Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'living thing' is most commonly expressed with 生き物 (ikimono), a general term for living creatures. Depending on context, more specific or formal terms like 生物 (seibutsu) for biological organisms or 命 (inochi) for life itself may be used. This guide helps you choose the right word based on whether you're talking about animals, life in general, or scientific contexts.
Referring to any living creature, especially animals, in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural word for 'living thing' in daily speech. It refers to animals, insects, fish, and sometimes plants, but typically implies creatures that move.
I found various living things in the park.
Keeping a living thing requires responsibility.
A more formal or scientific term for 'living organism'. Used in biology, education, or when emphasizing the distinction between living and non-living things.
We learned about cells in biology class.
Means 'life' as a concept or force. Can be used poetically or philosophically to refer to living things, but not for a specific animal.
All living things are precious.
Referring to living things in a scientific, biological, or academic context.
The standard term in biology for 'organism' or 'living thing'. Used in textbooks, research, and formal discussions.
A diverse range of living things exists on Earth.
Can be used in semi-formal contexts, but sounds slightly less scientific than 生物. Suitable for educational materials aimed at children.
Expressing the abstract idea of life or living beings in a philosophical, spiritual, or poetic way.
Refers to life force, vitality, or the essence of living things. Often used in contexts of respect for life.
Teach the importance of living things.
A formal term for 'life', often used in scientific or philosophical discussions. Can also refer to living things collectively.
生き物 (ikimono) is the everyday word for animals and creatures. 生物 (seibutsu) is the scientific term for organisms, including plants and microorganisms. 命 (inochi) is the abstract concept of life, not a concrete creature. Use 生き物 when you see a bug or pet, 生物 in biology class, and 命 when talking about the value of life.
Let's take care of living things.
Living things are made of cells.
You only live once. (lit. Life is only once.)
While 生き物 can technically include plants, it usually implies animals or moving creatures. If you want to emphasize plants as living things, use 植物 (shokubutsu) or 生物 (seibutsu).
There are many small living things in this pond.
生き物の不思議について話し合った。
We discussed the wonders of living things.
生命の起源について研究している。
I'm researching the origin of living things.