JLPT · Level 186
15 words
Japanese word
仙
Pronunciation
Romajisen
Meaning
- nounhermit
Example
物語の中で、仙は山に住んでいます。monogatari no naka de sen wa yama ni su n de i ma su
In the story, the hermit lives in the mountains.
More examples
古い絵には、雲の上で仙が静かに暮らす様子が描かれています。furu i e ni wa kumo no ue de sen ga shizu ka ni ku ra su yō su ga ega ka re te i ma su
An old painting depicts a hermit living quietly above the clouds.
Core concept
Describes a person who withdraws from ordinary society and gains extraordinary powers or immortality through spiritual practice.
Similar words
仙人sennin: A legendary hermit believed to possess supernatural powers or eternal life.
神仙shinsen: An immortal being in Daoist tradition with supernatural powers and a divine nature.
隠者inja: A person who chooses a secluded life apart from ordinary society.
Definition in Japanese
世俗を離れて山などに住み、修行によって不老不死や超自然的な力を得た人。se zoku o hana re te yama na do ni su mi shu gyō ni yo tte fu rō fu shi ya chō shi zen teki na chikara o e ta hito
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese noun 仙 (sen, "immortal") comes from the Chinese word xian, referring to a person who attains immortality and supernatural powers through spiritual practice.
Usage tips
- In East Asian art, a 仙 (sen) is often shown with a peach, because peaches are traditional symbols of long life.
Other meanings
- wizardnoun
- immortalnoun