生業 en 30 segundos
- A formal and nuanced word for 'livelihood' or 'occupation,' focusing on the work that sustains one's life and family.
- Commonly used in literature and documentaries to describe traditional trades like farming, fishing, and specialized craftsmanship.
- Usually read as 'nariwai,' but 'seigyou' is used in legal contexts. It implies a sense of permanence and earnestness.
- Distinguished from 'shigoto' (general work) by its emphasis on survival and its connection to a person's way of life.
The Japanese word 生業 (なりわい - nariwai) is a profound term that goes far beyond the modern English concept of a 'job' or 'employment.' While it is often translated as 'occupation' or 'livelihood,' its essence is rooted in the very act of sustaining life through one's labor. Historically, it referred to the seasonal cycles of agriculture—the 'work of living.' In contemporary Japanese, it carries a nuance of a life's work, a family trade, or a primary means of subsistence that defines one's place in the world. It is less about the corporate ladder and more about the fundamental connection between human effort and survival.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from 'nari' (becoming/growing) and 'wai' (act/doing), originally referring to farming as the ultimate source of life.
- Modern Nuance
- Used to describe a stable, often traditional or specialized, way of earning a living that one identifies with deeply.
When you use 生業, you are often speaking about the core activity that puts bread on the table. It is frequently used in literature, documentaries, and formal interviews to discuss how people in rural areas or specialized crafts maintain their existence. Unlike 'shigoto' (work), which can be a temporary task, 生業 implies a long-term commitment and a necessity for life.
彼は代々続く陶芸を生業としている。(He makes his living through pottery, a trade passed down through generations.)
In a sociological context, 生業 is used to analyze how different communities survive. For example, 'hunting and gathering' or 'small-scale farming' are classic examples of 生業. It suggests a rhythm of life that is dictated by the work itself. Even in modern settings, a freelancer might refer to their primary craft as their 生業 to distinguish it from side hobbies or temporary gigs.
農業を生業とする人々にとって、天候は死活問題だ。(For people who make farming their livelihood, the weather is a matter of life and death.)
- Formal Usage
- Often appears in legal or academic texts as 'seigyou' (the alternative reading), referring to a business or trade.
To truly master this word, one must understand the Japanese cultural emphasis on 'michi' (the path) and 'shokunin' (craftsmanship). A 生業 is not just a paycheck; it is the physical manifestation of one's contribution to society and the means by which one maintains their household (ie). It carries a weight of responsibility and dignity.
文筆を生業にするのは容易なことではない。(Making a living by writing is no easy feat.)
Using 生業 correctly requires placing it within a context of sustenance. The most common grammatical pattern is '[Activity/Noun] を生業とする' (to make [Activity] one's livelihood) or '[Activity/Noun] を生業にしている' (is making a living through [Activity]). This phrasing highlights the intentionality of the choice—it is the pillar of one's existence.
- Pattern A: [Noun] を生業とする
- Formal and literary. Used to define a person's primary occupation in a definitive way.
- Pattern B: [Noun] を生業にしている
- More conversational but still polite. Used when describing someone's current way of life.
彼は漁業を生業として、この小さな村で暮らしている。(He lives in this small village, making fishing his livelihood.)
Notice how the word often pairs with traditional industries like fishing (漁業), agriculture (農業), or crafts. However, it can also be used for modern intellectual pursuits if they are the sole source of income. For instance, a professional gamer or a software developer might use it to emphasize that their work is not a hobby, but their essential means of survival.
翻訳を生業にしたいと考えています。(I am thinking of making translation my livelihood.)
In historical contexts, you might see the phrase '生業に励む' (nariwai ni encourages), meaning to work hard at one's trade. This reflects the Confucian or Buddhist values of diligence in one's assigned role in society. Using 生業 elevates the conversation from mere 'labor' to a 'vocation.'
