Japanese Conversation · Level 120
60 words
Japanese word
健在
Pronunciation
Romajikenzai
Meaning
- na-adjectivealive and well
Example
祖父は今も健在です。so fu wa ima mo ken zai de su
My grandfather is still alive and well.
More examples
その作家は八十歳を過ぎても健在です。so no sak ka wa hachi jū sai o su gi te mo ken zai de su
That author is still active even after turning eighty.
Core concept
Shows that a person or thing continues to be present and in good condition, often with its former strength or influence.
Common phrases
今も健在ですima mo ken zai de su
still alive and well
なお健在ですna o ken zai de su
still going strong
Similar words
元気genki: In good health and full of physical or mental energy.
存命zonmei: Still alive, especially when a person's continued life is being stated as a fact.
盛んsakan: Active and flourishing, with a high level of activity or influence.
活発kappatsu: Energetic and actively moving, speaking, or developing.
Definition in Japanese
人や物が元気な状態を保ち、今も変わらず存在しているさま。hito ya mono ga gen ki na jō tai o tamo chi ima mo ka wa ra zu son zai shi te i ru sa ma
Word origin
健在 (kenzai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 健 (ken, "healthy") and 在 (zai, "be present"), linking good condition with continued presence.
Usage tips
- Although 健在 (kenzai) can describe health, it also applies to a skill, tradition, or influence that remains strong, which makes still active a useful translation.
Other meanings
- still activena-adjective
Opposites
- 死亡shibōdeathnoun
Related words
- 健在ぶりkenzaiburicontinued vitalitynoun