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A1 noun #3,476 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

精神

seishin Top 3,476

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Erklärung 精神 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'seishin' as a formal way to say 'mind' or 'spirit.' You will mostly see it in very simple sentences about being strong or healthy. For example, 'His spirit is strong' or 'A healthy mind.' You don't need to worry about the complex philosophical meanings yet. Just remember that it is a noun and it refers to the non-physical part of a person. It is often paired with 'tsuyoi' (strong) to describe someone who doesn't give up easily. In simple Japanese, you might use 'kokoro' more often, but 'seishin' is good to know for formal situations or when reading signs at a hospital (like the psychiatry department). Focus on the basic structure: [Noun] + [Particle] + [Adjective].

At the A2 level, you should start recognizing 'seishin' in common compound words and set phrases. You will notice that it's used when talking about mental health or willpower. For example, 'seishin-teki na' (mental/spiritual) is a very useful adjective. You might say 'seishin-teki na stress' (mental stress). You should also be aware that 'seishin' is used in the context of sportsmanship (sportsman seishin). At this level, try to distinguish between 'kokoro' (everyday heart/feelings) and 'seishin' (formal mind/spirit). If you are talking about a doctor for the mind, you use 'seishin-ka.' If you are talking about the 'spirit' of a group or a rule, 'seishin' is the correct word.

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At the B1 level, you can use 'seishin' to discuss more abstract topics such as mental resilience, psychological states, and cultural values. You should be comfortable using 'seishin-teki' to describe abstract concepts like 'mental support' (seishin-teki na sasae) or 'mental growth' (seishin-teki na seichō). You will also encounter 'seishin' in literature and news reports regarding social issues. For instance, you might hear about the 'seishin' of the law (the intent behind it). You should also begin to understand how 'seishin' is used in traditional Japanese arts like Kendo or Sado (tea ceremony) to represent the disciplined focus required. It is no longer just a word for 'mind,' but a word for the 'inner strength' and 'philosophy' of an individual.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'seishin' in professional and academic contexts. This includes discussing 'seishin-bunseki' (psychoanalysis) or 'seishin-shikkan' (mental disorders) with precision. You should also understand the historical and nationalistic nuances of the word, such as 'Yamato-damashii' (which is related to 'seishin') and how 'seishin' was emphasized during different eras of Japanese history to promote national unity. You can use 'seishin' to describe the 'ethos' of a movement or a company. For example, 'the founding spirit' (sōgyō-seishin). Your ability to distinguish between 'seishin,' 'shinri' (psychology), and 'ishiki' (consciousness) should be sharp, allowing you to choose the word with the exact nuance required for high-level discussion.

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At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and metaphysical depths of 'seishin.' You can engage in complex debates about 'seishin-shugi' (spiritualism or the prioritization of spirit over matter) and how it has influenced Japanese corporate culture and military history. You understand the literary use of 'seishin' to describe the 'zeitgeist' or 'spirit of the times' (jidai-seishin). You can articulate the subtle differences between 'seishin' and other related concepts like 'reikon' (the religious soul) or 'shinné' (the Buddhist concept of mind). You can also use 'seishin' in legal or high-level business contexts to refer to the 'spirit' or 'underlying intent' of a contract or a treaty, demonstrating a native-like grasp of its abstract applications.

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At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'seishin,' including its use in classical literature and advanced philosophical discourse. You can analyze how the concept of 'seishin' has evolved from its Chinese roots into a uniquely Japanese concept that blends Confucian, Buddhist, and Shinto elements. You are capable of using the word in highly nuanced ways to describe the 'psyche' of a nation or the 'transcendental spirit' in art and poetry. You can critique academic papers on 'seishin-igaku' (psychiatry) or 'seishin-tetsugaku' (philosophy of mind) with ease. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing it to convey profound insights into the human condition and the intangible aspects of existence.

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精神 in 30 Sekunden

Seishin means mind or spirit, focusing on the intangible parts of a person like willpower and mental health.
It is more formal than 'kokoro' and is used in clinical, academic, and traditional martial arts contexts.
The adjectival form 'seishin-teki na' is essential for describing mental states, stress, or spiritual support.
It often appears in compounds like 'seishin-ryoku' (willpower) and 'seishin-ka' (psychiatry department).