- Comparison with '仕事' (Shigoto)
- Shigoto is a general term for tasks or jobs. Nariwai is the 'business of living'—it encompasses the broader lifestyle associated with the work.
かつて、多くの日本人が稲作を生業としていた。(In the past, many Japanese people made rice cultivation their livelihood.)
You will encounter 生業 in specific but significant contexts in Japan. It is a staple of NHK documentaries, particularly those focusing on 'Satoyama' (rural landscapes) or traditional artisans. When a narrator describes an elderly craftsman in Kyoto who has been making bamboo brushes for 60 years, they will almost certainly use 生業 to describe his work.
「先祖代々の生業を守り抜く」 (Protecting the livelihood passed down from ancestors.)
In historical dramas (Jidaigeki), characters often speak of their 生業 when discussing their social status or their struggle to survive during famine or war. It evokes a sense of the 'commoner's struggle' versus the political world of the samurai. Furthermore, in modern news, particularly regarding environmental disasters (like the 2011 earthquake), the term '生業の再生' (restoration of livelihoods) is used to discuss rebuilding the local economy and traditional industries like fishing and farming.
Literary works also favor this word. Authors use it to ground a character in their environment. If a character is described as having 'pickling' or 'weaving' as their 生業, it immediately paints a picture of their daily routine, their social class, and their connection to the earth or their materials. It is a very 'grounded' word.
彼は海辺の町で、塩作りを生業として静かに暮らした。(He lived quietly in a seaside town, making salt production his livelihood.)
- News Context
- Used when discussing regional revitalization (chihou sousei) and supporting local trades.
- Artistic Context
- Used to describe the 'way' of an artist or musician when it is their primary source of income.
The most common mistake learners make is using 生業 for casual or temporary work. You would never say your part-time job at a convenience store is your 生業 unless you truly intend to make that your life's permanent path and primary means of existence for the long term. It sounds overly dramatic or even sarcastic in such a context.
❌ コンビニのバイトを生業にしています。
✅ コンビニでバイトをしています。
Another error is confusing the readings. While 'seigyou' is a valid reading, it is almost exclusively used in legal or very formal academic settings (e.g., 'seigyou-kyojo' or livelihood assistance). In 95% of spoken and general written Japanese, the reading is nariwai. Using 'seigyou' in a casual conversation about someone's job will sound robotic and out of place.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Occupation' (Shokugyou)
- Shokugyou is the category (e.g., 'I am a teacher'). Nariwai is the act of living through that work (e.g., 'Teaching is how I sustain my life').
Finally, avoid using 生業 for high-status corporate roles unless you are being humble or emphasizing the 'work' aspect. A CEO would rarely say their 生業 is management; they would use 'shigoto' or 'keiei.' 生業 has a 'salt of the earth' feel to it.
Japanese has many words for 'work,' each with a different color. Understanding the spectrum will help you place 生業 correctly. Here are the most common alternatives and how they differ:
- 仕事 (Shigoto)
- The most general term. Can be a task, a job, or a career. Lacks the 'livelihood' nuance of nariwai.
- 職業 (Shokugyou)
- Formal term for 'occupation.' Used on forms, surveys, and when classifying types of work.
- 稼ぎ (Kasegi)
- Focuses purely on the 'earnings' or 'income.' It's a pragmatic, sometimes slightly crude word for making money.
- 天職 (Tenshoku)
- Literally 'heavenly job.' This means a 'calling' or a job one was born to do. While nariwai is about survival, tenshoku is about destiny.
「彼は釣りを生業としているが、実は絵を描くことが天職だと思っている。」 (He makes a living by fishing, but he actually believes painting is his true calling.)
In some regions, you might hear 'すぎわい' (sugiwai), which is an older, even more localized version of 'nariwai.' It highlights the 'passing' (sugi) of life through work. However, 生業 remains the standard literary and intellectual choice for discussing the fundamental tie between labor and life.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
Because 'nari' sounds like 'becoming,' the word was historically associated with the prosperity of a household. In the Edo period, it was used to distinguish the 'honest work' of commoners from the 'service' of the samurai.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing it as 'na-ri-way' (like 'way' in English). It should be 'wa-i'.
