Japanese word

観念

Pronunciation

Romajikannen

Meaning

  • nounconcept

Example

「自由」という観念は文化によって異なります。ji yū to i u kan nen wa bun ka ni yo tte koto na ri ma su

The concept of freedom differs across cultures.

Illustration for 観念 (concept)

More examples

彼は成功についての古い観念を捨てました。kare wa sei kō ni tsu i te no furu i kan nen o su te ma shi ta

He abandoned his old notion of success.

Core concept

Refers to an abstract idea held in the mind that provides a way to understand or interpret something.

Common phrases

  • 観念にとらわれるkan nen ni to ra wa re ru

    be bound by a notion

  • 観念を抱くkan nen o ida ku

    entertain a notion

  • 観念を改めるkan nen o arata me ru

    revise a notion

  • 観念を捨てるkan nen o su te ru

    abandon a notion

Similar words

概念gainen: A general abstract idea that represents a class of things or a relationship between them.
考えkangae: A thought or opinion formed about a subject, event, or situation.

Definition in Japanese

物事について理解したり判断したりするための、心の中の抽象的な考え。mono goto ni tsu i te ri kai shi ta ri han dan shi ta ri su ru ta me no kokoro no naka no chū shō teki na kanga e

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 観念 (kannen) combines 観 (kan, "view") with 念 (nen, "thought"), linking a way of seeing with a mental idea.

Usage tips

  • In conversational Japanese, 観念 (kannen) can make a discussion sound theoretical because it treats an idea as something held in the mind rather than as a temporary thought.

Related words

  • 観念的kannentekiconceptualna-adjective
  • 観念論kannenronidealismnoun
  • 観念化kannenkaconceptualizationnoun

Word lists with this word