使命感
Sense of mission; commitment.
使命感 in 30 Sekunden
- A profound sense of mission or calling to fulfill a significant role.
- Commonly used for professionals like doctors, teachers, and public servants.
- Implies a proactive, internal drive rather than a forced obligation.
- A key concept in Japanese professional ethics and dedication.
The Japanese word 使命感 (shimeikan) is a profound noun that translates most accurately to a 'sense of mission,' 'sense of duty,' or 'commitment to a calling.' It is composed of three kanji: 使 (shi) meaning 'to use' or 'to send,' 命 (mei) meaning 'life' or 'command/decree,' and 感 (kan) meaning 'feeling' or 'sense.' Together, they describe an internal psychological state where an individual feels they have been 'entrusted with a life-command' or a significant purpose that transcends personal gain. This word is not used for mundane tasks like grocery shopping or finishing homework; rather, it is reserved for professional, social, or moral contexts where the stakes involve the well-being of others or the fulfillment of a higher ideal. In Japanese society, shimeikan is often viewed as the pinnacle of professional ethics, particularly in fields like medicine, disaster relief, education, and public service. When someone says they are driven by 使命感, they are signaling that their motivation comes from a deep-seated belief that their work is necessary for the world. This concept is closely linked to the idea of ikigai (a reason for being) and tenshoku (a calling or 'heaven-sent job').
- Core Nuance
- It represents an intrinsic motivation born from a sense of responsibility toward society or a specific noble goal, rather than extrinsic rewards like money or fame.
彼は医師としての強い使命感を持って、過疎地の医療に従事している。(He is engaged in medical care in depopulated areas with a strong sense of mission as a doctor.)
Historically, the term shimei (mission) has roots in the concept of 'Tenmei' or the Mandate of Heaven, where leaders or individuals were believed to be chosen by a higher power to fulfill a specific role on earth. Adding kan (sense/feeling) internalizes this external mandate, making it a personal conviction. In a corporate context, a company's 'Mission Statement' is called shimei, but a worker's personal drive to achieve that mission is shimeikan. It is the fuel that keeps a firefighter running into a burning building or a scientist working late into the night to find a cure. It is often described as 'burning' (moeru) or 'overflowing' (afureru) within a person. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the Japanese value of kenkyo (humility) combined with jitsugen (realization of goals); one does not brag about having a shimeikan, but rather, others observe it through one's tireless dedication. It is a word of high praise and deep respect.
- Common Contexts
- Medical professionals, social activists, teachers, police officers, and humanitarian workers.
教育者としての使命感が、彼を支えている。(His sense of mission as an educator supports him.)
Using 使命感 (shimeikan) correctly involves pairing it with specific verbs that describe the state of one's feelings. The most common verb is motsu (to have/hold), but to sound more natural and expressive, Japanese speakers often use more dynamic verbs. For example, shimeikan ni moeru (to burn with a sense of mission) suggests a passionate, active dedication. Conversely, shimeikan ni karareru (to be driven by a sense of mission) implies an almost irresistible urge to take action, as if the mission itself is compelling the person forward. Because shimeikan is a positive trait, it is frequently modified by adjectives like tsuyoi (strong), atsui (hot/passionate), or takai (high). It is important to note that this word functions as a noun, so it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, or as part of a compound phrase like shimeikan o motte (carrying a sense of mission).
- Grammar Pattern: [Noun] + としての + 使命感
- This pattern is used to specify the role from which the sense of mission arises. Example: 警察官としての使命感 (A sense of mission as a police officer).
彼は強い使命感に駆られて、ボランティア活動を始めた。(Driven by a strong sense of mission, he started volunteer activities.)
In formal writing, such as business reports or biographies, shimeikan is used to justify why certain difficult decisions were made. It provides a moral grounding for actions that might otherwise seem taxing or dangerous. For instance, 'The pilot stayed with the plane until the last second out of a shimeikan to protect the passengers.' In this sense, it is more than just 'duty' (gimu); it is a duty that the person has fully embraced as their own. When describing someone else, using shimeikan is a form of high praise, suggesting they are a person of high character and integrity. However, it is rarely used in the negative form (e.g., 'I don't have a sense of mission') because admitting a lack of shimeikan in a professional role is often seen as a significant personal failing. Instead, one might say they are 'searching for their mission' (shimei o sagashite iru).
