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A2 verb #2,500 más común 6 min de lectura

生きる

ikiru
At the A1 level, you learn 'ikiru' as the basic word for 'to live.' You might see it in simple sentences about animals or long-lived people. The focus is on the dictionary form and the polite 'ikimasu.' You should know that it's different from 'sumu' (to live in a place). It's a 'Ru-verb,' so the conjugation is simple: drop 'ru' and add 'masu.' You might use it to say 'I want to live' (ikitai) or 'He is alive' (ikite iru). It's a high-frequency word but used in limited contexts at this stage.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ikiru' to describe lifestyles or survival. You learn the potential form 'ikirareru' (can live) and the negative 'ikinai' (not live). You start to see it in compound contexts like 'isshokenmei ikiru' (to live with all one's might). You also learn to distinguish it clearly from 'kurasu' (to spend daily life). You might encounter it in simple stories or news snippets about nature and health. It's important to understand the 'te-iru' form here to describe a state of being alive.
At the B1 level, 'ikiru' takes on more metaphorical and philosophical meanings. You use it to talk about 'ikigai' (purpose in life) and 'ikiru imi' (the meaning of life). You learn to use it with particles like 'ni' to indicate what someone lives for (e.g., 'yume ni ikiru'). You also encounter more formal synonyms like 'seizon suru.' Your understanding of the word expands to include social contexts, such as the right to live or surviving difficult economic times. You can now use it in more complex sentence structures involving conditions and reasons.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuance of 'ikiru' in literature and formal speeches. You can distinguish between 'ikiru' and 'seikatsu suru' in nuanced ways. You use the word to discuss social issues, such as an aging society where people 'live longer.' You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the word to describe abstract concepts, like a tradition 'living on' in a modern city. You also start using the causative and passive forms in specific contexts, such as 'being made to live' or 'allowing someone to live.'
At the C1 level, 'ikiru' is used in highly abstract, academic, and literary contexts. You can discuss existentialist themes using the word. You understand its use in classical-style Japanese or high-level prose where it might be used to describe the 'vitality' of an era or a movement. You can use it to articulate complex thoughts on the human condition. You also recognize its appearance in historical texts and can explain the cultural weight the word carries in Japanese philosophy, such as its relation to 'bushido' or 'zen.'
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'ikiru.' You can use it with perfect precision in any register, from slang to the most formal honorifics. You understand the deep etymological roots and how the kanji '生' functions in hundreds of other words. You can appreciate the subtle difference between 'ikiru' and other synonyms in poetry and high literature. You can lead discussions on the ethics of life, bioethics, and the philosophy of existence using this verb as a cornerstone. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

生きる en 30 segundos

  • Ikiru means 'to be alive' or 'to live' in a biological and existential sense, not a residential one.
  • It is a Ru-verb (Ichidan) that conjugates simply by removing 'ru' and adding 'masu' or 'te'.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'ikite iru' (is alive) and 'isshokenmei ikiru' (live with all one's might).
  • Do not confuse it with 'sumu' (to reside) or 'kurasu' (to spend daily life/pay bills).

The Japanese verb 生きる (ikiru) is a fundamental term that translates primarily to 'to live' or 'to be alive.' However, its depth extends far beyond mere biological existence. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, ikiru encompasses the act of surviving, the state of being animate, and the philosophical pursuit of a meaningful life. Unlike the English word 'live,' which can also mean 'to reside' (as in 'I live in Tokyo'), ikiru is strictly reserved for the state of life itself or the manner in which one conducts their existence. For residing, Japanese uses sumu (住む), and for spending daily life, it uses kurasu (暮らす). Understanding ikiru requires a grasp of its biological, emotional, and existential layers.

Biological Life
The basic state of not being dead. Used for humans, animals, and sometimes plants in a poetic sense.
Survival
The act of remaining alive through hardship or disaster, often seen in news reports as ikinokoru.
Worthwhile Living
The concept of 'ikigai' (reason for living) stems from this verb, focusing on what makes life worth the effort.

「彼は100歳まで生きた。」 (He lived until he was 100 years old.)

Example of biological longevity.

