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:

私の出生地は東京です。

Watashi no shussei chi wa Tokyo desu

My birthplace is Tokyo.

私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
の - particle of possession which indicates that the noun that comes before it belongs to the personal pronoun "I"
出生地 - noun meaning "birthplace" in Japanese
は - topic particle that indicates that the noun that comes before it is the subject of the sentence
東京 - noun meaning "Tokyo" in Japanese, the capital of Japan
です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates that the place of birth is Tokyo

私の同級生はとても親切です。

Watashi no doukyuusei wa totemo shinsetsu desu

My classmates are very kind.

私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
同級生 - noun that means "classmate"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
とても - adverb meaning "very"
親切 - adjective that means "kind, gentle"
です - verb "to be" in the present, equivalent to "is"

私は高校生です。

Watashi wa koukousei desu

I am a high school student.

私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
高校生 - noun that means "high school student"
です - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject (in this case, "to be")

私たちはゆとりを持って生きることが大切だと思います。

Watashitachi wa yutori o motte ikiru koto ga taisetsu da to omoimasu

I think it's important to live with lots of space.

私たち - 「私たち」
は - Japanese topic particle
ゆとり - "Space" or "Margin" in Japanese
を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
持って - "Have" or "Keep" in Japanese
生きる - "Viver" in Japanese
こと - nominal particle in Japanese
が - Subject particle in Japanese.
大切 - "importante" in Japanese
と - Japanese quotation particle
思います - "Think" in Japanese (polite form)

私たちの人生は常に変わるものです。

Watashitachi no jinsei wa tsuneni kawaru mono desu

Our life is always changing.

私たちの - 私たち
人生 - "Life" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
常に - Always in Japanese
変わる - "change" in Japanese
もの - "thing" in Japanese
です - The verb "to be" in Japanese in its polite form.

私たちの人生は常に移り変わっています。

Watashitachi no jinsei wa tsuneni utsuri kawatte imasu

Our lives are always changing.

Our life is always changing.

私たちの - personal pronoun plural that means "our"
人生 - substantive that means "life"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
常に - adverb meaning "always"
移り変わっています - verb that means "to change" or "to float" conjugated in the present continuous

私たちは使命を果たすために生まれてきた。

Watashitachi wa shimei o hatasu tame ni umarete kita

We were born to fulfill our mission.