Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #7,200 más común 11 min de lectura

生計

Top 7,200

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 生計 en 30 segundos

Explicación 生計 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '生計' (seikei) is quite advanced. You don't need to use it yourself yet, but it's helpful to recognize the first kanji '生' (sei), which you know from 'sensei' or 'seikatsu' (life). Think of 'seikei' as a special word for 'job money.' While you usually say 'shigoto' (work) or 'okane' (money), adults use 'seikei' when they talk about the money they need to buy food and pay for their house. If you see '生計を立てる' (seikei o tateru), just remember it means 'to work so you can eat and live.' It is like saying 'I make a living.' For now, stick to 'seikatsu' for your daily life, but know that 'seikei' is the money-part of that life. You might hear it in very simple stories about people's jobs. It's a 'grown-up' word for surviving.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your daily routine and your work. '生計' (seikei) is a useful word to understand when people talk about their careers. It means 'livelihood.' While 'seikatsu' means 'life' (like sleeping, eating, and playing), 'seikei' is specifically about the money and resources you need to keep that life going. The most important phrase for you is '生計を立てる' (seikei o tateru), which means 'to make a living.' For example, 'He makes a living by selling vegetables' would be '彼は野菜を売って生計を立てている.' You will see this word in basic news articles or in textbooks when talking about different jobs. It sounds more formal and serious than just saying 'I work for money.' It shows you are talking about the responsibility of supporting yourself or your family.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use '生計' (seikei) in your own sentences, especially when discussing work-life balance or career choices. This word is a noun that refers to the economic means of supporting oneself. Unlike 'seikatsu' (lifestyle), 'seikei' focuses on the 'how' of financial survival. You should master the collocation '生計を立てる' (to make a living) and understand '生計を維持する' (to maintain a livelihood). In B1 level conversations, you might use this word to explain why someone chose a certain job—perhaps it wasn't their dream, but it provided a stable 'seikei.' You will also encounter it in news reports about the 'cost of living' (生計費 - seikei-hi). Understanding this word helps you transition from basic 'classroom Japanese' to the more mature 'social Japanese' used by adults in the workplace.

At the B2 level, '生計' (seikei) becomes a key term for discussing social issues, economics, and complex personal situations. You should understand the nuance that 'seikei' represents the 'infrastructure' of a life. You will see it in phrases like '生計を一にする' (seikei o itchi ni suru), which is a formal way to say 'to share a household budget' or 'to be financially dependent on each other.' This is common in legal, tax, or official contexts. You should also be able to distinguish 'seikei' from synonyms like 'kurashi' (lifestyle/home life) and 'shunyu' (income). At this level, you might use 'seikei' to describe the impact of inflation on the public, or the difficulty of artists 'standing up their livelihood' (生計を立てる) in a competitive market. It adds a layer of professionalism and precision to your Japanese vocabulary.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

For C1 learners, '生計' (seikei) is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You should be familiar with its use in sociological and economic discourses, such as '生計分析' (livelihood analysis) or '生計保障' (livelihood security). You should also appreciate the historical and literary weight of the word. In literature, the struggle for 'seikei' often serves as a metaphor for the struggle between one's ideals and the material world. You should be able to use the word in complex structures, such as '生計を脅かす' (to threaten one's livelihood) when discussing environmental changes or policy shifts. Furthermore, you should understand the subtle difference between 'seikei' and 'tosei' (making one's way), the latter being more idiomatic and sometimes carrying a gritty, street-wise nuance. Mastery at this level means using 'seikei' to discuss the structural stability of lives and societies.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, '生計' (seikei) is used with total precision in the most formal and abstract contexts. You understand it not just as 'making a living,' but as the fundamental economic unit of social existence. You can navigate the nuances of '生計を維持する能力' (the capacity to maintain a livelihood) in legal contracts or immigration law. You are also aware of the term's role in historical contexts, such as the 'Seikei-hi' (cost of living) surveys that have tracked Japanese economic development over decades. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'standing up a livelihood' (立てる) in a post-work society or the gig economy. At this level, you might also encounter the word in classical or early modern Japanese literature (like the works of Natsume Soseki), where the 'seikei' of the burgeoning middle class was a central theme. Your usage reflects a deep understanding of the intersection between personal finance, social duty, and individual agency.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

生計 en 30 segundos

生計 (seikei) is a formal Japanese noun meaning 'livelihood' or 'means of living,' specifically focusing on the economic foundation of survival.
It is most commonly used in the phrase '生計を立てる' (seikei o tateru), which translates to 'to make a living.'
Unlike 'seikatsu' (daily life), 'seikei' is strictly financial and is used in news, legal documents, and serious adult conversations.
Key verbs associated with it include 立てる (make), 維持する (maintain), 支える (support), and 営む (conduct/lead).

