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

Romaji: ki
Kana:
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:

人類は地球上で最も進化した生物の一つです。

Jinrui wa chikyūjō de mottomo shinka shita seibutsu no hitotsu desu

Humanity is one of the most evolved creatures on earth.

Humanity is one of the most evolved creatures on earth.

  • 人類 (jinrui) - Human race
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 地球上 (chikyuu jou) - in the land
  • で (de) - Location particle
  • 最も (mottomo) - the most
  • 進化した (shinka shita) - evolved
  • 生物 (seibutsu) - Living being
  • の (no) - Possession particle
  • 一つ (hitotsu) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
  • です (desu) - Verb "to be"
九日は私の誕生日です。

Kokonoka wa watashi no tanjoubi desu

The 9th is my birthday.

9th is my birthday.

  • 九日 - day nine
  • は - Topic particle
  • 私 - I
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 誕生日 - birthday
  • です - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"
争いは平和を生み出さない。

Arasoi wa heiwa o umidasanai

The struggle does not produce peace.

The struggle does not produce peace.

  • 争い (arasoi) - dispute, conflict
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 平和 (heiwa) - peace
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 生み出さない (umidasanai) - does not produce, does not generate
争いは平和を生むことはない。

Arasoi wa heiwa o umu koto wa nai

The dispute does not bring peace.

Struggle does not create peace.

  • 争い - means "conflict" or "dispute".
  • は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 平和 - means "peace".
  • を - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 生む - means "to generate" or "to produce".
  • こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
  • は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • ない - negation in Japanese, which means "does not exist" or "is not possible".
亜科の生物は非常に興味深いです。

Akabutsu no seibutsu wa hijō ni kyōmibukai desu

The organisms of the Akabutsu subfamily are very interesting.

Sarquic creatures are very interesting.

  • 亜科 - Subfamily
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 生物 - Living being
  • は - Topic particle
  • 非常に - Very
  • 興味深い - Interesting
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present
一生懸命頑張ります。

Isshoukenmei ganbarimasu

I will do my best.

I will do my best.

  • 一生懸命 - intensely, with every effort
  • 頑張ります - I'll try hard, I'll do my best
一瞬の出来事が人生を変えることもある。

Isshun no dekigoto ga jinsei wo kaeru koto mo aru

A momentary event can also change someone's life.

A momentary event can change life.

  • 一瞬 - means "an instant" or "a moment".
  • の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
  • 出来事 - means "happening" or "event".
  • が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
  • 人生 - means "human life" or "existence".
  • を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 変える - means "to change" or "to transform".
  • こと - abstract noun that indicates an action or event.
  • も - particle indicating inclusion or addition.
  • ある - verb that indicates the existence or presence of something.
この事故の発生は予期せぬものでした。

Kono jiko no hassei wa yokisenu mono deshita

The occurrence of this accident was unexpected.

The occurrence of this accident was unexpected.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
  • 事故 - noun meaning "accident"
  • の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
  • 発生 - noun meaning "occurrence" or "appearance"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 予期せぬ - adjective meaning "unexpected" or "unpredictable"
  • もの - noun meaning "thing" or "object"
  • でした - verb "to be" in the polite past
オートメーションは生産性を向上させるために重要な役割を果たしています。

Ootomeeshon wa seisansei wo koujou saseru tame ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Automation plays an important role in improving productivity.

Automation plays an important role in improving productivity.

  • オートメーション - automation
  • は - Topic particle
  • 生産性 - Productivity
  • を - Direct object particle
  • 向上させる - Improve
  • ために - For
  • 重要な - Important
  • 役割 - Paper
  • を果たしています - Perform
ある人生は一度きりです。

Aru jinsei wa ichido kiri desu

The life we have is unique.

A life is only lived once.

  • ある (aru) - means "to exist" or "to have"
  • 人生 (jinsei) - means "human life"
  • は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 一度 (ichido) - "once"
  • きり (kiri) - means "only" or "just"
  • です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

下車

gesha

Disembarking

教わる

osowaru

be taught

合わせる

awaseru

to get together; face; ; be opposite; to combine; to connect; add; mix; to combine; overlap; to compare; check with

訓練

kunren

practice

心掛け

kokorogake

readiness; intention; aim

Life