暮らす
暮らす 30초 만에
- Kurasu focuses on the passage of time and daily lifestyle rather than just a physical address or location.
- It is a Godan verb commonly used in the '~te iru' form to describe a current living situation.
- Commonly paired with adverbs like 'hitori de' (alone) or 'tanoshiku' (happily) to describe the quality of life.
- Essential for discussing retirement, financial survival, and personal dreams regarding how one wants to spend their years.
The Japanese verb 暮らす (kurasu) is a fundamental word that translates to 'to live,' 'to reside,' or 'to spend one's days.' While English often uses the word 'live' for both physical residence and the act of experiencing life, Japanese distinguishes these nuances. Kurasu specifically emphasizes the passage of time and the lifestyle one leads. It is derived from the kanji 暮, which represents the sunset or the end of the day. This etymological root suggests the cycle of a day—waking up, working, and finally seeing the sun set—repeated over and over to form a life. When you use kurasu, you are talking about the rhythm of your daily existence, the chores you do, the way you spend your money, and the emotional quality of your days.
- Daily Routine
- Kurasu is used when discussing how someone manages their day-to-day life, such as 'living alone' (hitori de kurasu) or 'living frugally' (tsumashiku kurasu).
都会の喧騒を離れて、田舎で静かに暮らすのが私の夢です。
(It is my dream to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and live quietly in the countryside.)
In contrast to 住む (sumu), which focuses on the geographical location or the physical building you inhabit, kurasu is about the experience of living. If you say 'Tokyo ni sunde iru,' you are stating your address. If you say 'Tokyo de kurashite iru,' you are implying the lifestyle you lead within Tokyo—the commuting, the dining, and the social interactions. This distinction is vital for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple facts to describing experiences and aspirations. Kurasu is often paired with adverbs that describe the quality of life, such as tanoshiku (happily), yutaka ni (richly), or taihen ni (with difficulty).
- Financial Context
- The word is frequently used to describe economic survival, such as 'making a living' (seikatsu o tateru) or 'getting by' (nantoka kurasu).
年金だけで暮らすのは簡単ではありません。
(Living on just a pension is not easy.)
Furthermore, kurasu carries a sense of duration. It is rarely used for short stays like a hotel visit (where tomaru is used). It implies a settled existence where one has established a routine. In literature and media, the noun form 暮らし (kurashi) is ubiquitous, appearing in magazine titles like 'Kurashi no Techo' (Notebook of Living), which focuses on home economics, cooking, and crafts. This highlights how the word encompasses the holistic 'art of living' rather than just the biological fact of being alive.
- Social Dynamics
- It describes who you live with. 'Kazoku to kurasu' (living with family) emphasizes the shared time and activities, not just the shared roof.
彼女は猫と一緒に暮らしています。
(She is living with her cat.)
In summary, kurasu is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between physical location and psychological state. It is the word of choice when discussing retirement plans, student life, financial struggles, or the simple joys of a quiet weekend. For a Japanese speaker, kurasu evokes the image of the sun setting on a day well-spent, marking the continuous flow of time that constitutes a human life.
Mastering 暮らす (kurasu) requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and the specific particles it prefers. As a Godan verb (Group 1), it conjugates predictably: kurashimasu (polite), kurashita (past), kurashite (te-form). One of the most common grammatical points for learners is the choice between the particles に (ni) and で (de). While sumu (to reside) almost always takes ni to indicate a point of residence, kurasu frequently takes de because it describes an action or a process taking place within an area.
- Particle Usage
- Use 'de' when focusing on the environment or conditions of living. Use 'ni' when the focus is more on the location itself, though 'de' is more common for 'kurasu'.
外国で暮らすのは、刺激的ですが大変なこともあります。
(Living abroad is exciting, but there are also difficult things.)
Another key structure is the use of the ~te iru form. Kurashite iru describes an ongoing state or a current lifestyle. This is the standard way to answer the question 'How are you living these days?' or 'Where are you living?' when you want to imply more than just an address. It is also frequently modified by adverbs to provide detail about the quality of life. For example, heiwa ni kurashite iru (living peacefully) or isogashiku kurashite iru (living busily).
- Adverbial Modification
- Adverbs ending in '~ku' or '~ni' are the best friends of 'kurasu'. They paint the picture of the lifestyle.
