Translation guide
A person's or thing's reason for being; the most important purpose or meaning in life or existence.
Expressing the fundamental purpose or meaning of one's life or existence.
Literally 'meaning of existence'. This is the most direct and common translation for 'raison d'être', used in both formal and everyday contexts.
For him, work is his raison d'être.
A sense of purpose in life; something that makes life worth living. Often used for personal fulfillment, hobbies, or relationships.
Direct loanword from French. Used in intellectual or literary contexts, but not common in everyday speech.
He is searching for his raison d'être.
Art is my raison d'être.
彼女にとって子供が生きがいだ。
Her children are her raison d'être.
My hobby has become my raison d'être.
Literally 'reason for existence'. Slightly more formal and analytical than 存在意義. Often used in philosophical or organizational contexts.
What is the raison d'être of this organization?