The Japanese word 精神 (せいしん - seishin) is a profound and multi-faceted noun that translates most commonly as 'mind,' 'spirit,' 'soul,' or 'mentality.' While the English word 'mind' often leans toward cognitive functions and 'spirit' toward the supernatural or religious, seishin bridges these concepts, representing the core essence of a human being's psychological and philosophical state. It is a term used to describe the internal world of a person, emphasizing their mental fortitude, their attitude toward life, and the non-physical aspect of their existence. In a modern context, it is the standard term used in psychology and psychiatry, but it retains a strong traditional flavor often associated with discipline and the 'warrior spirit' in martial arts.

The Dualism of Self: In Japanese philosophy, a human is often viewed as a combination of 身体 (shintai - body) and 精神 (seishin - mind/spirit). When someone speaks of seishin, they are specifically excluding the physical flesh and focusing on the intangible energy or consciousness that drives the body.
Willpower and Fortitude: The word is frequently used to describe a person's inner strength. Phrases like 精神力が強い (seishin-ryoku ga tsuyoi) mean having strong willpower or mental resilience. This is a highly valued trait in Japanese culture, especially in sports, education, and professional environments where perseverance is key.
Ethos and Collective Identity: Beyond the individual, seishin can refer to the collective spirit or ethos of a group. For example, スポーツマン精神 (sportsman seishin) refers to sportsmanship—the underlying philosophy and moral code that athletes are expected to follow.

彼は非常に強い精神の持ち主だ。
(He is a person with a very strong spirit/mind.)

ボランティア精神を大切にしましょう。
(Let's value the spirit of volunteering.)

健全な精神は健全な肉体に宿る。
(A sound mind dwells in a sound body.)

この修行は精神を鍛えるためのものです。
(This training is for tempering the spirit.)

彼女は精神科の医者です。
(She is a psychiatrist / doctor of the mental department.)

In summary, seishin is used when the conversation shifts toward the abstract, the professional, or the disciplined aspects of the human psyche. Whether you are discussing mental health, philosophical attitudes, or the 'spirit' of an era, this word provides the necessary gravitas and specificity that a simpler word like kokoro might lack.

Using 精神 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its common adjectival form, 精神的な (seishin-teki na). Because it is a formal and somewhat abstract word, it often appears in compound words or as the subject of verbs related to growth, health, and discipline.

As a Direct Noun: When used as a noun, it often acts as the direct object of verbs like kitaeru (to forge/train) or yashinau (to cultivate). It can also be the subject of sentences describing mental states.
The Adjectival Form: 精神的な: By adding -teki na, the word becomes 'mental' or 'spiritual.' This is essential for describing non-physical pain (seishin-teki na kutsū) or mental support (seishin-teki na sasae).
Compound Nouns: In Japanese, seishin is a building block for many technical and social terms. Seishin-ka (psychiatry), seishin-byō (mental illness), and seishin-eisei (mental hygiene) are common examples.

現代社会では精神的なストレスが多い。
(In modern society, there is a lot of mental stress.)

彼は精神を集中させて、矢を放った。
(He concentrated his mind and released the arrow.)

親の愛は子供にとって大きな精神的支柱だ。
(Parental love is a great mental support/pillar for children.)

When describing someone who is mentally exhausted, you might hear seishin-teki ni tsukareta. This implies a deeper, more profound fatigue than just being 'tired.' It suggests the soul itself is weary. Understanding this nuance allows you to express complex human conditions with precision.

You will encounter 精神 in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the clinical to the inspirational. It is a staple of news broadcasts, medical discussions, sports anime, and philosophical debates. Knowing the context helps you determine if it refers to 'mental health' or 'fighting spirit.'

In Sports and Martial Arts: Coaches often talk about seishin-men (the mental aspect) of the game. In Kendo or Karate, the goal is often to unify the body and the seishin. You'll hear commentators praise an athlete's seishin-ryoku when they make a comeback under pressure.
In Medical and Academic Settings: If you visit a hospital in Japan, you will see signs for Seishin-ka (Psychiatry). In psychology textbooks, seishin-bunseki (psychoanalysis) is a standard term. Here, the word is purely clinical.
In Social and Political Contexts: Politicians might speak of the kaikaku-seishin (spirit of reform) or the kenkoku-seishin (spirit of the nation's founding). It describes the underlying philosophy or intent of a movement.