彼は質素に暮らしながら、多くの本を執筆しました。
(While living simply, he wrote many books.)
In more advanced contexts, kurasu can be combined with other verbs to create compound meanings. For instance, iki-kurasu (to live out one's life) or aki-kurasu (to spend time being bored). However, for B1 learners, the most important compound is the noun 一人暮らし (hitorigurashi), meaning 'living alone.' This is a cultural milestone in Japan, often discussed when students move to university or young professionals start their careers. You will often hear the phrase 'Hitorigurashi o hajimeta' (I started living alone).
- Conditional and Potential
- Using 'kurasereba' (if one can live) or 'kuraseru' (can live) is common when discussing financial viability.
この給料で家族四人が暮らすのは無理だ。
(It is impossible for a family of four to live on this salary.)
Finally, consider the register. Kurasu is neutral and can be used in almost any setting. In very formal situations, such as a speech or a business document, you might see 生活する (seikatsu suru), which is more clinical and functional. However, kurasu remains the most natural choice for personal stories, novels, and daily conversation because of its warm, human-centric nuance. Whether you are describing a future dream or a current struggle, kurasu provides the necessary emotional weight to the concept of 'living.'
In Japan, you will encounter 暮らす (kurasu) in a wide variety of social and media contexts. One of the most common places is in lifestyle media. Japan has a massive industry dedicated to 'kurashi'—magazines, YouTube channels, and Instagram accounts that focus on 'room tours,' minimalist living, and home organization. In these contexts, kurasu is used to evoke a sense of aesthetic and intentional living. You might see headlines like 'Chiisaku kurasu' (Living small/minimalism) or 'Kisetsu o kanjite kurasu' (Living while feeling the seasons).
- Real Estate and Relocation
- Advertisements for new apartments or rural relocation programs (I-turn/U-turn) use 'kurasu' to sell a vision of a new life, not just a room.
自然豊かな環境で、のびのびと暮らしませんか?
(Won't you live freely in an environment rich in nature?)
Another frequent context is social issues and news. When discussing the 'cost of living' or the 'poverty line,' news anchors and experts use kurasu to describe the reality of people's lives. For example, discussions about 'low-income households' often revolve around how they are 'kurashite iru' (getting by). This usage is more functional and focuses on the economic aspect of survival. You will also hear it in documentaries about elderly people living alone in depopulated villages, where the word carries a poignant, sometimes lonely nuance.
- Literature and Song Lyrics
- Poets and songwriters use 'kurasu' to describe the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of daily existence.
君のいない街で、僕は一人で暮らしている。
(In the town where you are not here, I am living alone.)
In casual conversation, friends might ask each other 'Saikin dou kurashiteru?' (How are you living lately? / How's life?). This is a broader, more lifestyle-oriented version of 'Genki?' (Are you well?). It invites the listener to talk about their work, hobbies, and general well-being. It's also the standard word used when talking about pets. If someone asks if you have a dog, you might reply 'Inu to kurashite imasu' (I'm living with a dog), which sounds more affectionate and integrated than simply saying 'Inu o katte imasu' (I keep/own a dog).
- Professional Settings
- While 'seikatsu' is more common in formal reports, 'kurasu' is used in interviews and human-interest stories to make the subject more relatable.
震災の後、仮設住宅で暮らす人々を取材しました。
(After the earthquake, I interviewed people living in temporary housing.)
Whether it's the aspirational world of interior design magazines or the gritty reality of news reports, kurasu is the word that connects the abstract concept of 'life' to the concrete actions of eating, sleeping, and working. It is a word that carries the weight of time and the flavor of daily experience, making it an essential part of the Japanese linguistic landscape.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using 暮らす (kurasu) is confusing it with 住む (sumu) or 生きる (ikiru). While all three can be translated as 'to live' in English, their usage in Japanese is strictly partitioned. Using the wrong one can make your Japanese sound unnatural or even confusing. The most common error is using kurasu when you only mean to state your address. If you say 'Tokyo de kurashite imasu' to a stranger, it sounds like you are about to tell them a story about your life in Tokyo, whereas 'Tokyo ni sunde imasu' is a simple statement of fact.