- Confusing it with the reading 'seigyou' in casual talk.
- Incorrect pitch accent (stressing the first syllable too much).
- Reading 'nari' as 'nama' (from 'nama-e' or 'nama-mono').
- Skipping the 'i' at the end.
Nivel de dificultad
Kanji is common, but the reading 'nariwai' is special (ateji-like).
Kanji are standard N3-N2 level.
Hard to know exactly when to use it instead of 'shigoto'.
Easy to recognize once known, but sounds like other words.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
〜を〜とする
彼をリーダーとする。(We make him the leader.)
〜に励む
勉強に励む。(To be diligent in studies.)
〜を営む
ホテルを営む。(To run a hotel.)
〜に身を投じる
政治の世界に身を投じる。(To throw oneself into politics.)
〜に誇りを持つ
自分の仕事に誇りを持つ。(To have pride in one's work.)
Ejemplos por nivel
彼は農業を生業にしています。
He makes his living through farming.
Noun + を生業にしている is the standard way to say someone does a job for a living.
この人の生業は何ですか？
What is this person's livelihood?
Using 'nariwai' as a noun.
父の生業は漁師です。
My father's livelihood is being a fisherman.
Simple A is B structure.
生業は大切です。
A livelihood is important.
Basic subject-adjective sentence.
彼は山で生業を見つけた。
He found a livelihood in the mountains.
Object + を + Verb.
古い生業を守ります。
I will protect the old livelihood.
Adjective + Noun.
生業のために働きます。
I work for my livelihood.
〜のために (for the sake of).
母の生業は服を作ることです。
My mother's livelihood is making clothes.
Noun + こと (nominalizer).
昔の人は、狩りを生業としていた。
People in the past made hunting their livelihood.
Past tense of 'nariwai to suru'.
彼は自分の生業に誇りを持っている。
He takes pride in his livelihood.
〜に誇りを持つ (to take pride in).
村の人々は、生業を助け合っている。
The villagers help each other with their livelihoods.
Compound verb 'tasuke-au' (help each other).
新しい生業を探すのは大変だ。
Finding a new livelihood is difficult.
Noun + を探す (to look for).
彼は伝統的な生業を続けている。
He is continuing a traditional livelihood.
Adjective 'dentouteki-na' (traditional).
生業を失うのは怖いことです。
Losing one's livelihood is a scary thing.
Verb 'ushinau' (to lose).
都会で生業を立てるのは難しい。
It is hard to establish a livelihood in the city.
Phrase 'nariwai o tateru' (to establish a livelihood).
海とともに生きるのが彼の生業だ。
Living with the sea is his livelihood.
〜のが〜だ (nominalized subject).
彼は執筆を生業として、細々と暮らしている。
He makes a living by writing, living a frugal life.
Adverb 'hosoboso-to' (frugally/barely).
その島では、多くの世帯が観光を生業にしている。
On that island, many households make a living from tourism.
Noun 'setai' (household).
彼は代々続く鍛冶屋を生業として引き継いだ。
He took over the blacksmithing trade that had continued for generations.
Verb 'hikitsugu' (to take over/inherit).
自分の好きなことを生業にできる人は幸せだ。
People who can make what they love into their livelihood are happy.
Potential form 'dekiru'.
震災後、彼らは生業の再生に全力を尽くした。
After the earthquake, they put all their effort into restoring their livelihoods.
Phrase 'zenryoku o tsukusu' (to do one's best).
彼は翻訳を生業にしたいと願っている。
He hopes to make translation his livelihood.
Verb 'negau' (to hope/wish).
生業が安定するまでには時間がかかる。
It takes time for a livelihood to become stable.
Verb 'antei suru' (to stabilize).
