献身
kenshin
The English phrase "devotion" is translated into Japanese as 献身 (kenshin).
献身 carries the meaning of dedicated commitment, self-sacrifice and devoting oneself entirely. The kanji 忠 means loyalty or faithfulness, 誠 means sincerity or truth and the term 忠義 combines the characters for loyalty and justice. The term 熱愛 is often used to express passionate or intense romantic love.
Meaning: feelings of strong or fervent affection, dedication (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 献 (ken), meaning 'to offer' or 'present' and 身 (shin), meaning 'body' or 'self'.
Which one should you use?
While 献身 implies a sense of duty or self-sacrifice, the word 愛 is more commonly used for general feelings of affection or love.
How do you pronounce it?
kenshin
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the concept of devotion is often expressed through the verb 尽くす (tsukusu), which literally means 'to exhaust' or 'to use up', implying that devotion is the process of emptying oneself for another.
- The character 献 is also used in the word 献金 (donation), framing the act of devotion as a 'gift' or 'offering' similar to a religious or charitable contribution.
- Unlike the English 'devotion', which can be used for a hobby or a sports team, 献身 is rarely used for casual interests and is reserved for high-stakes commitments like medicine, nursing or parenting.
Examples in context
- 彼は仕事に対する忠誠心がとても高いです。He has a great sense of devotion to his work.
- 彼女は組織に対して献身的な態度を持っています。She holds a devoted attitude towards the organization.
- 友情は本当に大切で、忠義を重んじるべきです。Friendship is truly important, and one should value loyalty.
- 彼は彼女に対して熱愛の情を抱いています。He holds deep devotion for her (romantically).
- 彼の仕事への献身は素晴らしい。Kare no shigoto e no kenshin wa subarashii.His devotion to work is wonderful.
- 彼女の献身に深く感動した。Kanojo no kenshin ni fukaku kandou shita.I was deeply moved by her devotion.
- 彼は患者への献身を誓った。Kare wa kanja e no kenshin o chikatta.He vowed devotion to his patients.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are discussing a coworker's recent promotion.
- 結衣 Yui彼の献身が認められたのね。Kare no kenshin ga mitomerareta no ne.His devotion has finally been recognized, hasn't it?
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、彼は本当に努力家だ。Sou da ne, kare wa hontou ni doryokuka da.That's true, he is a very hardworking person.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんも彼を見習うべきよ。Hiroto-san mo kare o narau beki yo.You should follow his example too, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかっているよ、頑張るよ。Wakatte iru yo, ganbaru yo.I know, I'll do my best.