彼は精神的な強さで逆転勝利を収めた。
(He achieved a come-from-behind victory through mental strength.)

この映画は人間の精神の闇を描いている。
(This movie depicts the darkness of the human spirit.)

武士道精神は今も日本人に受け継がれている。
(The Bushido spirit is still inherited by Japanese people today.)

In anime and manga, characters often go through seishin-teki na seichō (spiritual/mental growth). This isn't just about getting smarter; it's about maturing as a person and finding the inner strength to overcome obstacles. This usage is very common in Shonen series like 'Naruto' or 'Demon Slayer.'

While 精神 is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with other words for 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'soul.' Understanding these distinctions is crucial for sounding natural and avoiding social awkwardness.

Mistaking Seishin for Kokoro: This is the most common error. You wouldn't say seishin ga itai to mean 'my heart is hurting' from a breakup; you would use kokoro. Seishin is too formal and 'mental' for romantic or purely emotional pain.
Overusing Seishin-teki ni: While 'mentally' is a good translation, learners sometimes use seishin-teki ni where atama de (in one's head) or shinri-teki ni (psychologically) would be better. If you're solving a math problem, it's atama, not seishin.
Confusing with Tamashii (Soul): Tamashii (魂) is the literal 'soul' that might leave the body or belong to a ghost. Seishin is the 'spirit' as in 'state of mind.' You don't 'sell your seishin' to the devil; you sell your tamashii.

✖ 私は精神から彼女を愛している。
〇私は心から彼女を愛している。
(Correction: Use 'kokoro' for 'from the bottom of my heart.')

✖ 精神が死んだ。
〇魂が抜けた。
(Correction: Use 'tamashii' for the literal soul or 'spirit' leaving the body.)

Another mistake is using seishin when referring to the brain's physical health. If someone has a concussion, it's a nō (brain) issue. If they have depression, it's a seishin (mental) issue. The distinction between the hardware (brain) and the software (spirit/mind) is important in Japanese.

To truly master 精神, you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for the 'internal self,' and choosing the right one depends entirely on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

心 (Kokoro) - The Heart/Mind: The most common word. It covers emotions, thoughts, and will. It is warm, personal, and suitable for almost any casual situation. Seishin is its colder, more academic, or more disciplined older brother.
魂 (Tamashii) - The Soul: Refers to the metaphysical soul. It is used in religious contexts, ghost stories, or when talking about one's 'very being.' While seishin can be trained, tamashii is often seen as something you are born with.
メンタル (Mental) - Mentality: A loanword (gairaigo) used very frequently by younger people and in sports. It specifically refers to 'mental toughness.' You might hear mental ga yowai (to be mentally weak/fragile).
意識 (Ishiki) - Consciousness: Refers to awareness or being 'conscious' of something. If you lose consciousness, you lose your ishiki, but your seishin (spirit) remains part of who you are.

彼は精神（メンタル）が強い。
(He has a strong spirit / He is mentally strong.)

日本の精神文化を学びたい。
(I want to study Japan's spiritual culture.)

Finally, consider ki (気), as in genki or kiai. While seishin is the 'mind/spirit' as a concept, ki is the actual 'energy' or 'flow' of that spirit. They are related but distinct; seishin is the vessel or the state, and ki is the power within it.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

While the kanji for 'shin' (神) is the same one used for 'Kami' (God/Shinto deity), in 'seishin' it refers to the 'spirit' or 'mind' rather than a literal god.

Aussprachehilfe

UK seː.ɕin

US seɪ.ʃin

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'seishin', the pitch usually starts high on 'sei' and drops on 'shin' (Atamadaka pattern).

Reimt sich auf

安心 (Anshin - Peace of mind) 関心 (Kanshin - Interest) 斬新 (Zanshin - Innovative) 核心 (Kakushin - Core) 一心 (Isshin - One mind) 熱心 (Nesshin - Enthusiastic) 変身 (Henshin - Transformation) 前進 (Zenshin - Advancement)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'sei' as two distinct syllables 'se-i'. It should be a long 'e' sound.
Pronouncing 'shin' like the English word 'shin' (part of the leg). The 'i' is shorter and the 'n' is more nasal.
Using a strong English 'r' sound if any occurs in compounds (there are none in 'seishin' itself, but watch for them in related words).
Failing to sustain the long vowel 'ei'.
Over-stressing the second syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji are relatively common but require some study. 'Sei' and 'Shin' appear in many other words.