「希望を持って生きることが大切だ。」 (It is important to live with hope.)

Example of existential or emotional living.

In literature and media, ikiru is often used to emphasize the struggle of the protagonist. Akira Kurosawa's famous film 'Ikiru' explores this exact nuance—a man who discovers he is dying and finally learns what it means to truly 'live' by doing something meaningful for others. This distinction between existing and living is central to the word's usage in higher-level Japanese discourse.

「水だけで三日間生きる。」 (To live for three days on only water.)

「この作品には魂が生きている。」 (A soul lives within this work.)

「彼は音楽に生きている。」 (He lives for music.)

Metaphorical Use
Used when someone devotes their entire being to a craft or hobby.
Social Context
Used when discussing social welfare or the 'right to live' (seikon-ken).

Using 生きる correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a Ru-verb (Ichidan) and its specific grammatical collocations. Because it is an intransitive verb, it does not take a direct object with 'o' in the sense of 'living a life' (though there are poetic exceptions). Instead, it focuses on the subject's state. To say 'live a happy life,' Japanese speakers usually say shiawase na jinsei o ayumu (walk a happy life) or shiawase ni kurasu (spend time happily).

Polite Form
生きる (ikiru) becomes 生きます (ikimasu). Used in daily conversation with superiors or strangers.
Te-form (Continuous)
生きている (ikite iru) is extremely common, meaning 'is alive' or 'is currently living out a certain lifestyle.'
Potential Form
生きられる (ikirareru) - to be able to live. Often used in medical or survival contexts.

When describing how one lives, adverbs are frequently used. For example, tsuyoku ikiru (to live strongly) or shoujiki ni ikiru (to live honestly). The verb is also the root for many compound verbs. Ikinokoru (to survive) and ikikaeru (to be resuscitated/come back to life) are vital for news and storytelling. In formal writing, the noun form seikatsu (生活) is often preferred for 'daily living,' but ikiru remains the choice for the essence of life.

「一生懸命生きる。」 (To live with all one's might.)

You will encounter 生きる in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly dramatic. In news broadcasts, it is used to report on survivors of natural disasters (e.g., 'the strength to live'). In medical dramas, doctors often discuss the patient's 'will to live' (ikiru kiyoku). In anime and manga, characters frequently shout about their resolve to live or protect the lives of others, making it a staple of shonen dialogue.

In academic or philosophical settings, ikiru is used to discuss human rights, ethics, and existentialism. Phrases like 'the meaning of living' (ikiru imi) are common in psychology and self-help literature. Furthermore, in business, it can be used metaphorically to describe a company's survival in a competitive market, though ikinokoru is more common there. In daily life, you might hear it in songs—J-Pop is filled with lyrics about 'living for today' or 'living for you.'

「生きるか死ぬかの問題だ。」 (It's a matter of life and death.)

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is using 生きる to describe their place of residence. In English, 'I live in Tokyo' is the standard way to state your address. In Japanese, saying Tokyo de ikiru implies a much more dramatic scenario, like 'I am surviving/making a life for myself in the harsh environment of Tokyo.' For your address, always use sumu (住む).

Another mistake is confusing ikiru with kurasu. While ikiru is about the biological or existential fact of life, kurasu is about the mechanics of daily life—paying bills, eating, and sleeping. If you want to say 'I live a quiet life,' use shizuka ni kurasu. If you say shizuka ni ikiru, it sounds like you are a monk or someone hiding from the world. Finally, watch out for the transitive/intransitive distinction; you don't 'live a life' (seikatsu o ikiru is wrong); you 'lead a life' (seikatsu o okuru).

❌ 「アパートに生きている。」 (Incorrect for 'I live in an apartment')

✅ 「アパートに住んでいる。」 (Correct)

Several words share semantic space with 生きる, and choosing the right one is key to sounding natural. 住む (sumu) is for residence. 暮らす (kurasu) is for daily lifestyle and spending time. 生存する (seizon suru) is a formal, technical term for 'to survive' or 'to exist' (often used in biology or disaster reports). 在る (aru) is a literary way to say 'to exist' or 'to be,' often used for inanimate objects but sometimes for the soul.

