自然
shizen[ɕizẽ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word 自然 (shizen) means nature or natural.
As a noun, 自然 refers to the natural world, such as forests, mountains and ecosystems. It is also used to describe things that are unforced, spontaneous or occurring without artificial intervention. The term 自然現象 can be used when discussing natural phenomena or events like rain, wind or earthquakes. The expression 自然と調和する is used to highlight the idea of harmony with nature, and 自然に溶け込む is used to highlight the idea of harmony with nature. The phrase 自然に感謝する reflects the sentiment of expressing gratitude to nature, and 自然を崇拝する reflects the sentiment of reverence for nature. The term 自然界 is used when referring specifically to the natural world or the realm of nature.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters 自 (self/from) and 然 (manner/state), literally meaning 'the state of being as it is' or 'natural state'.
Which one should you use?
The formal term 天然 primarily denotes natural substances and ingredients, whereas the informal term ナチュラル is used in Japanese to describe something natural or in its original state, such as products, lifestyles or personal traits.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'shizen' as an adjective to describe a noun (e.g., 'natural movement'), you must add the particle な to form 自然な (shizen na). To use 'shizen' as an adverb (e.g., 'it happened naturally'), you add に to form 自然に (shizen ni).
How do you pronounce it?
shizen
Did you know?
- A person who is clumsy or unintentionally funny is sometimes called 天然 (tennen), a play on the word for 'natural' that implies they were born that way.
- In Japanese gardens, the goal is to create a 自然 look through an incredibly artificial and meticulously planned process of placing every stone and tree.
- The concept of 自然 is central to Shintoism, where the natural world is believed to be inhabited by kami or spirits, making the word inherently spiritual.
Examples in context
- 私は自然の美しさに心を打たれます。I am deeply moved by the beauty of nature.
- 私は自然界の中で平和を感じます。I feel peace within the natural world.
- この公園は自然がいっぱいで気持ちいいですね。This park is full of nature and feels great, doesn't it?
- 嵐は自然の力を感じさせます。Storms make us feel the power of nature.
- 彼は自然と調和した生活を送っています。He lives in harmony with nature.
- エコライフを実践することは自然保護につながります。Practicing an eco-lifestyle contributes to nature conservation.
- 自然に感謝しながら、森を散歩しましょう。Let's take a walk in the forest while expressing gratitude to nature.
- 自然がとても美しいです。shizen ga totemo utsukushii desu.Nature is very beautiful.
- 自然の中で過ごしたいです。shizen no naka de sugoshitai desu.I want to spend time in nature.
- この地域は自然が豊かです。kono chiiki wa shizen ga yutaka desu.This area is rich in nature.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about a trip to the mountains.
- 陽太 Yota週末は山へ行きませんか？Shūmatsu wa yama e ikimasen ka?Would you like to go to the mountains this weekend?
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。自然に触れたいです。Ii desu ne. Shizen ni furetai desu.That sounds great. I want to be close to nature.
- 陽太 Yota空気がおいしいと思いますよ。Kūki ga oishii to omoimasu yo.I think the air will be refreshing.
- 結衣 Yui楽しみです。準備しましょう。Tanoshimi desu. Junbi shimashō.I'm looking forward to it. Let's get ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 自然, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