Schreiben 4/5

Writing the kanji '精' (14 strokes) can be tricky for beginners due to its complexity.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but using it with the correct nuance takes practice.

Hören 2/5

It is a very distinct-sounding word, but it often appears in fast compound nouns.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

心 (Kokoro) 体 (Karada) 強い (Tsuyoi) 病気 (Byōki) 神 (Kami)

Als Nächstes lernen

心理 (Shinri) 意識 (Ishiki) 道徳 (Dōtoku) 哲学 (Tetsugaku) 修行 (Shugyō)

Fortgeschritten

精神現象学 (Phenomenology of Spirit) 心身一如 (Oneness of mind and body) 勧善懲悪 (Encouraging good and punishing evil) 無我 (Selflessness) 煩悩 (Worldly desires)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + 的 (teki) to form adjectives.

精神 (spirit) -> 精神的 (spiritual/mental)

Using 'no' to link abstract nouns.

精神の安定 (Stability of the mind)

Compound nouns without particles.

精神力 (Seishin + ryoku = Willpower)

Adverbial formation with 'ni'.

精神的に強い (Mentally strong)

Suru-verbs derived from seishin compounds.

精神統一する (To concentrate one's mind)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

彼は精神が強いです。

He has a strong spirit.

Noun + ga + Adjective. Simple description.

精神を大切にします。

I value the spirit.

Direct object 'seishin' with the verb 'taisetsu ni suru'.

これは精神の病気です。

This is a sickness of the mind.

Using 'no' to link two nouns.

精神を鍛えましょう。

Let's train our spirits.

Volitional form 'mashō' with the verb 'kitaeru'.

健全な精神が必要です。

A sound spirit is necessary.

Adjective 'kenzen-na' modifying 'seishin'.

精神科はどこですか？

Where is the psychiatry department?

Compound noun 'seishin-ka'.

彼の精神は若いです。

His spirit is young.

Describing the quality of someone's seishin.

スポーツマン精神があります。

He has sportsmanship (spirit).

Compound 'sportsman seishin'.

精神的なストレスを感じます。

I feel mental stress.

Adjectival form 'seishin-teki na'.

ボランティア精神で働きます。

I work with a volunteer spirit.

Using 'de' to indicate the manner/spirit of the action.

精神力を高める練習をします。

I do exercises to improve my willpower.

Compound noun 'seishin-ryoku' (willpower).

彼女は精神的に強い人です。

She is a mentally strong person.

Adverbial form 'seishin-teki ni'.

精神を集中させてください。

Please concentrate your mind.

Causative form used for focus.

精神の安定が大切です。

Stability of the mind is important.

Noun + no + Noun structure.

彼は精神科の医者になりました。

He became a psychiatrist.

Compound noun 'seishin-ka'.

日本の精神文化について学びました。

I learned about Japan's spiritual culture.

Compound 'seishin bunka'.

家族の支えが、彼の精神的な支柱だった。

His family's support was his mental pillar (mainstay).

Metaphorical use of 'shichū' (pillar).

この修行は、肉体だけでなく精神も鍛える。

This training forges not just the body, but the spirit as well.

Contrast between 'nikutai' and 'seishin'.

精神的な苦痛に対する賠償を求める。

Seek compensation for mental suffering.

Formal term 'seishin-teki kutsū'.

彼はフロンティア精神にあふれている。

He is full of the frontier spirit.

Compound 'frontier seishin'.

精神衛生を保つために、休みは必要だ。

Rest is necessary to maintain mental hygiene (health).

Term 'seishin eisei'.

その言葉が、私の精神的な救いになった。

Those words became my spiritual salvation.

Abstract usage of 'sukui' (salvation).

精神の自由は、最も尊いものの一つだ。

Freedom of the spirit is one of the most precious things.

Philosophical subject.

彼は精神分析の専門家です。

He is an expert in psychoanalysis.