There is also 息づく (ikizuku), which means 'to breathe' or 'to be alive with' (like a city breathing with energy). 世を去る (yo o saru) is the polite antonym, meaning 'to leave this world' (to die). Understanding these nuances allows you to transition from basic A2 Japanese to more nuanced B1/B2 levels where context dictates word choice.

住む (Sumu)
Focus on the physical location/address.
暮らす (Kurasu)
Focus on the passage of time and daily routines.
生存する (Seizon suru)
Focus on the biological fact of survival.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

1

この魚はまだ生きています。

This fish is still alive.

ikite imasu (continuous state)

2

私は日本で生きたいです。

I want to live in Japan (existential/life path).

ikitai (desire)

3

彼は100歳まで生きました。

He lived until 100 years old.

ikimashita (past tense)

4

木は水で生きます。

Trees live on water.

ikiru (general fact)

5

みんな、生きて！

Everyone, stay alive!

ikite (imperative/request)

6

生きていてよかったです。

I'm glad to be alive.

ikite ite (state + reason)

7

虫が生きています。

The bug is alive.

ikite imasu

8

強く生きてください。

Please live strongly.

tsuyoku (adverb) + ikite

1

一生懸命生きることが大切です。

It is important to live with all your might.

koto (nominalizer)

2

彼は夢のために生きています。

He lives for his dreams.

tame ni (for the sake of)

3

この動物は山で生きています。

This animal lives in the mountains.

place + de + ikiru

4

水がないと生きられません。

You cannot live without water.

ikirarenai (potential negative)

5

彼は一人で生きることにしました。

He decided to live alone.

koto ni suru (decision)

6

もっと自由に生きたいです。

I want to live more freely.

jiyuu ni (adverbial)

7

生きて帰ってください。

Please come back alive.

ikite + kaeru (compound action)

8

明日を生きる力が必要です。

The power to live tomorrow is necessary.

ikiru + chikara (noun modification)

1

彼は音楽に生きる男だ。

He is a man who lives for music.

ni ikiru (devote oneself to)

2

震災を生き延びた人々。

People who survived the earthquake.

ikinobiru (compound verb)

3

自分らしく生きる道を選んだ。

I chose the path of living as myself.

rashiku (suffix for 'like')

4

生きる意味を見失ってはいけない。

You must not lose sight of the meaning of life.

te wa ikenai (prohibition)

5

彼は100歳まで生きるだろう。

He will probably live to 100.

darou (conjecture)

6

社会の中で生きるのは大変だ。

Living within society is difficult.

naka de (within)

7

希望があるから生きていける。

I can go on living because there is hope.

ikite ikeru (can continue to live)

8

正直に生きることは難しい。

Living honestly is difficult.

shoujiki ni (honestly)

1

この伝統は今も人々の心に生きている。

This tradition still lives in people's hearts.

kokoro ni ikiru (metaphorical)

2

彼は信念に生きることを貫いた。

He stuck to living by his beliefs.

tsuranuku (to carry through)

3

厳しい環境で生き抜く力。

The power to survive through a harsh environment.

ikinuku (to live through)

4

人間としてどう生きるべきか。

How should one live as a human being?

beki (should)

5

彼女の教えは今も生き続けている。

Her teachings continue to live on even now.

iki-tsuzukeru (to continue living)

6

生きる喜びを分かち合う。

To share the joy of living.

wakachiau (to share)

7

都会で生きるのは、金がかかる。

Living in the city costs money.

kane ga kakaru (costs money)

8

彼は過去に生きているような人だ。

He is the kind of person who seems to live in the past.

youna (resemblance)

1

実存主義は、いかに生きるかを問う。

Existentialism questions how one should live.

ika ni (how/in what way)

2

その瞬間に、彼は生を実感した。

In that moment, he felt the reality of life.

sei (noun form of life)

3

限られた時間の中で、精一杯生きる。

To live to the fullest within a limited time.

sei-ippai (with all one's effort)

4

彼は芸術に全てを捧げて生きた。

He lived by dedicating everything to art.

sasagete (dedicating)

5

生命の尊厳を守りつつ生きる。

To live while protecting the dignity of life.

