Japanese word

生計

Pronunciation

Romajiseikei

Meaning

  • nounliving

Example

彼は農業で生計を立てています。kare wa nō gyō de sei kei o ta te te i ma su

He makes a living through farming.

Illustration for 生計 (living)

More examples

物価の上昇で、生計を立てるのが難しくなりました。buk ka no jō shō de sei kei o ta te ru no ga muzuka shi ku na ri ma shi ta

Rising prices have made it difficult to make a living.

Core concept

Means the financial or occupational foundation on which daily living depends.

Common phrases

  • 生計を立てるsei kei o ta te ru

    make a living

Similar words

生活seikatsu: The state and activities of living, including daily routines and personal needs.
暮らしkurashi: Daily life viewed in terms of how a person lives and manages everyday needs.
糊口kokō: The means of obtaining just enough food and money to live.

Definition in Japanese

日々の生活を支える収入や職業などの基盤。hi bi no sei katsu o sasa e ru shū nyū ya shoku gyō na do no ki ban

Word origin

生計 (seikei) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 生 (sei, "life") and 計 (kei, "calculation"), with the combined sense of arranging the means needed for life.

Usage tips

  • The word 生計 (seikei) often describes an ongoing source of support rather than a single payment, which makes it useful in formal discussions of work and income.

Word lists with this word