彼はいくつもの生業を掛け持ちしている。
He holds several livelihoods at once (side hustles).
Verb 'kakemochi suru' (to hold multiple positions).
彼は、単なる金稼ぎではなく、誇りある生業として農業を選んだ。
He chose farming not just to make money, but as a livelihood to be proud of.
Contrast 'tannaru' (mere) vs 'hokori aru' (proud).
近代化によって、多くの伝統的な生業が姿を消した。
Due to modernization, many traditional livelihoods have disappeared.
Phrase 'sugata o kesu' (to disappear).
彼は文筆を生業としているが、最近は講演活動も多い。
He makes a living writing, but recently he has been giving many lectures too.
Conjunction 'ga' (but).
生業を立てるための支援金が政府から支給された。
Support funds to establish livelihoods were provided by the government.
Passive voice 'shikyuu sareta'.
彼は、山での暮らしそのものを生業と考えている。
He considers life in the mountains itself to be his livelihood.
Noun + sono mono (itself).
その職人は、八十歳を過ぎてもなお生業に励んでいる。
That craftsman is still working hard at his trade even past the age of eighty.
Adverb 'nao' (still/even more).
生業の基盤を固めることが、今の最優先事項だ。
Solidifying the foundation of our livelihood is the top priority right now.
Noun 'saiyuusen jikou' (top priority).
彼は、自分の生業が社会にどう貢献できるかを模索している。
He is exploring how his livelihood can contribute to society.
Verb 'mosaku suru' (to explore/grope for).
この地域では、自然の恵みを享受する生業が古くから営まれてきた。
In this region, livelihoods that enjoy the blessings of nature have been carried out since ancient times.
Passive-perfective 'itotonamarete kita'.
彼は、生業としての芸術と、自己表現としての芸術の間で葛藤している。
He is struggling between art as a livelihood and art as self-expression.
Noun 'kattou' (conflict/struggle).
気候変動は、一次産業を生業とする人々に甚大な影響を及ぼしている。
Climate change is having a devastating impact on people whose livelihoods depend on primary industries.
Phrase 'kyoudai-na eikyou o oyobosu' (to exert a massive influence).
彼は、先代から受け継いだ生業を、現代のニーズに合わせて変革させた。
He transformed the trade inherited from his predecessor to meet modern needs.
Causative form 'henkaku saseta'.
生業の多様性は、地域の文化遺産を守る上で不可欠な要素である。
The diversity of livelihoods is an essential element in protecting regional cultural heritage.
Phrase 'fukaketsu-na youso' (indispensable element).
彼は、特定の組織に属さず、フリーランスとして生業を立てる道を選んだ。
He chose the path of establishing a livelihood as a freelancer, without belonging to a specific organization.
Verb 'zokusazu' (without belonging).
その作家の小説には、厳しい自然の中で生業に勤しむ人々の姿が描かれている。
That author's novels depict people working hard at their livelihoods amidst harsh nature.
Verb 'isoshimu' (to work hard/be diligent).
生業が単なる労働に堕したとき、職人の魂は失われる。
When a livelihood degenerates into mere labor, the craftsman's soul is lost.
Verb 'dasu' (to degenerate/fall into).
生業のあり方は、その時代の社会構造を如実に反映している。
The nature of livelihoods vividly reflects the social structure of the era.
Adverb 'nyojitsu-ni' (vividly/realistically).
彼は、生業の維持と環境保護という、相矛盾する課題に直面している。
He is facing the contradictory challenges of maintaining his livelihood and protecting the environment.
Adjective 'ai-mujun suru' (mutually contradictory).
技術革新は、既存の生業を根底から覆す可能性を秘めている。
Technological innovation holds the potential to overturn existing livelihoods from their very foundations.
Phrase 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' (to overturn from the roots).
彼は、生業を通じて得た知見を、後世に伝えるべく筆を執った。
He took up his pen in order to pass on the knowledge gained through his livelihood to future generations.
Auxiliary 'beku' (in order to).