Academic term 'seishin bunseki'.

近代化によって、伝統的な精神が失われつつある。

With modernization, the traditional spirit is being lost.

Progressive form 'tsutsu aru'.

精神と肉体のバランスを崩してしまった。

I lost the balance between my mind and body.

Verb 'kuzusu' (to break/lose balance).

彼は極限状態でも、強い精神力を維持した。

Even in an extreme state, he maintained strong willpower.

Formal 'kyokugen jōtai' (extreme state).

この法律の精神を正しく理解する必要がある。

It is necessary to correctly understand the spirit of this law.

Abstract 'spirit' of a law.

精神疾患に対する偏見をなくすべきだ。

Prejudice against mental illness should be eliminated.

Formal 'seishin shikkan'.

創業者の精神が、今もこの会社に息づいている。

The founder's spirit still lives on in this company.

Verb 'ikizuku' (to live on/breathe).

精神的な充足感を得るために、趣味に没頭する。

I immerse myself in hobbies to gain a sense of mental fulfillment.

Formal 'jūzokukan' (fulfillment).

その事件は、社会全体に精神的な衝撃を与えた。

The incident gave a mental shock to society as a whole.

Collocation 'shōgeki o ataeru'.

デカルトの心身二元論は、精神と肉体を切り離した。

Descartes' dualism separated the mind and the body.

Philosophical terminology.

この作品は、日本人の精神構造を鋭く分析している。

This work sharply analyzes the mental structure of the Japanese people.

Academic 'seishin kōzō'.

彼は精神的境地に達するために、長年修行を積んだ。

He trained for many years to reach a high spiritual state.

High-level 'seishin-teki kyōchi'.

資本主義の精神が、合理的な経済活動を支えている。

The spirit of capitalism supports rational economic activity.

Reference to Max Weber's 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism'.

精神の荒廃が、犯罪の増加につながっているという指摘がある。

It has been pointed out that the decay of the spirit leads to an increase in crime.

Formal 'kōhai' (decay/devastation).

この詩には、時代精神が色濃く反映されている。

The zeitgeist (spirit of the age) is strongly reflected in this poem.

Advanced 'jidai seishin'.

彼は一切の世俗的な欲を捨て、精神の平安を求めた。

He cast aside all worldly desires and sought peace of mind.

Literary 'sezoku-teki' (worldly).

精神鑑定の結果、彼は責任能力がないと判断された。

As a result of the psychiatric evaluation, he was judged to lack criminal responsibility.

Legal term 'seishin kantei'.

ヘーゲルの『精神現象学』は、近代哲学の金字塔である。

Hegel's 'Phenomenology of Spirit' is a monumental work of modern philosophy.

Specific philosophical title.

日本精神の神髄は、和の心にあると言えよう。

It could be said that the essence of the Japanese spirit lies in the heart of harmony.

Advanced 'shinzui' (essence).

精神と物質の相克こそが、人間存在の本質的な課題だ。

The conflict between spirit and matter is the essential challenge of human existence.

Formal 'sōkoku' (rivalry/conflict).

彼は、自らの精神を極限まで研ぎ澄ませて芸術に打ち込んだ。

He honed his spirit to the absolute limit and devoted himself to art.

Literary 'togisumaseru' (to hone/sharpen).

宗教的法悦は、個人の精神を宇宙的な次元へと昇華させる。

Religious ecstasy sublimates the individual spirit to a cosmic dimension.

Advanced 'shōka' (sublimation).

その思想は、当時の人々の精神生活に多大な影響を及ぼした。

That ideology exerted a tremendous influence on the spiritual/mental lives of the people of that time.

Formal 'oyobosu' (to exert/cause).

精神の深淵を覗き込むことは、自己との対峙を意味する。

Gazing into the abyss of the spirit means confronting oneself.

Metaphorical 'shin'en' (abyss).

彼は、形而上学的な精神の在り方を究明しようとした。

He attempted to investigate the metaphysical state of the spirit.

Advanced 'keijijō-gakuteki' (metaphysical).

