsu shiteimasu

My life is full of achievements.

My life is rewarding.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
の (no) - particle that indicates possession or belonging
人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
充実しています (juujitsu shiteimasu) - Verb "estar" means "to be" and "preenchido/satisfeito" means "filled/satisfied" in the present progressive.

私は友達に人生の重要な決定を諮る必要がある。

Watashi wa tomodachi ni jinsei no juuyou na ketsudan wo hakaru hitsuyou ga aru

I need to consult my friends about the important decisions of life.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
友達 (tomodachi) - noun meaning "friend"
に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case "for the friend"
人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case "of life"
重要な (juuyouna) - Adjective meaning "important"
決定 (kettei) - noun that means "decision"
を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "the decision"
諮る (shiru) - verb that means "to consult"
必要がある (hitsuyou ga aru) - expression that means "to be necessary"

私は神様が私たちの人生を司ると信じています。

Watashi wa kamisama ga watashitachi no jinsei o tsukasadoru to shinjite imasu

I believe God will control our lives.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
神様 (kamisama) - noun that means "god"
が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "god"
私たち (watashitachi) - personal pronoun meaning "we"
の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "our"
人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "life"
司る (tsukasadoru) - verb that means "to govern" or "to control"
と (to) - particle that indicates direct quotation, in this case, "that"
信じています (shinjiteimasu) - verb that means "to believe" or "to have faith" conjugated in the affirmative present