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:

結婚は人生の大きな節目です。

Kekkon wa jinsei no ookina fushime desu

Marriage is a big milestone in life.

Marriage is an important milestone in life.

結婚 - wedding
は - Topic particle
人生 - life
の - Possession particle
大きな - large
節目 - March
です - verb ser (polite form)

繊維は私たちの生活に欠かせないものです。

Senshi wa watashitachi no seikatsu ni kakasenai mono desu

Fiber is indispensable to our lives.

繊維 - fiber
は - Topic particle
私たち - we
の - Possession particle
生活 - life
に - target particle
欠かせない - indispensable
もの - thing
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

自在に生きる。

Jizai ni ikiru

Living free.

Live freely.

自在に - freely
生きる - live

自立は人生の大切な目標です。

Jiritsu wa jinsei no taisetsu na mokuhyō desu

Independence is an important goal in life.

自立 - means "independence" or "autonomy".
は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
人生 - means "human life."
の - grammatical particle that indicates the relationship of possession or belonging.
大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
な - grammatical particle indicating an adjective.
目標 - means "objective" or "goal".
です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

舞台は役者たちの人生の一部です。

Butai wa yakushatachi no jinsei no ichibu desu

The stage is part of the lives of actors.

舞台 (butai) - stage
は (wa) - Topic particle
役者 (yakusha) - actors/actresses
たち (tachi) - suffix to indicate plurality
の (no) - Possession particle
人生 (jinsei) - life
の (no) - Possession particle
一部 (ichibu) - part
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

葦は池の周りに生えています。

Ashi wa ike no mawari ni haete imasu

Reeds grow around the lake.

Reeds are growing around the pond.

葦 (ashi) - means "cane" or "reed" in Japanese
は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "ashi"
池 (ike) - means "lake" in Japanese
の (no) - possession particle indicating that the lake is the object of the sentence
周り (mawari) - means "around" in Japanese
に (ni) - location particle indicating where "ashi" is growing
生えています (haeteimasu) - verb meaning "to be growing" or "to be sprouting"