生業を「生きるための手段」から「自己実現の場」へと昇華させる。
To sublimate one's livelihood from a 'means of survival' into a 'place for self-actualization.'
Verb 'shouka saseru' (to sublimate).
文化人類学の視点から、山岳地帯における生業の変遷を考察する。
Examine the transition of livelihoods in mountainous regions from a cultural anthropological perspective.
Noun 'hensen' (transition/change).
彼は、世俗的な成功よりも、自らの信じる生業を全うすることに重きを置いた。
He placed more weight on fulfilling the livelihood he believed in than on worldly success.
Phrase 'omoki o oku' (to place importance on).
生業の喪失は、個人のアイデンティティの崩壊をもたらしかねない。
The loss of one's livelihood could potentially lead to the collapse of one's personal identity.
Grammar 'kane-nai' (might/could).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— One's daily work or routine for survival.
日々の生業を淡々とこなす。
— The 'bread' or source of income from one's work.
これが私の生業の糧だ。
— To be busy or overwhelmed by the daily struggle to make a living.
生業に追われて余裕がない。
— To carry out or manage one's livelihood.
細々と生業を営んでいる。
— The skills or methods for making a living.
生業の術を身につける。
— As part of one's livelihood.
これは生業の一環として行っている。
— To lead to or connect to a livelihood.
趣味が生業に結びついた。
— To support one's livelihood.
この道具が生業を支えている。
— The place where one conducts their livelihood.
海は漁師にとっての生業の場だ。
— To protect one's livelihood to the end.
伝統の生業を守り抜く決意だ。
Se confunde a menudo con
Seikatsu is 'living' or 'daily life' in general. Nariwai is the 'work' that supports that life.
Fukugyou is a side job. Nariwai is the 'main' livelihood.
Kagyou is specifically a family business. Nariwai can be any individual's livelihood.
Modismos y expresiones
— Work done strictly for survival (eating).
これはただの食うための生業だ。
Informal— Not reaching the level of being a proper livelihood.
まだ生業を立てるに及ばない腕前だ。
Formal— To devote oneself entirely to one's trade, often to the point of neglecting other things.
生業に身をやつして家族を支えた。
Literary— The 'seed' or source of one's business/livelihood.
新しい生業の種を探している。
Neutral— To risk one's life for one's trade (often used for dangerous jobs like deep-sea fishing).
海上の生業に命をかける。
Dramatic— To share the same livelihood/work together.
夫婦で生業を共にする。
Neutral— In between intervals of work.
生業の合間に本を読む。
Neutral— To take away someone's means of living.
戦争は人々の生業を奪った。
Serious— The pride one takes in their trade.
職人としての生業の誇り。
Formal— To expand one's business or way of making a living.
販路を拡大し生業を広げる。
NeutralFácil de confundir
Both mean 'occupation.'
Shokugyou is a category (e.g., 'Engineer'). Nariwai is the act of sustaining life through work.
履歴書に職業を書く。/ 農業を生業とする。
Both mean 'work.'
Shigoto is any task or job. Nariwai is the essential pillar of one's existence.
今日の仕事は終わりだ。/ 漁業が生業だ。
Both relate to making money.
Kasegi focuses on the money itself. Nariwai focuses on the lifestyle and duty of the work.
今月の稼ぎは少ない。/ 生業を大切にする。
Both relate to one's life work.
Tenshoku is a spiritual 'calling.' Nariwai is a pragmatic 'livelihood.'
これが私の天職だ。/ 生業として教える。
Both mean 'main job.'
Hongyou is used when you have multiple jobs. Nariwai is used to describe the fundamental nature of the work.