- Kurasu vs. Sumu
- Mistake: Using 'kurasu' for a temporary stay. Correct: Use 'tomaru' for hotels or 'iru' for short visits. 'Kurasu' requires a sense of established daily life.
× ホテルで一週間暮らしました。
○ ホテルに一週間泊まりました。
(I stayed at a hotel for a week.)
Another common pitfall is the confusion with 生きる (ikiru). Ikiru refers to the biological state of being alive or the philosophical concept of existence. You 'ikiru' until you die. You 'kurasu' by eating, sleeping, and working. If you say 'Hyakusai made kurashitai' (I want to live/spend time until 100), it sounds a bit odd because kurasu focuses on the *how*, not the *duration of life*. The correct phrase for longevity is 'Hyakusai made ikitai' (I want to live until 100).
- Particle Confusion
- Mistake: Always using 'ni' with 'kurasu'. While 'ni' is possible, 'de' is much more common because 'kurasu' is an active process.
× 日本に暮らすのは楽しい。
○ 日本で暮らすのは楽しい。
(Living in Japan is fun.)
Learners also sometimes forget the rendaku (sequential voicing) in compound words. For example, 'hitori' + 'kurasu' becomes 'hitori-gurashi' (noun) or 'hitori-gurashi o suru' (verb phrase). Saying 'hitori kurashi' with a 'k' sound isn't a major error, but it marks you as a beginner. Similarly, 'binbou-gurashi' (living in poverty) uses the 'g' sound. Paying attention to these small phonetic shifts will greatly improve your fluency.
- Contextual Mismatch
- Mistake: Using 'kurasu' for animals in the wild. Correct: Use 'seisaku suru' (inhabit) or 'ikiru'. 'Kurasu' implies a human-like daily routine.
× ライオンはアフリカで暮らしています。
○ ライオンはアフリカに生息しています。
(Lions inhabit Africa.)
Finally, avoid overusing kurasu in formal writing where 生活する (seikatsu suru) is more appropriate. While kurasu is warm and evocative, seikatsu suru is the standard for academic papers, legal documents, and formal business reports. Understanding these boundaries will help you navigate different social situations in Japan with confidence and precision.
To truly master 暮らす (kurasu), you must understand its relationship with its synonyms. Each word for 'living' in Japanese carries a specific 'flavor' and is used in different contexts. By choosing the right one, you can convey subtle nuances about the quality, location, or formality of the life you are describing. The most common alternatives are 住む (sumu), 生活する (seikatsu suru), and 生きる (ikiru).
- 暮らす vs. 住む
- 住む (sumu) is about the 'where' (address, building). 暮らす (kurasu) is about the 'how' (lifestyle, passage of time).
彼はアパートに住んでいますが、とても贅沢に暮らしています。
(He lives in an apartment, but he lives very luxuriously.)
生活する (seikatsu suru) is the Sino-Japanese (Kango) equivalent of kurasu. It is more formal and clinical. It is often used when discussing the 'mechanics' of living—finances, health, and social systems. For example, 'seikatsu-hi' (living expenses) or 'seikatsu-shukan' (lifestyle habits). While you can say 'kazoku to kurasu' (live with family), saying 'kazoku to seikatsu suru' sounds a bit more like you are describing a co-habitation arrangement for a survey.
- 暮らす vs. 生きる
- 生きる (ikiru) is the biological act of being alive. 暮らす (kurasu) is the social/daily act of living.
ただ生きるのではなく、人間らしく暮らしたい。
(I don't want to just exist; I want to live like a human being.)
Other less common but useful alternatives include 在住する (zaijuu suru), which is very formal and used in profiles (e.g., 'New York zaijuu' - residing in NY), and 過ごす (sugosu). Sugosu means 'to spend time' and is often used for shorter durations or specific periods, like 'natsu-yasumi o sugosu' (spending summer vacation). While kurasu also means spending time, it is reserved for the broader context of one's life, whereas sugosu can be used for an afternoon or a week.
- Summary Table
-
- 住む: Physical location (Address).
- 暮らす: Daily life/Lifestyle (Personal).
- 生活する: Daily life/Survival (Formal/Functional).
- 生きる: Biological existence (Life vs Death).
- 過ごす: Spending a specific period of time.
