Japanese word

生き方

Pronunciation

Romajiikikata

Meaning

  • nounhow to live

Example

これからの生き方を考えます。ko re ka ra no i ki kata o kanga e ma su

I think about how to live from now on.

Illustration for 生き方 (how to live)

More examples

人それぞれに生き方があります。hito so re zo re ni i ki kata ga a ri ma su

Everyone has their own way of life.

Core concept

Describes the principles and choices that shape how a person lives over time.

Common phrases

  • 生き方を考えるi ki kata o kanga e ru

    think about how to live

  • 生き方を変えるi ki kata o ka e ru

    change one's way of life

Similar words

暮らし方kurashikata: The way a person manages daily life, including routines, work, and home.
生き様ikizama: The distinctive way a person lives, showing character and choices over time.

Definition in Japanese

生活や人生を送る際の考え方や行動のあり方。sei katsu ya jin sei o oku ru sai no kanga e kata ya kō dō no a ri kata

Word origin

生き方 (ikikata, "how to live") combines 生きる (ikiru, "to live") in its continuative form 生き (iki, "living") with 方 (kata, "way").

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 生き方 (ikikata) often appears when people discuss work, values, or relationships, and it usually refers to an overall way of living rather than one action.

Other meanings

  • way of lifenoun

Word lists with this word