本業は会社員です。/ 農業が生業だ。
Patrones de oraciones
[Noun] を生業とする
彼は釣りを生業としている。
[Noun] を生業にしている
彼女は執筆を生業にしている。
生業を立てる
都会で生業を立てるのは難しい。
生業に励む
彼は日々の生業に励んでいる。
生業の再生
被災地では生業の再生が進んでいる。
生業を継ぐ
彼は父の生業を継ぐ決心をした。
生業のあり方
生業のあり方を再考する必要がある。
生業に身をやつす
彼は生業に身をやつし、家族を養った。
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Medium. Common in media and literature, rare in casual daily chat.
-
Using 'nariwai' for a part-time job.
→
Using 'arubaito.'
'Nariwai' implies a primary, life-sustaining occupation, not temporary work.
-
Reading it as 'seigyou' in conversation.
→
Reading it as 'nariwai.'
'Seigyou' is the technical/legal reading and sounds unnatural in speech.
-
Using 'nariwai' for a hobby.
→
Using 'shumi.'
If it doesn't earn money for survival, it's not a 'nariwai.'
-
Saying 'nariwai o shimasu.'
→
Saying 'nariwai to shimasu.'
The standard grammatical pattern is '...o nariwai to suru.'
-
Using it for high-level management.
→
Using 'keiei' or 'shigoto.'
'Nariwai' has a 'salt-of-the-earth' or manual labor nuance.
Consejos
Context Matters
Save 'nariwai' for when you want to sound deep, traditional, or serious about work.
The 'To Suru' Pattern
Master '〜を生業とする.' It's the most common and useful pattern for this word.
Respect the Craft
Use it when talking to artisans or farmers to show respect for their life's work.
Don't say 'Seigyou'
Stick to 'nariwai' in 99% of situations. 'Seigyou' is for lawyers and textbooks.
Pair with 'Dentou'
It sounds very natural when used as 'dentouteki na nariwai' (traditional livelihood).
Use in Essays
It's a great word to use in Japanese proficiency test (JLPT) essays to boost your score.
Watch Documentaries
Watch NHK programs about rural Japan to hear how the word is used in real life.
Be Humble
Using 'nariwai' for your own job can sound humble, like you are just a simple person working to live.
Kanji Meaning
Remember: Life (生) + Business (業) = The business of life.
Not just a job
Remember that 'nariwai' is about the *act* of living through work, not just the job title.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'NARI' (becoming) and 'WAI' (why). 'Nari-wai' is the reason (why) you are 'becoming' a successful person who can eat every day.
Asociación visual
Imagine a rice farmer (Nari) saying 'Why (Wai) do I work? To live!' This links the sound to the meaning of livelihood.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe your job as a 'nariwai' to a Japanese friend and see if they think it fits the 'serious/life-sustaining' nuance.
Origen de la palabra
The word 'nariwai' originates from the Old Japanese 'nari-wahi.' 'Nari' is the continuative form of 'naru' (to become/to bear fruit), and 'wahi' is a suffix related to action or doing. It originally referred specifically to the cultivation of crops.
Significado original: The act of growing crops or farming to sustain life.
Japonic / Yamato Kotoba (Native Japanese origin).Contexto cultural
Be careful not to use it for illegal activities (e.g., 'stealing is my nariwai') as the word has a dignified, honest connotation.
Similar to 'bread and butter' or 'vocation,' but with a stronger emphasis on physical labor or traditional trades.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Documentaries
- 伝統を守る (protect tradition)
- 自然と共に (with nature)
- 代々続く (generations)
- 技を磨く (polish skill)
News/Disaster Recovery
- 再建を目指す (aim for reconstruction)
- 生活を支える (support life)
- 支援が必要 (support needed)
- 経済的基盤 (economic base)
Literature/Novels
- 日々の糧 (daily bread)
- 汗を流す (to sweat/work hard)
- 静かな暮らし (quiet life)
- 運命を受け入れる (accept fate)
Career Interviews
- 一生の仕事 (life's work)
- 社会貢献 (social contribution)
- やりがい (worthwhile)
- 専門性を活かす (use expertise)
History Class
- 江戸時代の庶民 (Edo commoners)
- 産業の発展 (industrial development)
- 生活様式 (lifestyle)
- 交易 (trade)
Inicios de conversación
"あなたの生業は何ですか？ (What is your livelihood? - Very formal)"
"いつか自分の好きなことを生業にしたいですか？ (Do you want to make what you love your livelihood someday?)"
