Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Live" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "live", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
生きる
いきる (ikiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
暮らす
くらす (kurasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "live" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 生きる and 暮らす.
In Japanese, 生きる (いきる (ikiru)) is typically associated with "to live, to exist" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb meaning 'to live' or 'to exist'. It is used to describe the state of being alive for living beings.
On the other hand, 暮らす (くらす (kurasu)) maps to "to live; to get along; to spend one's life" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to how one spends their daily life, makes a living, or the general manner of living. Often used with adverbs describing the quality of life. A literal translation of "live" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "生きる"
人間は水がなければ生きられません。
Humans cannot live without water.
Bilingual Context for "暮らす"
彼は田舎で静かに暮らしています。
He lives quietly in the countryside.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人間は水がなければ生きられません。" (Meaning: "Humans cannot live without water.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "生きる" fits here because it means "to live, to exist" in the context of: "Humans cannot live without water.". "暮らす" represents "to live; to get along; to spend one's life".