プロとしての使命感を忘れてはいけない。(We must not forget our sense of mission as professionals.)
You will encounter 使命感 (shimeikan) in various high-stakes and inspirational environments in Japan. One of the most common places is in documentary programs like NHK's 'Professional: Shigoto no Ryuugi' or 'Project X,' where individuals who have overcome great odds to achieve something for the public good are interviewed. In these shows, the narrator often attributes the subject's persistence to their shimeikan. It is also a staple of Japanese news reports during natural disasters, describing the tireless efforts of the Self-Defense Forces, firefighters, and medical staff. In the workplace, during 'Shuunyuu-shiki' (company entrance ceremonies), high-ranking executives often exhort new employees to develop a shimeikan towards the company's contribution to society. It is a word that bridges the gap between individual effort and social contribution.
- Media Usage
- Often heard in heroic anime or dramas where the protagonist realizes their destiny or duty to protect others.
「私にはこの街を守る使命感がある！」("I have a sense of mission to protect this city!")
In the political sphere, candidates often use shimeikan in their speeches to express their dedication to their constituents. They might say, 'I stand here today driven by a shimeikan to revitalize our economy.' Similarly, in academic settings, professors may speak of the shimeikan of research—the duty to uncover the truth for the betterment of humanity. Even in sports, particularly for national team athletes (Japan National Team, often called 'Samurai Japan' or 'Nadeshiko Japan'), the pressure of representing the country is often framed as a shimeikan. It is a word that elevates a simple job or task into something noble and significant. If you are watching a Japanese drama about doctors (like 'Doctor-X' or 'Code Blue'), listen for this word when the characters discuss why they refuse to give up on a patient. It is the emotional anchor of many Japanese narratives about work and sacrifice.
報道陣としての使命感を持って真実を伝える。(Conveying the truth with a sense of mission as a member of the press.)
While 使命感 (shimeikan) is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with other types of 'feelings' or 'responsibilities.' The most common error is using it for trivial personal goals. For example, saying you have a shimeikan to finish a video game or to go to the gym is inappropriate and sounds melodramatic or sarcastic. Shimeikan requires a 'mission' (shimei) that has social or moral weight. If the goal only benefits you, it is better to use words like yoku-yoku (desire) or simply yaruki (motivation). Another mistake is confusing it with sekininkan (sense of responsibility). While they are related, sekininkan is about fulfilling a promise or avoiding failure in a task you were given, whereas shimeikan is a proactive, internal drive to achieve a larger purpose.
- Mistake: Shimeikan vs. Sekininkan
- Sekininkan is 'I must do this because it's my job/duty.' Shimeikan is 'I must do this because I believe it is my purpose.'
× 今日の宿題を終わらせる使命感がある。(Incorrect: Too trivial for shimeikan.)
Another nuance to be careful of is the level of formality. Shimeikan is a 'stiff' word (kango). Using it in very casual conversation with friends can make you sound like an anime character or someone who takes themselves far too seriously. In casual settings, words like atsui omoi (passionate feelings) or kodawari (obsession/dedication) are more common. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse shimei (the mission itself) with shimeikan (the feeling of having a mission). You 'fulfill' a shimei (shimei o hatasu), but you 'act out of' a shimeikan (shimeikan kara koudou suru). Mixing these up can lead to grammatically awkward sentences. Finally, be aware that having 'too much' shimeikan can sometimes be portrayed negatively in Japanese media as being overzealous or self-sacrificing to a fault, leading to burnout.
- Comparison Table
- 使命感: Noble/Social Calling | 責任感: Duty/Accountability | 義務感: Obligation (often feels forced).
To truly master 使命感 (shimeikan), it is helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in flavor. The most direct alternative is 責任感 (sekininkan), which means 'sense of responsibility.' While shimeikan is proactive and vision-driven, sekininkan is often reactive—ensuring that nothing goes wrong and that one's duties are met. Another related term is 義務感 (gimukan), or 'sense of obligation.' Unlike shimeikan, which is usually positive and self-motivated, gimukan can have a negative connotation of doing something only because one has to, often feeling like a burden. If you want to emphasize a person's strong will or ambition, you might use 志 (kokorozashi), which means 'aspiration' or 'will.' While shimeikan is the feeling of being called, kokorozashi is the internal resolve to achieve something great.
