Translation guide
The English word 'life' covers a wide range of meanings, from biological existence to daily living, lifespan, and vitality. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended meaning, helping learners choose the right word for each context.
Referring to life as opposed to death, the condition of a living organism.
The most direct word for 'life' as a vital force or the state of being alive. Often used in philosophical, emotional, or dramatic contexts.
A more scientific or formal term for 'life', often used in biology or when discussing the origin of life.
Means 'living thing' or 'creature'. Not a direct translation of 'life', but used when talking about life forms.
Referring to the period from birth to death, or the experience of living as a person.
Referring to everyday activities, lifestyle, or the circumstances of one's life.
Referring to the quality of being full of life, energy, or spirit.
Means 'liveliness', 'energy', or 'vitality'. Used to describe a place, person, or atmosphere that is full of life.
Referring to life in contrast to theory, art, or fiction; practical experience.
Referring to a player's remaining attempts in a game, or a figurative second chance.
Used in video games for 'lives remaining'. Not used for figurative second chances.
生命の起源について研究している。
I'm researching the origin of life.
地球には多くの生き物がいる。
There are many living things on Earth.
The standard word for 'life' as a human experience, one's lifetime, or the course of one's life. Used in phrases like 'life is short' or 'enjoy life'.
Life is short.
He lived a happy life.
Refers to one's whole life, often used in formal or literary contexts, or when talking about a lifelong commitment or achievement.
He devoted his life to education.
Means 'one's whole life' or 'lifetime'. Common in expressions like '一生に一度' (once in a lifetime).
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The most common word for 'life' in the sense of daily living, lifestyle, or one's living situation. Used in phrases like 'daily life', 'school life', 'cost of living'.
Have you gotten used to life in Japan?
I want to lead a healthy life.
A warmer, more personal word for 'life' or 'living', often implying a sense of daily livelihood or lifestyle. Common in phrases like '田舎暮らし' (country life).
I long for a life in the countryside.
Specifically 'daily life' or 'everyday life'. More formal than 生活 alone.
Is there anything you pay attention to in your daily life?
This town is full of life.
Literally 'life force' or 'vitality'. Often used in a biological or metaphorical sense.
She has a strong life force.
Means 'life', 'spirit', or 'animation'. Often used in negative sentences to describe lack of life.
The life drained from his face.
Means 'real life' or 'actual life', as opposed to fiction or imagination.
That doesn't happen in real life.
Means 'reality'. Often used in phrases like '現実の生活' (real life) or '現実逃避' (escape from reality).
Life is harsh. (Reality is harsh.)
残機がゼロになった。
I ran out of lives.
For figurative 'second life' or 'another chance', use this phrase rather than a direct translation.
Please give me another chance at life. (figurative)
enjoy life (daily living)
enjoy being alive (uncommon, poetic)
The loanword ライフ (raifu) exists but is mainly used in compound words like ライフスタイル (lifestyle) or ライフライン (lifeline). Using it alone to mean 'life' often sounds unnatural. Stick to the native Japanese words above.