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.
彼にとって仕事は存在意義だ。
For him, work is his raison d'être.
芸術は私の存在意義です。
Art is my 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.
彼は自分のレゾンデートルを探している。
He is searching for his raison d'être.
彼女にとって子供が生きがいだ。
Her children are her raison d'être.
趣味が生きがいになっている。
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.
この組織の存在理由は何ですか？
What is the raison d'être of this organization?