"伝統的な生業を守ることは大切だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's important to protect traditional livelihoods?)"
"日本では、農業を生業とする人が減っています。どう思いますか？ (In Japan, people making farming their livelihood are decreasing. What do you think?)"
"あなたの家族には、代々続く生業がありますか？ (Does your family have a trade passed down through generations?)"
Temas para diario
もし自分が一つだけ生業を選べるとしたら、何を選びますか？その理由も書いてください。 (If you could choose just one livelihood, what would it be? Write the reason too.)
「仕事」と「生業」の違いについて、あなたの考えを日本語で説明してください。 (Explain your thoughts on the difference between 'work' and 'livelihood' in Japanese.)
将来、どのような生業を立てていきたいですか？ (What kind of livelihood do you want to establish in the future?)
あなたが尊敬する職人と、その人の生業について書いてください。 (Write about a craftsman you respect and their livelihood.)
AIの進化によって、これから失われる生業、新しく生まれる生業は何だと思いますか？ (What livelihoods do you think will be lost or newly created due to the evolution of AI?)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasRarely. Office workers usually use 'shigoto' or 'sarariiman.' Using 'nariwai' for office work sounds a bit poetic or as if you view the job as a gritty struggle for survival.
'Nariwai' is the standard reading for general use. 'Seigyou' is the formal, technical reading used in legal terms like 'seigyou-kyojo' (livelihood assistance).
No. If you don't earn money from it to support your life, it's not a 'nariwai.' It's a 'shumi' (hobby).
Yes, it has ancient roots in agriculture, but it is still used today in news, literature, and formal contexts.
The most common way is '〜を生業とする' (...o nariwai to suru).
Usually, it has a positive or neutral connotation of 'honest work.' However, it can be used for tough, low-paying jobs to emphasize the struggle.
It is very formal. In a normal conversation, ask 'O-shigoto wa nan desu ka?'
Often, yes. It frequently refers to trades passed down through generations, like pottery or farming.
Yes. A freelancer might say 'Writing is my nariwai' to show it's their serious, primary job.
Think of 'Nari' (becoming) and 'Wai' (why). It's the 'why' of your life 'becoming' sustained.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
「生業」を使って、自分の将来の仕事について短い文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「農業を生業とする」という言葉を使って、例文を作ってください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」と「誇り」という言葉を両方使って文章を作ってください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業を失う」という言葉を使って、ニュースのような文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「代々続く生業」について説明する文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」と「生活」の違いを簡単に説明してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業に励む」を使って、誰かを褒める文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、伝統工芸について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業を立てる」を使って、自立についての文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、災害復興についての文章を書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、趣味が仕事になった人のことを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、昔の日本人の生活について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、都会の生活の難しさについて書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、フリーランスの働き方について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、環境保護との関係について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、AI社会について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、自分の父親や母親の仕事を紹介してください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、旅人のような生き方について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、感謝の気持ちを書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」を使って、職人の技術について書いてください。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
「生業」という言葉を使って、自分の仕事を自己紹介してください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「なりわい」と「しごと」の違いを日本語で話してください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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あなたが「生業」にしたいことは何ですか？理由も教えてください。
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Dijiste:
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伝統的な生業を守るべきだと思いますか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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あなたの国で、有名な「生業」は何ですか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業を立てる」とはどういうことか説明してください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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誰かの「生業に励む姿」を見てどう思いますか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」という言葉の響き（音）についてどう感じますか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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あなたが知っている日本の伝統的な「生業」を一つ挙げてください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」を失ったら、あなたはどうしますか？
