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.
仮の世の宿り。
A lodging in this transient world.
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.