The Japanese word 生計 (せいけい - seikei) is a formal and precise noun that translates most directly to 'livelihood' or 'means of living' in English. While the more common word 生活 (seikatsu) refers to 'daily life' or 'lifestyle' in a broad sense—encompassing eating, sleeping, and socializing—生計 specifically targets the economic foundation that allows that life to exist. It is the 'plan' (計) for 'life' (生). When a Japanese speaker uses this word, they are almost always discussing the financial mechanics of survival: how money is earned, how expenses are managed, and whether the household budget is sustainable. It is a word of responsibility, often used in the context of supporting a family or establishing one's independence in the adult world.

Economic Foundation: Unlike 'income' (収入 - shunyu), which is just the money coming in, 生計 encompasses the entire cycle of earning and spending to maintain a standard of living.
Professional Identity: It is frequently used with the verb 立てる (tateru - to set up/establish) to describe how someone earns their keep, such as 'making a living through art.'
Household Management: In legal or administrative contexts, it refers to a 'shared livelihood,' where family members pool resources to survive together.

Historically, the term carries a weight of stability. In the Edo period and early modern Japan, one's 生計 was often tied to their social class or family trade. Today, it appears in news reports about the 'cost of living' (生計費 - seikei-hi) or in personal conversations about career changes. For instance, if someone says they are 'struggling with their 生計,' they aren't just saying they are busy; they are saying they are financially underwater. It is a word that sits at the intersection of sociology and personal finance, used when the speaker wants to sound mature, serious, or objective about their financial status.

彼は翻訳の仕事で生計を立てている。
(He makes a living through translation work.)

In professional settings, you might hear the phrase '生計を共にする' (seikei o tomo ni suru), which means to share a livelihood. This is a crucial term in Japanese tax law and insurance, defining who counts as a dependent. It implies that two or more people are living out of the same 'wallet.' Furthermore, the word appears in the term '生計費' (seikei-hi), which specifically refers to the amount of money required to maintain a basic standard of living. When the price of rice or electricity rises, news anchors will discuss the impact on the national 生計. It is rarely used in casual slang; rather, it provides a sense of gravity to the discussion of money.

物価の高騰が国民の生計を圧迫している。
(The soaring prices are putting pressure on the people's livelihood.)

To master this word, you must understand its collocation with '立てる' (to stand/establish). You don't just 'do' a livelihood; you 'stand it up.' This reflects a Japanese cultural value of self-reliance and the effort required to build a stable life from scratch. Whether you are a farmer, a YouTuber, or a salaryman, the act of 'standing up your 生計' is seen as the primary mark of adulthood and social contribution.

Using 生計 (seikei) correctly requires a firm grasp of its associated verbs and the contexts in which 'livelihood' is more appropriate than 'life.' Because it is a noun that describes a state of economic existence, it functions as the object of actions like 'supporting,' 'establishing,' or 'threatening.' The most vital pattern to learn is [Method/Job] + で + 生計を立てる. This is the standard way to say 'to make a living by [doing something].'

Standard Pattern: ~で生計を立てる: Used to describe the primary source of income. Example: '農業で生計を立てる' (Making a living through agriculture).
Maintenance: 生計を維持する: Used when discussing the difficulty or effort of keeping one's head above water financially.
Shared Living: 生計を一にする: A formal/legal expression meaning to share the same household budget.

The word is often used in the passive voice or with verbs of negative impact in social commentary. For example, '生計を脅かす' (to threaten one's livelihood) is a common headline when discussing automation, tax hikes, or environmental disasters. In these cases, 生計 represents the person's very ability to survive in society. It is more serious than 'losing a job'; it implies losing the means to eat and house oneself.

一人の給料で家族全員の生計を支えるのは大変だ。
(It is difficult to support the livelihood of the entire family on a single salary.)

When discussing career aspirations, you might use 生計 to distinguish between a hobby and a profession. If someone asks if you want to be a professional musician, you might reply, '趣味としてはいいですが、音楽で生計を立てるのは難しいと思います' (It's good as a hobby, but I think making a living through music would be difficult). Here, the word clarifies that the concern is purely financial and structural.

彼は複数のアルバイトを掛け持ちして、なんとか生計を維持している。
(He manages to maintain his livelihood by juggling multiple part-time jobs.)

In academic or journalistic writing, you will see 生計 used as a prefix for various compound words. '生計費' (living expenses) and '生計困難者' (people having difficulty making a living) are standard terms in sociology. When using these, ensure you are in a formal enough context; in a casual chat with friends about being broke, you'd likely just say 'お金がない' (I have no money) or '生活が苦しい' (Life is tough).

