Translation and Meaning of: 生命 - seimei

The Japanese word 生命[せいめい] carries a deep and philosophical meaning, often associated with the essence of existence. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage in everyday Japanese, as well as cultural curiosities that help to understand how this expression is perceived in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding 生命 will enrich your vocabulary and your comprehension of the Japanese mindset.

In addition to being a common word in medical and scientific contexts, 生命 also appears in discussions about ethics, religion, and even in works of fiction. We will see how it differs from similar and what are the best ways to memorize it. If you have used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know that it is a great resource for learning words like this in a precise and contextualized manner.

Meaning and translation of 生命[せいめい]

生命[せいめい] can be translated as "life," but its meaning goes beyond the biological sense. While words like 人生[じんせい] (human life) or 生活[せいかつ] (daily life) focus on specific aspects, 生命 refers to life as a universal concept, encoming everything from living organisms to the vital force that sustains them. It is commonly seen in contexts such as bioethics, medicine, and philosophy.

In Buddhist texts, for example, 生命 is often associated with the idea of reincarnation and interdependence among beings. In science, it appears in like 生命科学[せいめいかがく] (life science) or 生命維持装置[せいめいいじそうち] (life device). This versatility makes it an essential word for anyone looking to master Japanese in various fields.

Origin and writing in kanji

生命 is composed of two kanjis: 生 (life, to be born) and 命 (destiny, life). Together, they reinforce the notion of existence and vitality. The first kanji, 生, is one of the most basic in the Japanese language and appears in words like 学生[がくせい] (student) and 誕生日[たんじょうび] (birthday). On the other hand, 命 has a more solemn tone, being used in expressions like 運命[うんめい] (fate) and 命令[めいれい] (order).

Interestingly, 生命 is not an ancient word – its usage became popular during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan began adopting Western scientific . Before that, concepts related to life were often expressed with words like いのち (life, in a more emotional sense) or 命[めい] (used in more literary contexts). This historical evolution shows how the Japanese language absorbs and adapts external influences.

Cultural usage and memorization tips

In Japan, 生命 is a word that carries significant ethical weight. Discussions about abortion, euthanasia, and stem cell research often use this term to debate the value of life. In anime and manga, it appears in plots that explore existential themes, such as in "Fullmetal Alchemist," where the artificial creation of human life is one of the central points of the story.

To memorize 生命, a useful tip is to associate it with situations where life is at stake, such as in hospitals or philosophical debates. Another strategy is to create flashcards with real examples, like the phrase "生命は大切です" (Life is precious). Repeating these associations helps to solidify not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is used.