Synonyme

心魂メンタル気心情

Gegenteile

肉体身体物質

Häufige Kollokationen

精神を鍛える

精神を集中する

精神的な支え

精神的な苦痛

精神力を養う

精神の安定

精神状態

精神科医

精神年齢

精神統一

Häufige Phrasen

健全な精神は健全な肉体に宿る

— A sound mind dwells in a sound body. A famous proverb about the link between health and spirit.

毎日運動して、健全な精神を保ちましょう。

精神を研ぎ澄ます

— To sharpen or hone one's spirit. Used for intense focus or artistic dedication.

職人は精神を研ぎ澄まして作品を作る。

精神的に追い詰められる

— To be mentally cornered or under extreme pressure. Used in stressful situations.

仕事の締め切りで、精神的に追い詰められている。

精神の自由

— Freedom of mind/spirit. Often used in political or philosophical contexts.

憲法は精神の自由を保障している。

ボランティア精神

— Volunteer spirit. The willingness to help others without pay.

彼はボランティア精神が旺盛だ。

フロンティア精神

— Frontier spirit. The drive to explore new areas or ideas.

新しいビジネスにはフロンティア精神が必要だ。

スポーツマン精神

— Sportsmanship. Following the rules and respecting opponents.

負けても相手を称えるのがスポーツマン精神だ。

精神的支柱

— Mental pillar/support. Someone or something that provides emotional strength.

祖母は家族の精神的支柱だった。

精神疾患

— Mental illness/disorder. The formal medical term.

精神疾患への理解を深める。

精神を病む

— To suffer from a mental illness. A common way to say someone is struggling mentally.

過労で精神を病んでしまった。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

精神 vs 心 (Kokoro)

Kokoro is emotional; Seishin is mental/disciplined.

精神 vs 脳 (Nō)

Nō is the physical brain; Seishin is the intangible mind.

精神 vs 魂 (Tamashii)

Tamashii is the metaphysical soul; Seishin is the psyche/mentality.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"精神一到何事か成らざらん"

— Where there is a will, there is a way. Literally: If the spirit is focused on one thing, what cannot be accomplished?

精神一到何事か成らざらんだ。諦めずに頑張ろう。

Formal/Inspirational

"精神を入れ替える"

— To turn over a new leaf. Literally: To replace one's spirit.

これからは精神を入れ替えて勉強します。

Neutral

"精神の糧"

— Food for the soul. Something that enriches the mind.

読書は私の精神の糧です。

Literary

"大和魂"

— The Japanese spirit. Refers to traditional Japanese values and courage.

彼は大和魂を持って戦った。

Historical/Traditional

"精神が腐っている"

— To have a rotten spirit. Used to describe someone with bad character.

あんなずるいことをするなんて、精神が腐っている。

Informal/Harsh

"精神を砕く"

— To exert oneself mentally. To put a lot of thought and effort into something.

彼はその計画に精神を砕いた。

Formal/Literary

"精神を奪われる"

— To be fascinated or captivated. Literally: To have one's spirit taken away.

その美しい景色に精神を奪われた。

Literary

"精神が浮き立つ"

— To be in high spirits or excited.

お祭りの音を聞くと精神が浮き立つ。

Literary

"精神をすり減らす"

— To wear down one's spirit. Used for chronic stress or exhausting situations.

人間関係で精神をすり減らしている。

Neutral

"精神の安らぎ"

— Peace of mind. A state of tranquility.

音楽は私に精神の安らぎを与えてくれる。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

精神 vs 心理 (Shinri)

Both mean 'mind' or 'mental'.

Shinri is specifically 'psychology' or the 'workings' of the mind. Seishin is the 'spirit' or 'state' of the mind.

心理学 (Psychology) vs 精神力 (Willpower)

精神 vs 意識 (Ishiki)

Both relate to internal states.

Ishiki is 'awareness' or 'consciousness'. You can lose your ishiki but your seishin defines your character.

意識不明 (Unconscious) vs 精神の自由 (Freedom of spirit)

精神 vs 気 (Ki)

Both refer to intangible inner energy.

Ki is the 'flow' or 'mood'. Seishin is the 'structure' or 'essence' of the mind.

気が変わる (Change one's mind/mood) vs 精神を鍛える (Train the spirit)

精神 vs 精髄 (Seizui)

Starts with the same kanji '精'.

Seizui means 'pith' or 'essence' of a thing, often used in a more physical or technical sense than seishin.

