Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'all living things' is often expressed through set phrases or compound words rather than a single direct translation. The most natural choice depends on context: whether you are speaking philosophically, scientifically, or in everyday language.
Referring to all living beings in a broad, often philosophical or spiritual sense.
A literary and somewhat poetic phrase meaning 'all living things'. It emphasizes the universality of life and is often used in philosophical or reflective contexts.
生きとし生けるものはすべて尊い。
All living things are precious.
A Buddhist term for all sentient beings. It carries a strong religious or spiritual connotation and is not used in everyday conversation.
仏はすべての衆生を救う。
The Buddha saves all living beings.
A more modern and neutral way to say 'all living creatures'. It is less poetic than 生きとし生けるもの but still somewhat formal.
あらゆる生き物が地球に存在する。
All living things exist on Earth.
Referring to all organisms in a biological or ecological context.
The standard term for 'living things' or 'organisms' in biology. When used with 'すべての' (all), it means 'all living things' in a scientific sense.
すべての生物は細胞からできている。
All living things are made of cells.
A slightly more conversational way to say 'all living things', using the common word 生き物 (living creature).
生き物すべてに水が必要だ。
All living things need water.
Casually referring to all living creatures in daily speech.
A very natural, colloquial way to say 'all living things'. みんな means 'everyone' or 'all', and is often used for people and animals.
生き物みんなが幸せに暮らせる世界。
A world where all living things can live happily.
Literally 'animals and plants', this phrase is often used to imply 'all living things' in a simple, concrete way.
動物も植物も、みんな生きている。
Animals and plants are all living things.
生き物 (いきもの) is a common, everyday word for 'living creature', often used for animals and sometimes plants. 生物 (せいぶつ) is the scientific term for 'organism' and is used in biology. For 'all living things', 生き物すべて is more conversational, while すべての生物 is more formal and technical.
生き物はみんな死ぬ。
All living things die. (casual)
すべての生物は進化する。
All living things evolve. (scientific)
The direct translation 'すべての生きているもの' is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and wordy. Use the set phrases above instead.