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:

不規則な生活は健康に悪影響を与える。

Fukisoku na seikatsu wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataeru

An irregular lifestyle negatively affects health.

An irregular life has a negative effect on health.

• 不規則な - irregular
• 生活 - lifestyle
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 健康に - para saúde
• 悪影響を - negative impact
• 与える - dar

不自由な人生を送るのは辛いです。

Fujuyuu na jinsei wo okuru no wa tsurai desu

It is painful to live a crucial life.

• 不自由な - adjective that means "not free," "restricted"
• 人生 - substantive that means "life"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 送る - verb that means "to send"
• の - particle that indicates a nominal phrase
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 辛い - adjective that means "difficult," "painful"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the sentence

両極に振り切れる人生を送りたい。

Ryōkyoku ni furikireru jinsei o okuritai

I want to live a life that can be shaken from both poles.

• 両極 (ryoukyoku) - means "two extremes" or "opposites"
• に (ni) - a particle indicating the direction or target of the action
• 振り切れる (furikireru) - a verb meaning "to go beyond the limits" or "to go beyond the limits"
• 人生 (jinsei) - means "life"
• を (wo) - a particle that indicates the direct object of the action
• 送りたい (okuritai) - a verb meaning "to want to send" or "to want to live"

中継局からの生中継をお楽しみください。

Chūkei kyoku kara no nama chūkei o otanoshimi kudasai

Please enjoy the live broadcast of the relay station.

• 中継局 - estação de retransmissão
• から - of
• の - Possession particle
• 生中継 - Live broadcast
• を - direct object particle
• お楽しみください - please, enjoy

二十日は私の誕生日です。

Nijuunichi wa watashi no tanjoubi desu

The 20th is my birthday.

Twenty days is my birthday.

• 二十日 - means "20th" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 誕生日 - means "birthday" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates a statement or declaration

人生を導く道は自分で決めるものだ。

Jinsei wo michibiku michi wa jibun de kimeru mono da

The way to lead life is to decide on your own.

• 人生 - Life
• を - object particle
• 導く - Guide
• 道 - Path
• は - Topic particle
• 自分 - Yourself
• で - Location particle
• 決める - Decide
• もの - Thing
• だ - Completion particle

体験は人生の宝物です。

Taiken wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Experiences are treasures of life.

Experience is a treasure of life.

• 体験 (taiken) - experience
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 宝物 (takaramono) - treasure
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

例外が発生しました。

Regai ga hassei shimashita

An exception occurred.

Exception occurred.

• 例外 - means "exception" in Japanese.
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 発生 - means "occurrence" or "appearance" in Japanese.
• しました - past form of the verb "suru", which means "to do" or "to occur".

修学は人生を豊かにする。

Shuugaku wa jinsei wo yutaka ni suru

The study enriches life.

Studies enrich life.

• 修学 - means "study" or "learning".
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "修学".
• 人生 - means "human life."
• を - object particle that indicates that "人生" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 豊か - means "rich" or "abundant".
• に - particle that indicates that "豊か" is an adjective that modifies "人生".
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish".

働きは人生の重要な要素です。

Hataraki wa jinsei no juuyou na youso desu

Work is an important element in life.

Work is an important factor in life.

• 働き - work
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人生 - life
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 重要な - important
• 要素 - element
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present