Translation and Meaning of: 資源 - shigen

The Japanese word 資源[しげん] is a term that often appears in discussions about the economy, environment, and even daily news. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the meaning and use of this expression, this article will explore its translation and cultural context. Let's understand how the Japanese perceive this concept and how it applies in different situations.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 資源, we will also see how to memorize it easily and in which contexts it is most used. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or to better understand the Japanese mindset regarding natural and industrial resources, this guide offers practical and relevant information.

The meaning and translation of 資源 [しげん] are "resources."

In direct translation, 資源 means "resource" or "source of raw material." This word is composed of the kanjis 資 (which refers to resources, capital) and 源 (which indicates origin or source). Together, they form a broad term that can refer to both natural resources, such as minerals and water, as well as human and financial resources.

In Japan, the use of 資源 is strongly tied to the scarcity of raw materials in the country, which makes the topic frequently discussed in public policies and debates about sustainability. For example, expressions like 天然資源 (natural resources) and 人的資源 (human resources) are common in corporate and academic vocabulary.

The cultural and everyday use of 資源

In Japan, the awareness of the rational use of 資源 is deeply rooted in the culture. From an early age, children learn in school about the importance of recycling and conscious consumption. This value is reflected in public campaigns and even in animes and mangas that address ecological themes, such as "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" by Hayao Miyazaki.

In addition, in business contexts, the word is often used to discuss efficiency and asset management. Phrases like "資源を無駄にしない" (do not waste resources) are common in workplaces, reinforcing the Japanese mindset of avoiding excess and optimizing processes.

Tips for memorizing and using 資源 correctly

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with practical situations. For example, think about how Japan relies on the import of 資源 (shigen) due to its limited geography. This connection helps to understand why the term is so relevant in the daily lives of the Japanese.

Another tip is to practice with compound expressions, such as 水資源 (water resources) or エネルギー資源 (energy resources). By learning these combinations, you not only expand your vocabulary but also better understand how the word fits into different contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 資産 (shisan) - Assets or goods that have economic value.
  • 資本 (shihon) - Capital or financial resources used in investments.
  • 財源 (zaigen) - Source of financial resources, originating from taxes or other revenues.
  • 資格 (shikaku) - Qualifications or credentials required to perform a specific activity.
  • 資源化 (shigenka) - Transformation process of elements into usable resources.
  • 資源豊富 (shigen houfu) - Abundance of resources, indicating a wide availability.
  • 自然資源 (shizen shigen) - Natural resources, such as water, minerals, and forests.

Related words

エネルギー

enerugi-

(from:) (n) energy (DE: Energie)

物資

bushi

assets; material

燃料

nenryou

fuel

統計

toukei

Statistics

電力

denryoku

Electricity

人材

jinzai

Man of talent

食物

shokumotsu

food; food product

資本

shihon

funds; capital

資産

shisan

property; fortune; means; active

資金

shikin

funds; capital

資源

Romaji: shigen
Kana: しげん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: resources

Meaning in English: resources

Definition: Things used by nature and humans.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (資源) shigen

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (資源) shigen:

Example Sentences - (資源) shigen

See below some example sentences:

鉱山は豊かな地下資源を持っています。

Kōzan wa yutaka na chikashigen'yō o motte imasu

Mines have abundant underground resumes.

The mine has rich underground resources.

  • 鉱山 - everyone
  • は - Topic particle
  • 豊かな - rich
  • 地下 - subterranean
  • 資源 - resources
  • を - direct object particle
  • 持っています - have
鉱物は地球上で見つかる多くの貴重な資源の一つです。

Koumotsu wa chikyuu jou de mitsukaru ooku no kichou na shigen no hitotsu desu

Minerals are one of the many valuable resources found on Earth.

Minerals are one of the many valuable resources found on Earth.

  • 鉱物 - mineral
  • は - Partícula que indica o tópico da frase
  • 地球上 - on Earth
  • で - Article indicating the location where something happens
  • 見つかる - Para ser encontrado
  • 多く - Many
  • の - Partícula que indica posse ou atribuição
  • 貴重な - Valuable
  • 資源 - Recurso
  • の - Partícula que indica posse ou atribuição
  • 一つ - One
  • です - Copula que indica cortesia ou formalidade
農地は大切な資源です。

Nouchi wa taisetsu na shigen desu

Agricultural land is a valuable resource.

Agricultural lands are an important resource.

  • 農地 - arable land
  • は - Topic particle
  • 大切 - important
  • な - adjective particle
  • 資源 - resource
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
水源は大切な自然資源です。

Suigen wa taisetsu na shizen shigen desu

The water source is an important natural resource.

The water source is an important natural resource.

  • 水源 (suigen) - Water source
  • は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
  • 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
  • な (na) - particle that modifies the previous adjective
  • 自然 (shizen) - nature
  • 資源 (shigen) - resource
  • です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form
地下水は大切な資源です。

Chikasui wa taisetsu na shigen desu

Groundwater is an important resource.

Groundwater is an important resource.

  • 地下水 - Groundwater
  • は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 大切な - important
  • 資源 - resource
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
不足な資源が問題です。

Fusoku na shigen ga mondai desu

The lack of resources is a problem.

Insufficient resources are a problem.

  • 不足な - scarcity, lack of
  • 資源 - resources
  • が - subject particle
  • 問題 - problem
  • です - verb to be in the polite form
資源は大切なものです。

Shigen wa taisetsu na mono desu

Resources are important things.

Resources are important.

  • 資源 (shigen) - natural resources
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 大切な (taisetsu na) - important, valuable
  • もの (mono) - thing, object
  • です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

資源