自然
shizen[ɕizẽ̞ɴ]
The English word 'nature' is translated into Japanese as 自然 (shizen).
自然 refers to the natural world and its order. It is also used to describe something that is 'natural' in the sense of being unforced or spontaneous.
Meaning: the natural world and its order (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 自 (self) and 然 (state/condition), literally meaning 'the state of being as it is' or 'natural state'.
Which one should you use?
While 自然 refers to the natural world or the concept of nature, it is also used to mean 'natural' in the sense of something being unforced or spontaneous.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the noun 自然 (shizen) as an adjective to describe a noun (e.g., 'a natural movement'), you must add the particle な to form 自然な. Adding the particle に to the noun creates the adverb 自然に, which means 'naturally' or 'automatically' (e.g., 'it happened naturally').
How do you pronounce it?
shizen
Did you know?
- The concept of 自然 is deeply tied to the Shinto belief that spirits, or 'kami', reside in all things in the natural world, from mountains to rocks.
- Japanese speakers often use 自然な to describe a conversation that flows smoothly without awkward pauses, treating social harmony as a form of 'nature'.
- The concept of 'naturalness' in Japanese culture, expressed via 自然, is a central pillar of Zen aesthetics.
Examples in context
- 自然って凄いなぁ。Nature is amazing.This sentence is useful for expressing how amazing nature is using 自然.Tatoeba #11241502 by small_snow, translation #8147305 by Hybrid
- 自然散策が好きです。I like taking walks in nature.This sentence is useful for expressing a liking for walks in nature using 自然.Tatoeba #11928910 by small_snow, translation #7213144 by ddnktr
- 自然は神秘に満ちている。Nature is full of mystery.This sentence is useful for describing nature as being full of mystery using 自然.Tatoeba #2904768 by tommy_san, translation #1216239 by jared1981
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are walking in a park.
- 健太 Kentaここは自然がたくさんあっていいですね。Koko wa shizen ga takusan atte ii desu ne.It's nice that there is so much nature here.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に。空気がとてもきれいです。Hontō ni. Kūki ga totemo kirei desu.It really is. The air is very clean.
- 健太 Kentaたまには自然に触れたいと思っていました。Tama ni wa shizen ni furetai to omotte imashita.I've been wanting to get in touch with nature once in a while.
- 陽葵 Himariいいリフレッシュになりますね。Ii rifuresshu ni narimasu ne.It makes for a good refresh, doesn't it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nature” translations and entries 自然, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