都会で生活するのはお金がかかりますが、楽しく暮らす工夫をしています。
(Living in the city costs money, but I'm finding ways to live happily.)
By understanding these distinctions, you can avoid the 'one-size-fits-all' trap of the English word 'live.' Whether you are writing a formal application or chatting with a Japanese friend about your dreams, choosing the right synonym for kurasu will make your Japanese sound more natural, nuanced, and sophisticated.
How Formal Is It?
"当地で平穏に暮らしております。"
"東京で家族と暮らしています。"
"一人で暮らしてるんだ。"
"森の中でくまさんと暮らしました。"
"ガチでその日暮らしだわ。"
재미있는 사실
Because the root is related to 'darkness,' the word 'kureru' (to get dark) and 'kurasu' (to live) are linguistic cousins. Living was seen as the act of successfully reaching the end of each day.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'ra' like the English 'r' (it should be a flick of the tongue).
- Over-emphasizing the final 'u'.
- Confusing the pitch with 'kurashu' (not a word).
- Mixing up the 'u' and 'o' sounds (avoid 'korasu').
- Failing to voice the 'k' to 'g' in 'hitorigurashi'.
난이도
The kanji is slightly complex but very common.
Writing the kanji 暮 requires attention to the number of strokes.
Pronunciation is easy, but choosing between 'kurasu' and 'sumu' takes practice.
Clearly audible and distinct from other common verbs.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Te-form + iru (State/Action)
彼は一人で暮らしています。
Potential Form (Ability)
このお金で一ヶ月暮らせますか?
Noun + gurashi (Compound Noun)
憧れの海外暮らし。
Adverbial modification
自由に暮らす。
Conditional ~ba (Hypothetical)
一緒に暮らせれば幸せです。
수준별 예문
私は東京で暮らしています。
I am living in Tokyo.
Uses ~te imasu for current state.
家族と一緒に暮らしたいです。
I want to live with my family.
Uses ~tai for desire.
一人で暮らすのは寂しいですか?
Is living alone lonely?
Uses 'no wa' to turn the verb into a subject.
猫と暮らしています。
I am living with a cat.
Uses 'to' to mean 'with'.
毎日楽しく暮らしましょう。
Let's live happily every day.
Uses ~mashou for suggestion.
どこで暮らしたいですか?
Where do you want to live?
Question form.
おじいさんは山で暮らしていました。
The old man was living in the mountains.
Past continuous form.
友達と暮らすのは楽しいです。
Living with friends is fun.
Adjective 'tanoshii' modifying the action.
来月から一人暮らしを始めます。
I will start living alone from next month.
Uses the noun 'hitorigurashi'.
この給料では暮らせません。
I can't live on this salary.
Potential negative form 'kurasenai'.
静かな田舎で暮らすのが好きです。
I like living in the quiet countryside.
Uses 'no ga suki' for preference.
どうやって暮らしているのですか?
How are you living? (How do you make a living?)
Uses 'dou yatte' for method.
彼女は質素に暮らしています。
She lives simply.
Adverb 'shisso ni' (simply).
外国で暮らすのは大変です。
Living abroad is difficult.
Adjective 'taihen' (difficult/tough).
平和に暮らせる世界がいいです。
A world where we can live in peace is good.
Potential form 'kuraseru' as a modifier.
彼は犬三匹と暮らしています。
He lives with three dogs.
Counter 'san-biki' for animals.
定年後は沖縄でゆっくり暮らしたいと考えています。
I am thinking of living leisurely in Okinawa after retirement.
Uses 'to kangaete iru' for plans.
都会で暮らすメリットとデメリットは何ですか?
What are the pros and cons of living in the city?
Noun 'meritto' and 'demeritto'.
奨学金だけで暮らすのはかなり厳しいです。
Living on just a scholarship is quite tough.
Adverb 'kanari' (quite/considerably).
彼は自由奔放に暮らしているように見えます。
He seems to be living a free-spirited life.
Uses 'you ni mieru' (seems like).
私たちは同じ屋根の下で暮らしています。
We are living under the same roof.
Idiomatic expression 'onaji yane no shita'.
今の暮らしに満足していますか?
Are you satisfied with your current life?
Uses the noun 'kurashi'.