You will encounter 生計 (seikei) in specific, high-stakes environments. It is not a word you shout across a playground, but rather one you hear in a hushed consultation with a financial advisor, in a documentary about rural revitalization, or in the evening news. It carries a 'documentary' feel—realistic, slightly cold, and grounded in the material world. Here is where it typically surfaces:

The News and Newspapers: When reports discuss the 'minimum wage' or 'consumer price index,' they often frame it around the 'citizens' livelihood' (国民の生計). You will see headlines like '漁師の生計が危機に' (Fishermen's livelihood in crisis).
Job Interviews and Career Counseling: An interviewer might ask how you plan to '立てる' your 生計 if you are applying for a commission-based role. It shows they are concerned about your long-term stability.
Legal and Government Documents: If you are applying for a visa or social welfare in Japan, you will see the phrase '生計を維持する能力' (the ability to maintain a livelihood). This is a legal requirement to prove you won't become a burden on the state.
Literature and Period Dramas: In novels (especially those by Soseki Natsume or Osamu Dazai), characters often agonize over their 生計. It represents the struggle between artistic ideals and the harsh reality of needing to eat.

In modern Japanese media, particularly in 'slice of life' anime or dramas focused on working adults (like Aggretsuko or The Solitary Gourmet), the word might be used when a character is contemplating a major life change. Quitting a stable job to follow a dream is often framed as 'abandoning a stable 生計.' This highlights the cultural value of the 'stable livelihood' as the bedrock of a respectable adult life.

「どうやって生計を立てるつもりだ？」と父は厳しく尋ねた。
("How do you intend to make a living?" my father asked sternly.)

Another place you'll hear it is in discussions about the 'gig economy' or 'side hustles' (副業 - fukugyo). People might say they have a main job for their 生計 and a side job for their 'ikigai' (purpose in life). This distinction is important: 生計 is for the stomach; ikigai is for the soul. If you hear someone use this word in a bar, they are likely having a very serious conversation about their future or their family's wellbeing.

Lastly, in the context of marriage, 生計 is a major topic. In traditional 'Omiai' (arranged marriage) settings, the ability of the partner to provide a stable 生計 is often the first point of discussion. Even in modern dating, the term '生計を共にする' (sharing a livelihood) is the formal way to describe moving in together or getting married, emphasizing the merging of financial destinies.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 生計 (seikei) is using it as a direct synonym for 'life' (生活 - seikatsu) or 'existence' (人生 - jinsei). While they all relate to living, their boundaries are strict. 生計 is strictly economic. You cannot say 'I had a beautiful seikei in Paris'; you would say 'I had a beautiful seikatsu.' 生計 refers to the money, the job, and the bills.

Mistake 1: Confusing Seikei with Seikatsu: Wrong: 生計を楽しむ (Enjoying my livelihood).
Right: 生活を楽しむ (Enjoying my life/lifestyle).
Explanation: 生計 is too clinical to 'enjoy'; you 'maintain' or 'establish' it.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Verb Pairing: Wrong: 生計をする (Doing a livelihood).
Right: 生計を立てる (Standing/making a livelihood).
Explanation: Like 'make a living' in English, Japanese requires specific verbs. 'Suru' sounds unnatural.
Mistake 3: Over-using in Casual Speech: Wrong: 今日の生計はどう？ (How is your livelihood today?)
Right: 最近、仕事はどう？ (How's work lately?)
Explanation: 生計 is a heavy word. Using it for casual check-ins sounds like you are an auditor or a tax collector.

Another nuance to watch out for is the difference between 生計 and 収入 (shunyu - income). If you say 'My 生計 is high,' it makes no sense. You would say 'My income is high.' 生計 is not the amount of money; it is the *state* of being supported by that money. You can have a 'stable' 生計 or a 'precarious' 生計, but you cannot have a 'big' 生計.

❌ 彼は高い生計を得ている。
✅ 彼は高い収入を得ている。
(He earns a high income. 'Seikei' cannot be 'earned' as a unit of currency.)

Finally, be careful with the kanji. The second kanji 計 (kei) means 'plan' or 'measure.' It is the same 'kei' in tokei (clock) or keikaku (plan). Some learners confuse it with 形 (kei - shape) or 経 (kei - passage/manage). If you write 生形, it would mean 'living shape,' which is nonsense. Always remember that 生計 is your 'plan for living'—a financial blueprint.

To truly understand 生計 (seikei), you must see where it sits among its synonyms. Japanese has many ways to describe 'living' and 'working,' each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the money, the daily routine, or the philosophical journey of life.

生活 (Seikatsu) - Daily Life: The most common word. It covers everything: eating, sleeping, hobbies. 生計 is the financial subset of seikatsu.
暮らし (Kurashi) - Living / Lifestyle: A softer, more emotional word than 生計. 'Kurashi' evokes the feeling of a home, the smell of cooking, and the passage of seasons. You 'make' a 生計, but you 'cherish' a kurashi.
稼ぎ (Kasegi) - Earnings / Breadwinning: A more casual and direct word for the money you bring home. While 生計 is the system, kasegi is the cash.
渡世 (Tosei) - Making one's way in the world: An old-fashioned, slightly gritty word. It often implies a difficult or unconventional way of making a living, sometimes used by craftsmen or even underworld figures.