- Word: 志 (Kokorozashi)
- Focuses on the individual's ambition and high aims. 'He has high aspirations (kokorozashi ga takai).'
彼は単なる義務感ではなく、使命感からその仕事を引き受けた。(He took on that job not out of a simple sense of obligation, but out of a sense of mission.)
In more modern or business-oriented contexts, you might hear オーナーシップ (ownership), a loanword used to describe taking full responsibility for a project as if it were one's own. However, ownership is more about efficiency and results, whereas shimeikan is more about the moral 'why.' For a more spiritual or life-purpose angle, 天職 (tenshoku)—meaning 'vocation' or 'calling'—is used to describe the job itself, while shimeikan is the feeling you have while doing that job. Lastly, 正義感 (seigikan), or 'sense of justice,' is a specific type of shimeikan often used for police officers or activists who are driven by a desire to right a wrong. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize duty, passion, ambition, or social contribution.
- Alternative: 責務 (Sekimu)
- A formal word for 'duty' or 'responsibility' often used in legal or official contexts.
Wusstest du?
The 'Mei' in Shimeikan is the same 'Mei' as in 'Inochi' (life), suggesting that a mission is something you give your life to.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'mei' like 'me' (short e). It should be a long 'e' sound.
- Stressing the 'kan' like 'CAN' in English. Keep it soft and flat.
- Merging 'shi' and 'mei' too quickly. Each kanji should be clear.
- Misreading 'mei' as 'my'.
- Over-nasalizing the final 'n'.
Beispiele nach Niveau
彼は強い使命感を持っています。
He has a strong sense of mission.
Simple [Noun] + を持っています structure.
使命感は大切です。
A sense of mission is important.
A is B structure using [Noun] + は + [Adjective] + です.
医者には使命感があります。
Doctors have a sense of mission.
Using 'ni wa' to show possession/existence in a role.
彼女の使命感はすごいです。
Her sense of mission is amazing.
Possessive 'no' + 'sugoi' (amazing).
使命感を持って働きます。
I work with a sense of mission.
Using 'motte' (holding/with) as a connector.
みんな使命感がありますか？
Does everyone have a sense of mission?
Question form with 'ka'.
この仕事には使命感が必要です。
A sense of mission is necessary for this job.
Using 'hitsuyou' (necessary).
彼は使命感で動いています。
He moves (acts) out of a sense of mission.
Using 'de' to show the reason/motivation.
強い使命感を持って、毎日頑張っています。
Holding a strong sense of mission, I am doing my best every day.
Adjective 'tsuyoi' modifying the noun.
看護師としての使命感を感じます。
I feel a sense of mission as a nurse.
[Role] + Toshite no + [Noun].
彼は使命感がある人です。
He is a person who has a sense of mission.
Noun modification clause 'shimeikan ga aru'.
使命感があれば、辛い仕事もできます。
If you have a sense of mission, you can do hard work too.
Conditional 'ba' form.
彼女は使命感に燃えています。
She is burning with a sense of mission.
Metaphorical use of 'moeru' (to burn).
使命感を忘れないでください。
Please do not forget your sense of mission.
Negative request 'naide kudasai'.
仕事に使命感を持つことは良いことです。
Having a sense of mission in your work is a good thing.
Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'koto'.
使命感がないと、長く続きません。
Without a sense of mission, it won't last long.
Conditional 'to' for natural consequences.
被災地を助けたいという使命感に駆られた。
I was driven by a sense of mission to help the disaster-stricken areas.
Verb 'karareru' (to be driven by).
プロのスポーツ選手には、ファンに対する使命感がある。
Professional athletes have a sense of mission toward their fans.
'Taishite' (toward/against).
彼は単なる義務感ではなく、高い使命感を持って行動している。
He is acting not out of a simple sense of obligation, but with a high sense of mission.
'Dewa naku' (not A but B).
若者たちの使命感を育てる教育が必要です。
Education that nurtures a sense of mission in young people is necessary.