tsutsu (while/simultaneous)

6

彼は歴史の中に生きる人物となった。

He became a figure who lives on in history.

rekishi no naka (in history)

7

孤独に生きることを恐れてはならない。

One must not fear living in solitude.

osorete wa naranai (must not fear)

8

万物が共に生きる共生社会。

A symbiotic society where all things live together.

kyousei (symbiosis)

1

死生観は、その人の生き方を規定する。

One's view of life and death defines their way of living.

shiseikan (view of life and death)

2

彼は漂泊の思いに駆られて生きた。

He lived driven by a desire for wandering.

kararete (driven by)

3

刹那に生きる美学がそこにはある。

There lies the aesthetic of living in the moment.

setsuna (moment/instant)

4

己の信念に殉じて生きる覚悟。

The resolve to live by sacrificing oneself for one's beliefs.

junjite (sacrificing/following to death)

5

言葉は時代と共に生き、変化する。

Words live and change with the times.

jidai to tomo ni (with the times)

6

彼は隠遁生活の中で静かに生きた。

He lived quietly in a life of seclusion.

inton (seclusion)

7

虚無感に苛まれながらも生き続ける。

To continue living despite being tormented by a sense of nihilism.

sainamare nagara (while being tormented)

8

宇宙の摂理に従って生きる。

To live according to the providence of the universe.

setsuri (providence/natural law)

Colocaciones comunes

一生懸命生きる (live with all one's might)
強く生きる (live strongly)
夢に生きる (live for a dream)
100歳まで生きる (live to 100)
独りで生きる (live alone)
自由に生きる (live freely)
生きる力 (power to live)
生きる意味 (meaning of life)
生きる喜び (joy of living)
生きる術 (way to survive)

Frases Comunes

生きててよかった (I'm glad I'm alive)

生きて帰る (come back alive)

生きるか死ぬか (life or death)

精一杯生きる (live to the fullest)

自分らしく生きる (live as oneself)

明日を生きる (live for tomorrow)

生きる糧 (bread of life/sustenance)

生きる希望 (hope to live)

生きる目的 (purpose of living)

生きる証 (proof of living)

Se confunde a menudo con

生きる vs 住む (sumu)

Sumu is for physical location (living in a house).

生きる vs 行く (iku)

Iku means to go; sounds similar but the kanji and meaning are different.

生きる vs 居る (iru)

Iru is the existential verb for 'to be' (animate), but ikiru is the act of living.

Modismos y expresiones

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Fácil de confundir

生きる vs

生きる vs

生きる vs

生きる vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

ikiru vs sumu

Ikiru = biological/existential. Sumu = residential.

ikiru vs kurasu

Ikiru = essence of life. Kurasu = daily routine/spending time.

Errores comunes

Consejos

Ru-Verb Mastery

Remember that 'ikiru' is a standard Ichidan verb. This makes conjugation easy: ikimasu, ikite, ikinai, ikita. Don't treat it like an U-verb. Practice the te-form 'ikite' often.

Location vs. Life

Always double-check if you are talking about your house or your life. If you say 'Koko ni ikiru,' you sound like a protagonist in a movie. Use 'Koko ni sumu' for your apartment.

Compound Verbs

Learn 'ikinokoru' (survive) and 'ikinuku' (live through). These are very common in news and novels. They add specific nuances to the basic meaning of 'ikiru.' They are essential for N3+ levels.

The Kanji 生

The kanji for 'ikiru' (生) has more readings than almost any other kanji (nama, sei, shou, u-mareru, etc.). While learning 'ikiru,' start noticing this kanji in other words. It always relates to life or birth.

Emotional Weight

In Japanese, 'ikiru' is a heavy word. It's not used lightly in small talk. If you use it, you are usually talking about something important or meaningful. Use 'kurasu' for casual talk about your days.

Adverb Pairing

Pair 'ikiru' with adverbs like 'shiawase ni' (happily) or 'tsuyoku' (strongly). This is the most natural way to describe a lifestyle. It sounds much better than trying to use a direct object.

