Japanese word

精神

Pronunciation

Romajiseishin

Meaning

  • nounspirit

Example

私は強い精神を持っています。watashi wa tsuyo i sei shin o mo tte i ma su

I have a strong spirit.

Illustration for 精神 (spirit)

More examples

自然に触れると、精神が安らぎます。shi zen ni fu re ru to sei shin ga yasu ra gi ma su

Being in nature brings peace to the mind.

Core concept

Describes the inner force and mental attitude that guide a person through thoughts, feelings, and challenges.

Common phrases

  • 精神の安定sei shin no an tei

    mental stability

  • 精神を鍛えるsei shin o kita e ru

    strengthen the spirit

  • 精神が強いsei shin ga tsuyo i

    have a strong spirit

Similar words

気持ちkimochi: A person's current feelings or emotional state.
心kokoro: The inner world of thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

Definition in Japanese

物事を考えたり困難に立ち向かったりする心の働きや力。mono goto o kanga e ta ri kon nan ni ta chi mu ka tta ri su ru kokoro no hatara ki ya chikara

Word origin

精神 (seishin) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 精 (sei, "refinement") and 神 (shin, "spirit"), expressing an inner mental or spiritual force.

Usage tips

  • 精神 (seishin) often points to lasting inner strength or attitude, while 気持ち (kimochi) more often points to a current feeling.

Other meanings

  • mindnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word