When comparing 生計 to shunyu (income), remember that shunyu is a number on a paycheck, while 生計 is the outcome of that number. If your shunyu is 200,000 yen, your 生計 is what you do with it to stay alive. This is why we say '生計を立てる' (establish a livelihood) but '収入を得る' (obtain an income).

「田舎での暮らしは憧れるが、どうやって生計を立てるかが問題だ。」
(I long for life in the countryside, but the problem is how to make a living.)

In professional writing, you might see '資力' (shiryoku - financial means) or '経済基盤' (keizai kiban - economic foundation). These are even more formal than 生計 and are used in economic reports. However, 生計 remains the most versatile term for describing the human aspect of economic survival. It bridges the gap between the dry statistics of 'income' and the warm reality of 'daily life.'

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

While 'seikei' means livelihood, the exact same reading 'seikei' (整形) means plastic surgery. They are distinguished by kanji and pitch accent. Be careful not to tell people you 'established plastic surgery' when you mean you 'made a living'!

Guía de pronunciación

UK /seɪkeɪ/

US /seɪkeɪ/

In Japanese (pitch accent), '生計' is usually Atamadaka (Type 1), meaning the first syllable 'se' is high and 'ikei' drops lower.

Rima con

経験 (Keiken - experience) 成形 (Seikei - molding) 整形 (Seikei - plastic surgery) 体系 (Taikei - system) 提携 (Teikei - alliance) 並行 (Heikou - parallel) 迷宮 (Meikyuu - labyrinth - slant rhyme) 名誉 (Meiyo - honor - slant rhyme)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it as 'seiki' (which means 'century' or 'genitals').
Pronouncing it as 'sekkei' (which means 'design' or 'plan').
Failing to elongate both 'e' sounds (saying 'seke' instead of 'seikei').
Confusing the pitch with 'seikei' (plastic surgery), which has a different pitch accent.
Mixing up the 'ei' sound with a simple 'e'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji are common but the word is formal and specific.

Escritura 4/5

Writing 'kei' (計) correctly is easy, but remembering the word exists instead of 'seikatsu' is harder.

Expresión oral 4/5

Requires knowledge of the collocation 'tateru' to sound natural.

Escucha 3/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with other 'seikei' homophones.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

生活 (Seikatsu) 仕事 (Shigoto) お金 (Okane) 立てる (Tateru) 計る (Hakaru)

Aprende después

家計 (Kakei) 収入 (Shunyuu) 支出 (Shishutsu) 扶養 (Fuyou) 世帯 (Setai)

Avanzado

資力 (Shiryoku) 経済基盤 (Keizai kiban) 糊口を凌ぐ (Kokou o shinogu) 困窮 (Konkyuu)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + で + 生計を立てる

農業で生計を立てる。

Noun + を + 維持する/支える

家族の生計を支える。

Noun + を + 一にする

彼らは生計を一にしている。

Noun + に + 窮する (Formal)

日々の生計に窮する。

Noun + を + 脅かす

不況が庶民の生計を脅かす。

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

父は仕事で生計を立てています。

My father makes a living through his job.

生計 (seikei) is the object of the verb 立てる (tateru).

生計は大切です。

Livelihood is important.

Simple noun usage with 'desu'.

どうやって生計を立てますか？

How do you make a living?

Question form using 'dou yatte' (how).

母も生計を支えています。

My mother also supports the livelihood.

支える (sazaeru) means to support.

生計を立てるのは大変です。

Making a living is hard.

Nominalizing the phrase with 'no wa'.

彼は絵を描いて生計を立てたいです。

He wants to make a living by painting pictures.

Using the 'te-form' to show the method.

家族の生計を考えます。

I think about the family's livelihood.

Possessive 'no' connects family and livelihood.

日本での生計は高いです。

The cost of living in Japan is high.

Here 'seikei' implies the cost/maintenance of life.

彼は農業で生計を立てることにしました。

He decided to make a living through farming.

ことにする (koto ni suru) means to decide to do something.

一人で生計を維持するのは難しいです。

It is difficult to maintain a livelihood by oneself.

維持する (iji suru) means to maintain.

将来、何で生計を立てるつもりですか？

What do you intend to make a living with in the future?

つもり (tsumori) expresses intention.

生計を立てるために、毎日働きます。

I work every day in order to make a living.

ために (tame ni) means 'in order to'.

彼女は翻訳で生計を立てています。

She is making a living through translation.

Present continuous form 'te-iru'.

父の収入が減って、生計が苦しくなりました。

My father's income decreased, and our livelihood became difficult.

苦しくなる (kurushiku naru) means to become painful/difficult.

生計を支えるために、兄は大学を辞めました。

My brother quit university to support the family's livelihood.

Compound sentence showing sacrifice for 'seikei'.

新しい仕事で生計が安定しました。

With the new job, my livelihood became stable.