'Sodateru' (to nurture/raise).
このプロジェクトを成功させる使命感を感じている。
I feel a sense of mission to make this project succeed.
Causative form 'seikou saseru'.
使命感に欠ける行動は、信頼を失う原因になる。
Actions lacking a sense of mission cause a loss of trust.
'Kakeru' (to lack).
彼は自らの使命感に従って、会社を辞めた。
Following his own sense of mission, he quit the company.
'Shitagatte' (following/according to).
地域社会に貢献するという使命感を大切にしたい。
I want to cherish the sense of mission to contribute to the local community.
'Taisetsu ni shitai' (want to cherish).
報道の自由を守るという強い使命感が、彼を危険な現場へと向かわせた。
A strong sense of mission to protect the freedom of the press sent him to the dangerous scene.
Causative 'mukawaseru' (made him go).
使命感に燃える彼の姿に、周囲の人々も感化された。
The people around him were also influenced by his figure burning with a sense of mission.
Passive 'kanka sareta' (was influenced).
伝統文化を次世代に継承することに、深い使命感を抱いている。
He holds a deep sense of mission in passing down traditional culture to the next generation.
'Idaku' (to hold/embrace - more formal than motsu).
政治家には、国民の生活を守るという重い使命感が必要不可欠だ。
For politicians, a heavy sense of mission to protect the lives of the citizens is indispensable.
'Hitsuyou fukaketsu' (indispensable).
過酷な環境下でも、使命感さえあれば乗り越えられると彼は信じていた。
He believed that even under harsh environments, as long as there is a sense of mission, one can overcome.
'Sae... areba' (as long as...).
その作家は、真実を書き残すという使命感に突き動かされていた。
The author was driven by a sense of mission to write down the truth.
'Tsukiugokasarete ita' (was being driven/pushed).
使命感の欠如が、組織の腐敗を招く一因となった。
The lack of a sense of mission became one factor leading to the corruption of the organization.
'Ketsujo' (lack/absence).
彼は自分の仕事に対して、並々ならぬ使命感を持っている。
He has an extraordinary sense of mission toward his work.
'Naminami naranu' (extraordinary/uncommon).
科学者としての倫理観と使命感の間で、彼は葛藤し続けた。
Between his ethics as a scientist and his sense of mission, he continued to struggle.
'Kattou' (struggle/conflict).
企業の社会的責任（CSR）は、単なる利益追求を超えた使命感に基づかなければならない。
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) must be based on a sense of mission that transcends mere profit-seeking.
'Motozukanakereba naranai' (must be based on).
彼は歴史の目撃者としての使命感を胸に、その惨状を記録し続けた。
With a sense of mission as a witness to history in his heart, he continued to record the tragedy.
'Mune ni' (in his heart/mind).
使命感が過剰になると、時に自己犠牲を厭わない危険な傾向を生むことがある。
When a sense of mission becomes excessive, it can sometimes produce dangerous tendencies that do not mind self-sacrifice.
'Itowanai' (to not mind/to be willing).
その教育方針は、学生に社会に対する使命感を植え付けることを目的としている。
The educational policy aims to instill a sense of mission toward society in students.
'Uetsukeru' (to plant/instill).
彼は、自らの才能を社会に還元すべきだという強烈な使命感に支配されていた。
He was dominated by an intense sense of mission that he should give back his talents to society.
'Shihai sarete ita' (was dominated by).
使命感の源泉は、個人の経験だけでなく、文化的背景にも深く根ざしている。
The source of a sense of mission is deeply rooted not only in individual experience but also in cultural background.
'Gensen' (source/origin).
彼は、形骸化した組織に再び使命感を吹き込もうと奮闘した。
He struggled to breathe a sense of mission back into the formalized (hollowed-out) organization.
'Keigaika shita' (become a mere shell).
彼の行動を規定していたのは、崇高な使命感というよりは、むしろ一種の狂信に近い執着であった。
What dictated his actions was not so much a noble sense of mission as an obsession close to a kind of fanaticism.
'Kitei shite ita' (was defining/dictating).
現代社会において、プロフェッショナリズムの根幹を成す使命感は、いかにして維持され得るのだろうか。
In modern society, how can the sense of mission that forms the core of professionalism be maintained?