自給自足の生活で暮らすのは私の理想です。
Living a self-sufficient life is my ideal.
Uses 'jikyuu-jisoku' (self-sufficiency).
彼は何不自由なく暮らしてきました。
He has lived without any wants (in comfort).
Idiom 'nani fujiyuu naku'.
震災後、人々は不便な生活を強いられながらも懸命に暮らしています。
After the earthquake, people are living hard despite being forced into inconvenient lives.
Uses passive 'shiirare' and adverb 'kenmei ni'.
贅沢三昧の暮らしが、必ずしも幸せとは限りません。
A life of luxury does not necessarily mean happiness.
Uses 'to wa kagirimasen' (not necessarily).
彼は都会の喧騒を避けて、山奥でひっそりと暮らしている。
Avoiding the city's hustle, he lives quietly deep in the mountains.
Adverb 'hissori to' (quietly/secludedly).
限られた予算内でいかに豊かに暮らすかが課題だ。
The challenge is how to live richly within a limited budget.
Uses 'ikani... ka' (how...).
彼女は過去の思い出と共に暮らしている。
She lives with the memories of the past.
Metaphorical use of 'tomo ni kurasu'.
異文化の中で暮らすことで、視野が広がりました。
Living in a different culture broadened my horizons.
Uses 'koto de' to show cause/means.
彼はその日暮らしの生活から抜け出したいと思っている。
He wants to escape from a hand-to-mouth existence.
Idiom 'sono-hi-gurashi' (living day-to-day).
自然と共生しながら暮らす知恵が、今求められている。
The wisdom of living while coexisting with nature is needed now.
Uses 'kyousei' (coexistence).
清貧に甘んじて暮らす彼の姿に、多くの人が感銘を受けた。
Many were moved by his appearance, living contentedly in honorable poverty.
Idiom 'seihin ni amanjiru'.
都会の利便性を享受しつつ、精神的には豊かに暮らしたいものだ。
While enjoying the convenience of the city, one wishes to live spiritually richly.
Uses 'tsutsu' (while) and 'tai mono da' (strong wish).
彼は世俗を離れ、隠遁生活を送るように暮らしている。
He lives as if leading a secluded life, away from the mundane world.
Uses 'sezoku o hanare' (leaving the world).
老後をどこで誰と暮らすかは、人生の大きな決断である。
Where and with whom to live in one's old age is a major life decision.
Embedded question as a subject.
彼女は自らの信念を貫き、誇り高く暮らした。
She lived with great pride, sticking to her beliefs.
Uses 'shinnen o tsuranuku' (stick to beliefs).
文明の利器に頼らずに暮らすのは、現代では至難の業だ。
Living without relying on the conveniences of civilization is an extremely difficult task today.
Idiom 'shinan no waza' (extremely difficult).
その作家は、旅をしながら暮らす「放浪の民」のような生活を好んだ。
The author preferred a lifestyle like a 'wanderer,' living while traveling.
Uses 'nagara' (while).
孤独と向き合いながら暮らす中で、彼は真の自己を見出した。
While living and facing loneliness, he discovered his true self.
Uses 'naka de' (in the process of).
万物流転の理を悟り、淡々と暮らす境地に達した。
He reached a state of mind where he lives indifferently, having realized the principle of all things flowing.
Uses 'banbutsu ruten' (all things change) and 'kyouchi' (spiritual state).
彼は、虚飾を排し、真実のみを追求して暮らすことを誓った。
He vowed to live by rejecting ostentation and pursuing only the truth.
Uses 'kyoshoku o haishi' (rejecting vanity).
四季の移ろいを愛で、自然の摂理に従って暮らすのが日本人の美徳とされてきた。
Appreciating the changing seasons and living according to the laws of nature has been considered a Japanese virtue.
Uses 'setsuri' (providence/laws of nature).
喧騒極まる現代社会において、いかにして心穏やかに暮らすかは永遠の命題である。
In today's extremely noisy society, how to live with a calm mind is an eternal proposition.
Uses 'kiwamaru' (extreme) and 'meidai' (proposition).
彼は、名声や富に背を向け、一介の庶民として暮らす道を選んだ。
He turned his back on fame and wealth and chose the path of living as an ordinary citizen.
Uses 'se o muke' (turn one's back).
