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.
公園でいろいろな生き物を見つけた。
I found various living things in the park.
生き物を飼うのは責任がいる。
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.
生物の授業で細胞について学んだ。
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.
すべての命は尊い。
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.
地球上には多様な生物が存在する。
A diverse range of living things exists on Earth.
この池には小さな生物がたくさんいる。
There are many small living things in this pond.
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.
命の大切さを教える。
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.
生き物を大切にしよう。
Let's take care of living things.
生物は細胞からできている。
Living things are made of cells.
命は一度きりだ。
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).
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.