Potential form 'iji sare-uru' (can be maintained).
その英雄譚は、個人の使命感が運命という冷酷な必然性と衝突する様子を克明に描いている。
The heroic tale vividly depicts how an individual's sense of mission clashes with the cold necessity called fate.
'Kokumei ni' (vividly/minutely).
公共の利益のために尽力するという使命感は、民主主義社会の存立基盤である。
The sense of mission to exert effort for the public interest is the foundation for the existence of a democratic society.
'Sonritsu kiban' (foundation for existence).
彼は、自らの使命感に殉ずることで、その生涯を完結させたのである。
By dying for his sense of mission, he brought his life to a completion.
'Junzuru' (to die for/sacrifice self for).
使命感という美名の下で行われる独善的な行為に対して、我々は常に批判的でなければならない。
We must always be critical of self-righteous acts performed under the beautiful name of 'sense of mission.'
'Bimei no moto ni' (under the guise/beautiful name of).
その詩人は、言葉によって世界の不条理を告発するという絶望的な使命感に身を投じた。
The poet threw himself into a desperate sense of mission to indict the world's absurdities through words.
'Mi o toujita' (threw oneself into).
使命感の変容は、時代の要請とともに、常に再定義を繰り返してきた歴史的プロセスである。
The transformation of the sense of mission is a historical process that has constantly repeated redefinition along with the demands of the times.
'Henyou' (transformation).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
使命感を果たす
使命感に支えられる
使命感を共有する
使命感を植え付ける
使命感からくる行動
あふれる使命感
使命感に満ちた
使命感の塊
使命感を見出す
使命感を疑う
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"使命感に燃える"
To be extremely passionate about one's mission.
新入社員は使命感に燃えている。
Neutral"使命感に駆られる"
To feel an irresistible urge to act due to a sense of duty.
彼は使命感に駆られて海に飛び込んだ。
Neutral"身を挺して"
To put oneself at risk (often driven by shimeikan).
身を挺して住民を守った。
Formal"一念岩をも通す"
Determined will (like shimeikan) can pierce even a rock.
彼の使命感が一念岩をも通した。
Literary"骨を埋める"
To devote one's whole life (and be buried) at a place or job.
この仕事に骨を埋める使命感がある。
Informal/Passionate"粉骨砕身"
To work oneself to the bone out of duty.
粉骨砕身の覚悟で使命感を全うする。
Formal"不退転の決意"
An unshakeable determination.
不退転の決意で使命感に挑む。
Formal"捨て石になる"
To be a sacrificial stone for a greater mission.
次世代のための捨て石になる使命感。
Literary"肝に銘じる"
To engrave in one's heart (the mission).
使命感を肝に銘じて働く。
Neutral"命を懸ける"
To risk one's life for a mission.
使命感のために命を懸ける。
IntenseWortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'SHE' (Shi) who is 'MAY' (Mei) be the 'CAN' (Kan) do person because she has a mission.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a firefighter running into a building while everyone else runs out. That 'internal fire' is their Shimeikan.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to write three sentences about what your personal 'Shimeikan' is in your current job or studies.
Wortherkunft
The term is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). 'Shi' (使) means to send or use, 'Mei' (命) means life or a command from a superior, and 'Kan' (感) means feeling or sense.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, 'Shimei' referred to an official order or a mandate given by a ruler to a messenger.
Japanese (Sino-Japanese roots).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful not to use it for self-serving or trivial things, as it can seem arrogant or sarcastic.
In English, we might say 'calling' or 'vocation,' but 'sense of mission' sounds slightly more formal or military-like.
Summary
使命感 (shimeikan) is more than just doing a job; it is the feeling that the job is your personal calling. For example, a nurse doesn't just work for a salary but out of a 'shimeikan' to save lives.
- A profound sense of mission or calling to fulfill a significant role.
- Commonly used for professionals like doctors, teachers, and public servants.
- Implies a proactive, internal drive rather than a forced obligation.
- A key concept in Japanese professional ethics and dedication.
Beispiel
彼は強い使命感を持ってその仕事に取り組んだ。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr emotions Wörter
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Das Gefühl der Erfüllung nach einer erbrachten Leistung.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