科学の精髄 (The essence of science)

精神 vs 意気 (Iki)

Related to spirit/will.

Iki is more about 'morale' or 'enthusiasm' in a specific moment.

意気消沈する (To be dejected/lose heart)

Satzmuster

[Person] wa seishin ga tsuyoi desu.

彼は精神が強いです。

Seishin-teki na [Noun] ga arimasu.

精神的なストレスがあります。

Seishin o [Verb] koto ga taisetsu desu.

精神を鍛えることが大切です。

[Noun] wa seishin-teki na sasae desu.

家族は精神的な支えです。

Seishin no [Noun] o kyūmei suru.

精神の在り方を究明する。

Seishin to [Noun] no sōkoku.

精神と物質の相克。

Seishin-teki ni [Verb-te] iru.

精神的に疲れている。

[Noun] seishin o motsu.

ボランティア精神を持つ。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

精神力 (Seishin-ryoku - Willpower)

精神科 (Seishin-ka - Psychiatry)

精神病 (Seishin-byō - Mental illness)

精神分析 (Seishin-bunseki - Psychoanalysis)

Verben

精神を鍛える (Seishin o kitaeru - To train the spirit)

精神を養う (Seishin o yashinau - To cultivate the spirit)

Adjektive

精神的な (Seishin-teki na - Mental/Spiritual)

精神的 (Seishin-teki - Mental/Spiritual)

Verwandt

心 (Kokoro)

魂 (Tamashii)

心理 (Shinri)

気 (Ki)

意識 (Ishiki)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in news, health, sports, and education. Less common in casual romantic talk.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'seishin' for emotional heartbreak. → 心 (Kokoro)
'Seishin' is too clinical for romantic sadness. 'Kokoro ga oreta' (My heart broke) is better.
Saying 'seishin stress'. → 精神的なストレス (Seishin-teki na stress)
You need the 'teki na' to link the noun to another noun as an adjective.
Confusing 'seishin' with 'yūrei' (ghost). → 幽霊 (Yūrei)
'Seishin' is the mind/spirit of a person, not a supernatural apparition.
Using 'seishin' for brain surgery. → 脳 (Nō)
'Seishin' is the intangible mind. For physical brain issues, use 'nō'.
Pronouncing 'sei' and 'shin' as 'se-i-shi-n'. → Seishin (Long 'e' sound).
The 'ei' in 'sei' is a long vowel, not two separate sounds.

Tipps

Formal vs. Informal

Always use 'seishin' in formal writing or when talking to doctors. In casual talk about feelings, use 'kokoro'.

Adjective Link

Remember to use 'teki na' to turn 'seishin' into an adjective. 'Seishin-teki na mondai' means 'mental problem'.

Willpower

Learn 'seishin-ryoku' as a single unit. It's the most common way to say 'willpower' in Japanese.

Budo Spirit

If you study martial arts, use 'seishin' to talk about your focus and discipline in the dojo.

News Keywords

When you hear 'seishin' on the news, it's often followed by 'kutsū' (suffering) or 'shikkan' (disorder).

Rice Kanji

The left part of 'sei' (精) is 'kome' (rice). Think of spirit as the refined essence of the food that gives you life.

Mental Age

Use 'seishin-nenrei' to joke about someone being childish or very mature for their age.

Book Titles

Many self-help or philosophy books in Japan will have 'seishin' in the title.

Compound Power

Combining 'seishin' with other kanji is a quick way to sound more advanced in your writing.

Mind vs Body

Always associate 'seishin' with its opposite 'nikutai' (body) to remember its meaning as 'non-physical'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'SAY' + 'SHEEN'. When you 'SAY' something with 'SHEEN' (shine), you are showing your bright spirit or mind.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a glowing blue flame inside a person's chest. This flame is their 'seishin'—their inner energy and mind that stays strong even when the body is tired.

Word Web

Mind Spirit Psychiatry Willpower Discipline Ethos Internal Abstract

Herausforderung

Try to use 'seishin-teki na' once today to describe a feeling. For example, 'I feel mental (seishin-teki na) fatigue' instead of just 'I'm tired'.

