Japanese word

自然界

Pronunciation

Romajishizenkai

Meaning

  • nounthe natural world

Example

自然界は変化し続けています。shi zen kai wa hen ka shi tsuzu ke te i ma su

The natural world keeps changing.

Illustration for 自然界 (the natural world)

More examples

科学は自然界の仕組みを明らかにします。ka gaku wa shi zen kai no shi ku mi o aki ra ka ni shi ma su

Science reveals how the natural world works.

Core concept

Refers to the broad realm of plants, animals, environments, and natural forces rather than things made by people.

Common phrases

  • 自然界の仕組みshi zen kai no shi ku mi

    mechanisms of the natural world

  • 自然界を研究するshi zen kai o ken kyū su ru

    study the natural world

  • 自然界の変化shi zen kai no hen ka

    changes in the natural world

Definition in Japanese

人の手によらずに存在する動植物、地形、気象などの世界。hito no te ni yo ra zu ni son zai su ru dō shoku butsu chi kei ki shō na do no se kai

Word origin

自然界 (shizenkai) is formed from 自然 (shizen, "nature") and 界 (kai, "world" or "realm"), giving the sense of the realm of nature. 自然 combines 自 (ji, "self") and 然 (zen, "so").

Usage tips

  • The phrase natural world is broader than wildlife because it can include landscapes, weather, and other natural processes.

Word lists with this word