安定する (antei suru) means to become stable.

都会で生計を立てるのは、想像以上に大変なことだ。

Making a living in the city is more difficult than I imagined.

想像以上 (souzou ijou) means 'more than imagined'.

彼は趣味のカメラを仕事にして、生計を立てている。

He turned his hobby of photography into a job and makes a living from it.

AをBにする (A o B ni suru) means 'to turn A into B'.

物価が上がると、多くの人の生計が脅かされることになる。

When prices rise, many people's livelihoods end up being threatened.

脅かされる (obiyakasarezu) is the passive voice of 'threaten'.

独立して生計を立てるには、しっかりとした計画が必要だ。

To become independent and make a living, a solid plan is necessary.

独立する (dokuritsu suru) means to become independent.

彼女は二つの仕事を掛け持ちして、生計を維持している。

She maintains her livelihood by holding down two jobs.

掛け持ちする (kakemochi suru) means to hold multiple positions.

生計を共にする家族として、お互いに助け合うべきだ。

As a family sharing a livelihood, we should help each other.

べきだ (beki da) expresses obligation or duty.

今の給料では、家族四人の生計を支えるのは不可能に近い。

With my current salary, supporting a family of four is nearly impossible.

不可能に近い (fukanou ni chikai) means 'close to impossible'.

彼はギャンブルで生計を立てようとしたが、失敗した。

He tried to make a living by gambling, but he failed.

Volitional form + とする (to suru) means 'to try to do'.

その村の人々は、主に漁業によって生計を営んでいる。

The people of that village mainly lead their lives through fishing.

営む (itonomu) is a formal verb for conducting or leading a life/business.

不況の影響で、多くの世帯が生計の維持に苦慮している。

Due to the recession, many households are struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

苦慮する (kuryo suru) means to worry or struggle over a problem.

彼は若くして一家の生計を背負うことになった。

He ended up shouldering the livelihood of his entire family at a young age.

背負う (seou) means to carry on one's back (literally or figuratively).

生計を一にしている親族であれば、扶養控除の対象となる。

If they are relatives sharing a livelihood, they qualify for a dependency deduction.

生計を一にする (seikei o itchi ni suru) is a formal legal idiom.

彼女は執筆活動だけで生計を立てることを目標にしている。

She aims to make a living solely through her writing activities.

目標にする (mokuhyou ni suru) means 'to have as a goal'.

伝統工芸で生計を立てるのは、現代では非常に困難な挑戦だ。

Making a living through traditional crafts is an extremely difficult challenge nowadays.

非常に (hijou ni) is a formal word for 'very'.

政府は国民の生計を安定させるための新しい政策を打ち出した。

The government launched new policies to stabilize the people's livelihoods.

打ち出す (uchidasu) means to set forth or launch (a policy).

彼は定年後も、何らかの形で生計を立てる手段を模索している。

Even after retirement, he is searching for a way to make a living in some form.

模索する (mosaku suru) means to grope for or search for.

気候変動は、特定の地域における人々の生計基盤を根本から揺るがしている。

Climate change is fundamentally shaking the livelihood foundations of people in specific regions.

揺るがす (yurugasu) means to shake or destabilize.

彼は自給自足に近い生活を送りつつ、最小限の生計を立てている。

While leading a near-self-sufficient life, he makes a minimal living.

つつ (tsutsu) means 'while' (formal).

この給付金は、災害で生計の手段を失った人々を支援するためのものだ。

This benefit is intended to support people who lost their means of livelihood in the disaster.

ためのもの (tame no mono) means 'intended for'.

社会保障制度の不備が、低所得層の生計をさらに圧迫している事実は否めない。

It is undeniable that the inadequacies of the social security system are further straining the livelihoods of the low-income bracket.

否めない (imenai) means 'undeniable'.

彼は、自身の芸術性を追求することと、現実的な生計を立てることの間で葛藤している。

He is conflicted between pursuing his artistry and making a realistic living.

葛藤する (kattou suru) means to be in conflict or to struggle internally.

生計費指数の上昇は、消費者の購買意欲に顕著な影響を及ぼしている。

The rise in the cost-of-living index is having a significant impact on consumer purchasing intent.

影響を及ぼす (eikyou o oyobosu) is a formal way to say 'to influence'.

かつてその土地では、塩作りが生計の主要な源泉であった。

In the past, salt-making was the primary source of livelihood in that land.

源泉 (gensen) means 'source' or 'origin'.

リモートワークの普及により、居住地に関わらず生計を立てることが可能になった。

The spread of remote work has made it possible to make a living regardless of where one resides.

に関わらず (ni kakawarazu) means 'regardless of'.

近代化の波は、伝統的な生計形態を瞬く間に瓦解させた。

The wave of modernization caused traditional forms of livelihood to collapse in the blink of an eye.

瓦解させる (gakai saseru) means to cause to crumble or collapse.

