Translation and Meaning of: 誕生 - tanjyou

The Japanese word 誕生 (たんじょう, tanjou) carries a deep and everyday meaning at the same time. If you are studying Japanese or just interested in Japanese culture, understanding its usage and nuances can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and how this word is perceived in Japan, along with practical tips for memorizing it.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you can find details about 誕生, but here we go beyond simple translation. We will see how it appears in real contexts, from celebrations to formal expressions. Whether to jot down phrases in Anki or to better understand the Japanese language, this guide will help you.

Meaning and use of 誕生

誕生 means "birth" in Japanese, but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. It appears in contexts such as birthdays (誕生日, tanjoubi), product launches, and even the emergence of ideas. Unlike 出生 (shusshou), which is more technical and used in documents, 誕生 has a more celebratory tone.

A common example is the expression 記念すべき誕生 (kinen subeki tanjou), which means "a memorable birth." Phrases like this are used to mark important events, such as the launch of a company or a work of art. It is noticeable that the word carries an emotional weight, often linked to happiness and new beginnings.

Origin and writing of 誕生

The kanji 誕 has the radical 言 (word) and is associated with concepts like "to declare" or "to announce". On the other hand, 生 means "life" or "birth". Together, they convey the idea of "announcing a new life", which explains their use in celebratory contexts. This composition is not random – it reflects how the Japanese language connects meaning and form.

It is worth noting that 誕生 is a word of Chinese origin (kango), but it has been fully incorporated into Japanese. Its kun'yomi (Japanese reading) does not exist, which is common in more formal . If you want to memorize it, focusing on the radicals can help differentiate it from similar words, such as 誕生日 (tanjoubi, birthday).

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to 誕生 is to associate it with happy events. Think of birthday parties or the launch of something new. This emotional connection makes memorization easier. Another tip is to use flashcards with images of babies or candles – the brain retains words better when linked to striking images.

Interestingly, 誕生 is not used only for people. In Japan, it is common to see announcements like "新製品の誕生" (shin seihin no tanjou), which means "the birth of a new product." This metaphorical use shows how the Japanese language values the idea of rebirth and renewal, even in commercial contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 誕生日 (Tanjoubi) - Birthday
• 生誕 (Seitan) - Birth
• 誕生する (Tanjou suru) - born
• 誕生した (Tanjou shita) - Born
• 誕生日を迎える (Tanjoubi o mukaeru) - Celebrar o aniversário
• 生まれる (Umareる) - Come to this world
• 生まれた (Umareta) - Veio ao mundo
• 生まれ出る (Umarediru) - To be born (emphasis on the act of coming to light)
• 生誕祭 (Seitansai) - Birth Festival
• 誕生の瞬間 (Tanjou no shunkan) - Moment of birth
• 誕生の瞬間を迎える (Tanjou no shunkan o mukaeru) - Celebrate the moment of birth
• 誕生の瞬間に生まれる (Tanjou no shunkan ni umareru) - To be born at the moment of birth.
• 誕生の瞬間に生まれた (Tanjou no shunkan ni umareta) - Born at the moment of birth