Translation guide
Expressions for the Buddhist-influenced idea of the impermanent, fleeting nature of the world, often with poetic or philosophical nuance.
To refer to the world as transient, ephemeral, or fleeting, often with a sense of melancholy or Buddhist detachment.
Literally 'the world of impermanence'. A standard Buddhist expression for the transient nature of existence. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
無常の世を生きる。
Living in this transient world.
Originally a Buddhist term meaning 'sorrowful world', but later came to mean 'fleeting world' and is associated with the pleasure-seeking culture of the Edo period. Poetic and slightly old-fashioned.
Literally 'temporary world'. Emphasizes the provisional, transient nature of existence. Common in Buddhist contexts.
Using the adjective はかない (fleeting, ephemeral) to describe the world. More emotional and poetic.
はかない世の中。
This fleeting world.
A more formal Buddhist phrase: 'the world where all things are impermanent'. Used in religious or philosophical discourse.
諸行無常の世の習い。
The way of this world of impermanence.
浮き世の夢。
A dream of this fleeting world.
仮の世の宿り。
A lodging in this transient world.