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Dijiste:
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「生業」の漢字を説明してください。
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Dijiste:
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「農業を生業とする」をリピートしてください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「日々の生業に励む」をリピートしてください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業に貴賎なし」ということわざを知っていますか？意味を推測してください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」を使って、家族の誰かの仕事を紹介してください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」に関連する言葉を三つ挙げてください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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もしあなたが江戸時代に生きていたら、どんな「生業」を選びますか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」を「せいぎょう」と読むのはどんな時ですか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」を大切にするために必要なことは何だと思いますか？
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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「生業」という言葉を今日初めて知った人に、簡単に説明してください。
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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音声で「なりわい」と聞こえたら、何を意味していますか？
「彼は漁業を生業としている」という文の中で、彼の仕事は何ですか？
「生業を立てる」というフレーズが聞こえました。どういう意味ですか？
「生業に励む」というフレーズが聞こえました。どんな様子ですか？
「代々の生業」という言葉が聞こえました。誰から受け継いだものですか？
「生業の再生」という言葉が聞こえました。どんな状況で使われますか？
「せいぎょう」という読み方が聞こえました。どんな場面だと推測できますか？
「生業を失う」という言葉が聞こえました。良いニュースですか、悪いニュースですか？
「好きなことを生業にする」という言葉が聞こえました。どんな意味ですか？
「日々の生業」という言葉が聞こえました。いつのことですか？
「生業に追われる」という言葉が聞こえました。彼は暇ですか、忙しいですか？
「生業の基盤」という言葉が聞こえました。何の話をしていますか？
「伝統的な生業」という言葉が聞こえました。新しい仕事ですか、古い仕事ですか？
「生業を奪う」という言葉が聞こえました。どういう意味ですか？
「生業に誇りを持つ」という言葉が聞こえました。彼は自分の仕事が嫌いですか、好きですか？
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
生業 (nariwai) is more than just a job; it is the fundamental pillar of one's existence and survival. While 'shigoto' is any task, 'nariwai' is the trade that puts food on the table and defines your social role. Example: 「陶芸を生業とする」(To make pottery one's livelihood).
- A formal and nuanced word for 'livelihood' or 'occupation,' focusing on the work that sustains one's life and family.
- Commonly used in literature and documentaries to describe traditional trades like farming, fishing, and specialized craftsmanship.
- Usually read as 'nariwai,' but 'seigyou' is used in legal contexts. It implies a sense of permanence and earnestness.
- Distinguished from 'shigoto' (general work) by its emphasis on survival and its connection to a person's way of life.
Context Matters
Save 'nariwai' for when you want to sound deep, traditional, or serious about work.
The 'To Suru' Pattern
Master '〜を生業とする.' It's the most common and useful pattern for this word.
Respect the Craft
Use it when talking to artisans or farmers to show respect for their life's work.
Don't say 'Seigyou'
Stick to 'nariwai' in 99% of situations. 'Seigyou' is for lawyers and textbooks.
Ejemplo
農業は彼の家族の生業です。
Contenido relacionado
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還暦
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〜くらい
B1Esta palabra significa 'aproximadamente' o 'hasta el punto de'. Se usa para expresar una aproximación o un grado.
認め合う
B1Reconocerse mutuamente; admitir el valor del otro.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Alguien que conoces de vista pero no personalmente. Una persona cuya cara es familiar sin una relación cercana.
甘える
B1Ser mimado, adular; comportarse como un niño consentido confiando en la amabilidad e indulgencia de otros, a menudo en relaciones cercanas.
活発な
B1Activo; animado; vigoroso. 'Un niño muy activo.' (とても活発な子) 'Un intercambio de ideas animado.' (活発な意見交換)
思春期
B1La adolescencia; el período de transición entre la infancia y la edad adulta.
養子
B1Un hijo adoptivo que legalmente se integra en una familia no biológica.
養親
B2Padre o madre adoptivo/a. Una persona que asume legalmente la paternidad de un hijo no biológico.