彼は、生計を立てるという卑近な問題を超越した、崇高な目的を掲げている。

He espouses a noble purpose that transcends the mundane problem of making a living.

卑近 (hikin) means 'mundane' or 'familiar/close to home'.

マクロ経済の変動が個々の生計に波及するプロセスは、極めて複雑である。

The process by which macroeconomic fluctuations ripple down to individual livelihoods is extremely complex.

波及する (hakyuu suru) means to spread or ripple out.

当該法案は、生計を一にする世帯の定義を厳格化することを意図している。

The bill in question intends to tighten the definition of households sharing a livelihood.

厳格化する (genkakuka suru) means to tighten or make more strict.

文学作品において、主人公が直面する生計の困窮は、しばしば社会の歪みを象徴する。

In literary works, the livelihood hardships faced by the protagonist often symbolize the distortions of society.

困窮 (konkyuu) means 'destitution' or 'extreme hardship'.

都市部における生計維持コストの増大は、少子化を加速させる一因となっている。

The increasing cost of maintaining a livelihood in urban areas is one factor accelerating the declining birthrate.

一因 (ichiin) means 'one cause' or 'a factor'.

彼は、自らの生計を賭して、会社の不正を内部告発した。

He blew the whistle on the company's wrongdoing, staking his own livelihood on the line.

～を賭して (o toshite) means 'staking' or 'at the risk of'.

生計の安定こそが、個人の自由と尊厳を担保する基礎条件である。

The stability of livelihood is the fundamental condition that guarantees individual freedom and dignity.

担保する (tanpo suru) means to guarantee or provide security for.

Colocaciones comunes

生計を立てる

生計を維持する

生計を一にする

生計を支える

生計を営む

生計費

生計の手段

生計困難

生計を脅かす

生計の道

Frases Comunes

生計を立てる

— To make a living. It describes the primary way someone earns money to survive.

彼はプログラミングで生計を立てている。

生計を維持する

— To maintain one's livelihood. It implies the ongoing effort to keep finances stable.

一人で生計を維持するのは大変だ。

生計を一にする

— To share a livelihood. This is a formal way to say living together and sharing expenses.

彼らは生計を一にしている夫婦だ。

一家の生計を支える

— To support the family's livelihood. Used for the main breadwinner.

彼は若い頃から一家の生計を支えてきた。

生計の目処が立つ

— To have a prospect for a livelihood. Used when a financial plan finally looks viable.

ようやく生計の目処が立った。

生計に窮する

— To be destitute or struggle to make a living. A very formal/literary expression.

失業して生計に窮している。

生計を営む

— To lead a livelihood. Similar to 'seikatsu o okuru' but more focused on the economic side.

細々と生計を営んでいる。

生計費を切り詰める

— To cut down on living expenses.

不況なので生計費を切り詰めている。

生計を立てる術がない

— To have no means of making a living.

彼には他に生計を立てる術がなかった。

生計を共にする

— To share a livelihood (less formal than 'ichi ni suru').

私たちは生計を共にしている。

Se confunde a menudo con

生計 vs 生活 (Seikatsu)

Seikatsu is the whole life (eating, sleeping, hobbies); Seikei is just the financial part.

生計 vs 整形 (Seikei)

Same reading, but means plastic surgery. Kanji and context are completely different.

生計 vs 成形 (Seikei)

Same reading, but means molding or forming (in manufacturing).

Modismos y expresiones

"生計を立てる"

— To establish a livelihood. This is considered a standard set phrase in Japanese.

どうやって生計を立てるつもりだい？

Neutral

"生計を一にする"

— To be part of the same economic household. Often used in legal/tax contexts.

生計を一にする親族は控除の対象です。

Formal

"糊口を凌ぐ (Kokou o shinogu)"

— To barely make a living; to scrape by. A more colorful idiom related to seikei.

内職でなんとか糊口を凌いでいる。

Literary

"火の車 (Hi no kuruma)"

— To be in desperate financial straits (literally 'a wheel of fire'). Used when a seikei is failing.

我が家の家計は火の車だ。

Informal/Idiomatic

"食べていく (Tabete iku)"

— To 'eat along,' meaning to make a living. The casual version of seikei o tateru.

音楽で食べていくのは難しい。

Informal

"身を立てる (Mi o tateru)"

— To establish oneself in the world (socially and economically).

学問で身を立てる。

Formal

"露命を繋ぐ (Romei o tsunagu)"

— To barely keep oneself alive (literary and dramatic).

わずかな食料で露命を繋いだ。

Archaic/Literary

"口を糊する (Kuchi o nosuru)"

— To make a bare living (formal version of kokou o shinogu).

筆を売って口を糊する。

Formal/Literary

"独り立ちする (Hitoridachi suru)"

— To stand on one's own feet (attain economic independence).

早く独り立ちして生計を立てたい。

Neutral

"身を過ぎる (Mi o sugiru)"

— To be beyond one's means or social standing.