Wortherkunft

The word is composed of two kanji: 精 (sei) and 神 (shin). It originated from classical Chinese texts where it referred to the vital essence and the divine/spiritual aspect of a human.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Refined essence and god/spirit. It originally described the most refined part of a person's life force.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'seishin' in medical contexts; mental health can still be a sensitive topic in Japan, and words like 'seishin-byō' (mental illness) carry a stigma.

In English, we often separate 'mental' (scientific) and 'spiritual' (religious). In Japanese, 'seishin' covers both, which can be confusing for learners.

Bushido: The Soul of Japan (Inazo Nitobe) - discusses the samurai spirit. The Phenomenology of Spirit (Hegel) - translated as 'Seishin Genshōgaku'. Many anime series use 'seishin-ryoku' to explain a character's power.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Sports & Competition

精神力で勝つ (Win through willpower)
スポーツマン精神 (Sportsmanship)
メンタルを鍛える (Train the mental side)
精神的なプレッシャー (Mental pressure)

Medical & Health

精神科に行く (Go to psychiatry)
精神的な病 (Mental illness)
精神の安定 (Mental stability)
精神状態のチェック (Check of mental state)

Philosophy & Religion

精神と物質 (Spirit and matter)
精神の自由 (Freedom of spirit)
修行で精神を高める (Elevate the spirit through training)
日本精神 (The Japanese spirit)

Work & Business

創業の精神 (The founding spirit)
プロフェッショナル精神 (Professionalism)
精神的な疲れ (Mental fatigue)
改善の精神 (Spirit of improvement)

Legal & Social

法の精神 (The spirit of the law)
精神的苦痛 (Mental suffering/anguish)
精神鑑定 (Psychiatric evaluation)
ボランティア精神 (Volunteer spirit)

Gesprächseinstiege

"日本文化の中で、一番大切だと思う精神は何ですか？ (What is the most important spirit/value in Japanese culture?)"

"精神力を鍛えるために、何かしていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you do to train your willpower?)"

"最近、精神的に疲れていると感じることはありますか？ (Have you felt mentally tired lately?)"

"「健全な精神は健全な肉体に宿る」という言葉についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the saying 'a sound mind dwells in a sound body'?)"

"スポーツにおいて、精神面と技術面、どちらが重要だと思いますか？ (In sports, which do you think is more important: the mental side or the technical side?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日の自分の精神状態について書いてください。 (Write about your mental state today.)

あなたが尊敬する人の「精神的な強さ」について説明してください。 (Describe the 'mental strength' of someone you respect.)

困難な状況で精神を保つために、どのような工夫をしますか？ (What strategies do you use to maintain your spirit in difficult situations?)

あなたの国の「国民精神」とはどのようなものだと思いますか？ (What do you think is the 'national spirit' of your country?)

精神的に成長したと感じた経験について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about an experience where you felt you grew mentally/spiritually.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, while it is used in psychiatry (seishin-ka), it is also used very broadly to describe willpower, sportsmanship, and philosophical attitudes. For example, 'sportsman seishin' means sportsmanship.

It's better to use 'kokoro' (心) or 'tamashii' (魂) for that. 'Seishin' sounds too academic or disciplined for a romantic confession. 'Kokoro kara aishiteiru' is the standard phrase.

'Mental' (メンタル) is a loanword used mostly by younger people or in sports contexts. 'Seishin' is the traditional Japanese word and is used in formal, medical, and philosophical contexts.

You can say 'seishin-teki ni tsuyoi' (精神的に強い) or 'seishin-ryoku ga tsuyoi' (精神力が強い). Both are common and correct.

Not necessarily. While it can be used in spiritual or religious discussions, it is also a very secular word used in psychology and everyday descriptions of character.

'Seishin-ka' (精神科) is the psychiatry department in a hospital. It is where you go for treatment of mental illnesses.

In martial arts like Kendo or Karate, 'seishin' refers to the mental discipline and focus required to perform techniques correctly and maintain composure under pressure.

No. A ghost is 'yūrei' or 'obake'. 'Seishin' is the internal spirit of a living person or an abstract concept.

Yes, it is extremely common in Japanese. You will see it in newspapers, hear it on the news, and use it in formal conversations about health or values.

It means 'to train/forge one's spirit.' It implies making oneself mentally tougher through hard work, meditation, or discipline.

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