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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
All living things die. (casual)
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.
Animals and plants are all living things.