それは私には身を過ぎた贅沢だ。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

生計 vs 家計 (Kakei)

Both involve money and living.

Kakei is the 'household budget' (income vs. expense), while Seikei is the 'livelihood' (the act of surviving).

家計簿をつける (Keep a household account book) vs 生計を立てる (Make a living).

生計 vs 収入 (Shunyuu)

Both relate to earning money.

Shunyuu is the specific amount of money earned. Seikei is the status of being supported by that money.

収入が多い (High income) vs 生計が安定している (Stable livelihood).

生計 vs 職業 (Shokugyou)

Jobs provide livelihoods.

Shokugyou is the 'profession' or 'title.' Seikei is the result of having that profession.

職業は医者です (Profession is a doctor) vs 医者として生計を立てる (Make a living as a doctor).

生計 vs 人生 (Jinsei)

Both contain the 'life' kanji.

Jinsei is the 'human life span' or 'one's journey through life.' Seikei is purely economic.

人生を楽しむ (Enjoy life) vs 生計を維持する (Maintain livelihood).

生計 vs 渡世 (Tosei)

Both mean making a living.

Tosei is archaic/gritty and implies 'getting by' in a world of hardship. Seikei is the modern, standard term.

渡世の義理 (Obligations of one's trade).

Patrones de oraciones

[Job] で生計を立てる。

仕事で生計を立てる。

[Job] で生計を立てています。

先生として生計を立てています。

[Job] で生計を立てるのは難しい。

アートで生計を立てるのは難しい。

[Person] が [Family] の生計を支える。

父が家族の生計を支えている。

生計を一にする [Noun]。

生計を一にする家族。

生計を脅かす [Noun]。

生計を脅かす社会情勢。

生計を営む。

この町で細々と生計を営む。

生計の目処が立つ。

ようやく来月の生計の目処が立った。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

生計費 (Living expenses)

生計者 (Breadwinner - rare)

家計 (Household finances)

生活 (Life/Lifestyle)

Verbos

生きる (To live)

計る (To measure/plan)

立てる (To stand/establish - used with seikei)

営む (To lead/conduct - used with seikei)

Adjetivos

生計的な (Economic/pertaining to livelihood - rare)

計略的な (Scheming - related via 'kei')

Relacionado

収入 (Income)

支出 (Expenditure)

扶養 (Support/Dependents)

世帯 (Household)

経済 (Economy)

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in adult conversations, news, and literature. Rare in children's media.

Errores comunes

Using 'seikei' for 'lifestyle'. → 生活 (seikatsu) or ライフスタイル (raifusutairu).
Seikei is purely economic. You don't have a 'minimalist seikei'; you have a 'minimalist seikatsu.'
Saying 'seikei o eru' (to obtain a livelihood). → 生計を立てる (seikei o tateru).
You obtain an income (shunyu o eru), but you 'stand up' a livelihood.
Using 'seikei' in a casual greeting. → 元気？ (Genki?) or 仕事はどう？ (Shigoto wa dou?)
Asking about someone's 'seikei' sounds like a government audit.
Confusing 'seikei' with 'sekkei' (design). → 生計 (seikei) vs 設計 (sekkei).
The sounds are similar, but 'sekkei' is for buildings or software, not for 'making a living.'
Writing '生型' instead of '生計'. → 生計
The second kanji must be 'kei' (calculation), not 'kei/gata' (shape).

Consejos

Master the Collocation

Always memorize '生計' with '立てる'. It is the most common and natural pairing. If you use other verbs, you might sound like a dictionary rather than a speaker.

Seikei vs. Seikatsu

If you are talking about money, jobs, or bills, use 'Seikei'. If you are talking about your weekend, your habits, or your happiness, use 'Seikatsu'.

Job Interviews

Using '生計を立てる' in an interview shows that you are thinking about the long-term economic stability of the role, which impresses Japanese employers.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember: Life (生) + Plan/Measure (計). It is your financial 'Life Plan'.

Learn Seikei-hi

In a country with rising costs, '生計費' (living expenses) is a word you will see everywhere in stores and news. It's a high-frequency compound.

Privacy

Don't ask 'How is your seikei?' to a stranger. It's too personal. Use it to talk about your own situation or social issues in general.

Literary Nuance

When reading novels, 'seikei' often signals a turning point where a character has to face harsh reality.

Passive Voice

Learn '生計を脅かされる' (to have one's livelihood threatened). It's a very common passive structure in news.

Alternative: Tabete-iku

If 'seikei' feels too stiff for a casual conversation with friends, use 'tabete-iku' (to eat along/survive).

Pitch Accent

Practice saying 'SEI-kei' with the drop on the 'sei' to distinguish it from plastic surgery (seikei), which is flatter.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'SEI' (Life) and 'KEI' (Calculation). To have a 'seikei,' you need a 'Life Calculation' or a 'Life Plan' for your money.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person standing (立てる) on a giant calculator (計) that is keeping a small plant (生) alive. The calculator is the foundation of the plant's life.