Pitch Accent

Pay attention to the pitch drop. In standard Japanese, the pitch starts high on 'i' and drops. This helps distinguish it from other similar-sounding words in fast speech. Listen to native speakers say 'ikite iru'.

Metaphorical Life

Use 'ikiru' for skills or experiences. 'Keiken ga ikiru' means your experience is being put to good use. This is a very common business and academic expression. It shows a high level of fluency.

The Sprout Mnemonic

Visualize the kanji 生 as a sprout. A sprout is 'ikiru' (living) and 'umareru' (being born). This visual link helps you remember the core meaning of the kanji and the verb.

Daily Check

Ask yourself 'Kyo wa isshokenmei ikita ka?' (Did I live with all my might today?). This uses the verb in a natural, reflective way. It's a great way to internalize the word's meaning.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

I-KI-RU: Imagine a 'Key' (KI) that unlocks the 'Room' (RU) of life. 'I' am in the room living!

Origen de la palabra

Old Japanese 'iku'. The kanji '生' depicts a plant sprouting from the ground, symbolizing growth and life.

Contexto cultural

Living with the constant awareness of death to make life more meaningful.

Discussions on 'karoshi' (death from overwork) often contrast with the ideal of 'ikiru' for oneself.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"あなたの生きがいは何ですか？ (What is your reason for living?)"

"100歳まで生きたいですか？ (Do you want to live to 100?)"

"どうすれば幸せに生きられますか？ (How can one live happily?)"

"最近、生きてる！って感じた瞬間は？ (When did you recently feel 'I'm alive!'?)"

"都会と田舎、どちらで生きたいですか？ (Do you want to live in the city or the country? *Existential nuance*)"

Temas para diario

自分らしく生きるために必要なことは？ (What is necessary to live as yourself?)

今日、一生懸命生きたと言えますか？ (Can you say you lived with all your might today?)

10年後の自分はどう生きていますか？ (How will you be living 10 years from now?)

「生きる」という言葉から何を連想しますか？ (What do you associate with the word 'to live'?)

誰かのために生きることは素晴らしいですか？ (Is it wonderful to live for someone else?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but it sounds dramatic. It means you are carving out an existence or surviving in Tokyo, not just residing there. For a simple address, use 'Tokyo ni sunde imasu.' This is a common nuance mistake for beginners.

Seikatsu suru refers to the socio-economic activities of life, like working and paying rent. Ikiru refers to the biological fact of being alive or the spiritual/philosophical way of life. You 'seikatsu' to support your 'ikiru.' They are often used in different registers.

No, it is intransitive. You don't 'live something' directly with the particle 'o' usually. However, in poetic Japanese, you might see 'jinsei o ikiru' (to live a life), but 'ni' or adverbs are more common. It focuses on the subject's state.

You say 'Ikitai desu.' This can mean you want to survive a crisis or you want to experience life more fully. It is a very strong and emotional statement in Japanese. Use it carefully in conversation.

When used for objects like art or tradition, it means the item has 'vitality' or is still relevant and 'active' in the present day. It suggests the object has a soul or a lasting impact. It is a common metaphorical usage.

Yes, but 'sodatsu' (to grow) or 'haeru' (to sprout) are more common for daily plant talk. 'Ikiru' is used when discussing the life-force of plants or their survival in harsh conditions. It gives the plant a more sentient feel.

Yes, the version written as '活きる' means to be put to good use or to be effective. For example, 'his experience was put to use' (keiken ga ikita). They are pronounced the same but use different kanji. It's a common advanced nuance.

Ikigai is a noun derived from the verb 'ikiru' and 'kai' (worth). It means 'a reason for living' or 'that which makes life worth living.' It is a famous Japanese concept worldwide. Everyone is said to have an ikigai.

Since it is an Ichidan verb, you replace 'ru' with 'rareru' to get 'ikirareru.' This means 'can live' or 'be able to survive.' It is used in medical or extreme environment contexts. 'Ikirarenai' means 'cannot live.'

The direct opposite is 'shinu' (to die). In more polite or formal contexts, 'nakunaru' or 'yo o saru' are used. 'Ikiru' and 'shinu' are the most basic pair for life and death.

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