遍在
henzai
The English word 'omnipresent' is translated into Japanese as 遍在 (henzai).
遍在 refers to the state of omnipresence or being everywhere. It is a term most commonly utilized in formal, academic or religious contexts, such as when describing the omnipresence of God or a universal phenomenon.
Meaning: being everywhere (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 遍在 is a formal and abstract noun, the phrase 至る所に is a more common, everyday way to say that something is 'everywhere'.
How do you pronounce it?
henzai
Did you know?
- The word 遍 shares a root with 遍在 and is also used in the term 遍歴, meaning 'wanderings' or 'career history'. This suggests a movement across all possible places rather than just existing in them simultaneously.
- In a Buddhist context, a similar concept of 'omnipresence' is often expressed using the term 遍照, which specifically refers to the light of the Buddha shining everywhere.
- The phrase 至る所に used for 'everywhere' comes from the verb 至る, meaning 'to arrive' or 'to reach'. This frames the idea of being everywhere as a destination that has been reached.
Examples in context
- 宗教の神は無所不在だと信じられています。Gods in religions are believed to be omnipresent.
- この概念は至る所に存在すると言えます。It can be said that this concept exists everywhere.
- 彼女はどこにでもいるよ。She is everywhere, you know.
- あの猫はいたるところにいるみたいだね。That cat seems to be everywhere, right?
- 人の心には無所不在の神が宿っていると考えられてきました。It has been believed that an omnipresent god resides in human hearts.
- 神の遍在を信じる。Kami no henzai o shinjiru.I believe in the omnipresence of God.
- 宇宙における物質の遍在を考える。Uchuu ni okeru busshitsu no henzai o kangaeru.I am considering the omnipresence of matter in the universe.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a philosophy lecture at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki今日の講義は、宇宙の遍在についてだったね。Kyou no kougi wa, uchuu no henzai ni tsuite datta ne.Today's lecture was about the omnipresence of the universe, wasn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね、美咲。すごく難しかったよ。Sou da ne, Misaki. Sugoku muzukashikatta yo.That's right, Misaki. It was very difficult.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君なら、もっと理解できたんじゃない？Ren-kun nara, motto rikai deketa n janai?Don't you think you could understand it better, Ren?
- 蓮 Renいや、僕もかなり苦戦したよ。Iya, boku mo kanari kusen shita yo.No, I struggled quite a bit too.