Word Web

生 (Life) 計 (Plan) 生活 (Seikatsu) 計画 (Keikaku) 家計 (Kakei) 収入 (Income) 立てる (Tateru) 仕事 (Shigoto)

Desafío

Try to write three sentences describing different jobs using the pattern '[Job] で生計を立てる'. For example: 'YouTuberで生計を立てる' or '公務員で生計を立てる'.

Origen de la palabra

The word '生計' (seikei) is composed of two kanji: '生' (sei) meaning life, birth, or living, and '計' (kei) meaning plan, measure, or calculation.

Significado original: The original meaning is 'a plan for living' or 'calculating how to survive.' It appeared in classical texts to describe the management of one's household and resources.

Sino-Japanese (Kango), derived from Chinese characters used in a Japanese context.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing 'seikei' with people who may be unemployed or struggling financially, as it is a direct measure of their economic stability and social standing.

In English, we say 'making a living' or 'breadwinning.' 'Seikei' is slightly more formal than 'making a living' but less academic than 'subsistence.'

Natsume Soseki's novels often feature 'higher-order' characters who struggle with the 'lowly' problem of seikei. The term 'Seikei-hi' is frequently cited in Japanese government 'White Papers' on the economy. In anime like 'Kaiji,' the protagonist's failure to maintain a seikei leads to the central gambling plot.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Job Discussions

生計を立てる
安定した生計
生計の手段
将来の生計

Financial Planning

生計費の計算
生計を維持する
生計の目処
家計と生計

Social Issues / News

生計を脅かす
生計困難者
国民の生計
生計保障

Legal / Administrative

生計を一にする
生計維持関係
生計の同一性
扶養と生計

Literature / History

生計を営む
生計に窮する
細々と生計を立てる
生計の道

Inicios de conversación

"将来、どんな仕事で生計を立てたいですか？ (What kind of job do you want to make a living with in the future?)"

"最近の物価高で、生計を維持するのが大変になってきましたね。 (With the recent price hikes, maintaining a livelihood has become difficult, hasn't it?)"

"フリーランスで生計を立てるのは、やはり難しいのでしょうか？ (Is it really difficult to make a living as a freelancer?)"

"生計を一にする家族の中で、誰が一番の稼ぎ手ですか？ (In your household, who is the primary breadwinner?)"

"趣味で生計を立てられたら最高だと思いませんか？ (Don't you think it would be great if you could make a living from your hobby?)"

Temas para diario

あなたが将来、理想とする生計の立て方について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your ideal way of making a living in the future.)

最近の経済状況があなたの生計にどのような影響を与えていますか？ (How is the recent economic situation affecting your livelihood?)

「好きなことで生計を立てる」ことのメリットとデメリットを論じてください。 (Discuss the pros and cons of 'making a living doing what you love.')

あなたの国で生計を維持するために必要な最低限の条件は何ですか？ (What are the minimum conditions necessary to maintain a livelihood in your country?)

もし今の生計の手段を失ったら、あなたはどうしますか？ (What would you do if you lost your current means of livelihood?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'Seikatsu' is a broad term for daily life, including your routine, hobbies, and general existence. 'Seikei' is specifically about the financial means and resources required to support that life. You 'enjoy' a seikatsu, but you 'establish' or 'maintain' a seikei.

No, 'seikei o suru' is grammatically awkward. The standard phrase is 'seikei o tateru' (to make a living) or 'seikei o itonomu' (to lead a livelihood). Think of it like 'making' a living rather than 'doing' a living.

It is used by adults when talking seriously about jobs or finances, but it's not 'slang.' In very casual talk, people say 'tabete iku' (eating along) or 'shigoto' (work). Using 'seikei' makes the conversation sound more serious and mature.

This is a formal term often used in tax and law. It means that people are living together and sharing the same financial resources (one 'wallet'). For example, a husband and wife usually 'seikei o itchi ni suru.'

You use the word 'seikei-hi' (生計費). For example, 'Seikei-hi ga agatta' means 'The cost of living has gone up.'

Yes, very common. You will hear it in reports about the economy, minimum wage, poverty, or how inflation is affecting 'kokumin no seikei' (the people's livelihood).

It reflects the idea of building or establishing a foundation. Just as you 'stand up' a building, you 'stand up' your livelihood to make it stable and independent.

Both. You can talk about 'kojin no seikei' (individual livelihood) or 'ikka no seikei' (family livelihood).

Not quite. 'Kakei' refers to the household budget and the management of money (bookkeeping). 'Seikei' refers to the broader concept of the means of living.

Yes, 'seikei' (整形) means plastic surgery and 'seikei' (成形) means molding. They are common, so pay attention to the kanji and context!

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas