死生
shisei
The phrase for "life and death" in Japanese is 死生 (shisei).
死生 refers to the concept of existence involving both living and dying.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 死 (death) and 生 (life).
How do you pronounce it?
shisei
Did you know?
- The character for life 生 is also used to describe 'raw' food, such as 生魚 (raw fish). This linguistically links the idea of 'life' with the state of being uncooked.
- The word 死 (death) is considered a 'taboo' word in many social situations. People often use euphemisms or indirect phrases to avoid saying it directly to prevent bringing bad luck.
- In Japanese literature, the order of 'life' and 'death' can change the nuance, whereas the compound 死生 always leads with 'death' despite the English tendency to say 'life and death'.
Examples in context
- 死を迎えることは不可避です。Facing death is inevitable.
- 私たちは彼の死去に心を痛めました。We were saddened by his passing.
- 死生観を学ぶことは大切です。shiseikan o manabu koto wa taisetsu desu.It is important to learn about one's view on life and death.
- 彼は死生について深く考えている。kare wa shisei ni tsuite fukaku kangaete iru.He is thinking deeply about life and death.
- 死生は自然の一部だ。shisei wa shizen no ichibu da.Life and death are a part of nature.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a philosophy lecture at a university.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日の講義は死生についてだったね。kyou no kougi wa shisei ni tsuite datta ne.Today's lecture was about life and death, wasn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、とても深い内容でした。hai, totemo fukai naiyou deshita.Yes, it was a very profound topic.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんはどう感じた？misaki-san wa dou kanjita?How did you feel about it, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misaki自分自身を見つめ直す機会になりました。jibun jishin o mitsumenaosu kikai ni narimashita.It was an opportunity to reflect on myself.