伝統を守りつつ、新しい価値観を取り入れて暮らす柔軟性が求められている。
The flexibility to live while protecting tradition and incorporating new values is required.
Uses 'toriirete' (incorporating).
人生の黄昏時を、愛する人々と共に穏やかに暮らせることは至上の喜びだ。
Being able to live peacefully with loved ones in the twilight of one's life is the supreme joy.
Metaphor 'tasogaredoki' (twilight/old age).
彼は、自らの宿命を受け入れ、その中で最善を尽くして暮らしている。
He accepts his destiny and lives by doing his best within it.
Uses 'shukumei' (destiny).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
一人暮らし
共働きで暮らす
その日暮らし
二人暮らし
島暮らし
都会暮らし
田舎暮らし
年金暮らし
別々に暮らす
悠々自適に暮らす
자주 혼동되는 단어
Sumu is for the address/building; Kurasu is for the daily experience.
Ikiru is biological/philosophical existence; Kurasu is social/routine living.
Sugosu is for spending a specific time period; Kurasu is for a general life state.
관용어 및 표현
"同じ屋根の下で暮らす"
To live under the same roof. Implies shared life.
私たちは同じ屋根の下で暮らす家族だ。
Neutral"その日暮らし"
Living day to day without savings or plans.
若い頃はその日暮らしだった。
Informal"水入らずで暮らす"
To live with only family members (no outsiders).
家族水入らずで暮らしたい。
Polite"肩を寄せ合って暮らす"
To live huddled together (often implying poverty or closeness).
狭いアパートで肩を寄せ合って暮らす。
Literary"清貧に暮らす"
To live in 'honorable poverty' (simple but dignified).
彼は清貧に暮らすことを選んだ。
Formal"左団扇で暮らす"
To live in ease and luxury (fanning with the left hand).
一生左団扇で暮らせるほどのお金。
Idiomatic"爪に火を灯して暮らす"
To live extremely frugally (lighting a fire on one's fingernails).
爪に火を灯して暮らして貯金した。
Old-fashioned"日の目を見ずに暮らす"
To live without recognition or in obscurity.
彼は一生日の目を見ずに暮らした。
Literary"浮き世を離れて暮らす"
To live away from the cares of the world.
山の中で浮き世を離れて暮らす。
Poetic"糊口を凌いで暮らす"
To barely manage to make a living.
わずかな収入で糊口を凌いで暮らす。
Formal/Literary혼동하기 쉬운
Both translate to 'live'.
Sumu focuses on the physical location. Kurasu focuses on the passage of time and lifestyle.
東京に住んで、忙しく暮らしています。
Both mean 'to lead a life'.
Seikatsu suru is more formal and functional, often used for finances or systems. Kurasu is more personal and evocative.
自立して生活する。
Both mean 'to live'.
Ikiru is about being alive vs. dead. Kurasu is about the daily routine of living.
100歳まで生きる。
Learners use 'kurasu' for short stays.
Tomaru is for temporary stays (hotels). Kurasu is for long-term daily life.
ホテルに泊まる。
Both mean 'spending time'.
Sugosu is for specific durations (a week, an afternoon). Kurasu is for one's whole life or long-term lifestyle.
休暇をハワイで過ごす。
문장 패턴
[Person] と暮らしています。
犬と暮らしています。
[Place] で一人暮らしをしています。
京都で一人暮らしをしています。
[Adverb] に暮らしたいです。
自由に暮らしたいです。
[Amount] で暮らすのは大変です。
10万円で暮らすのは大変です。
[Noun] のような暮らし。
夢のような暮らし。
[Action] ながら暮らす。
働きながら暮らす。
[Concept] と共に暮らす。
自然と共に暮らす。
[Condition] に甘んじて暮らす。
不便に甘んじて暮らす。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
관련
사용법
Extremely common in daily conversation, literature, and lifestyle media.
-
Using 'ni' exclusively with 'kurasu'.
→
Using 'de' for the environment.
While 'ni' is okay, 'de' is more common because 'kurasu' is an action-oriented verb about lifestyle.
-
Using 'kurasu' for a 3-day hotel stay.
→
Using 'tomaru'.
'Kurasu' implies a long-term, established daily routine. Short stays are 'tomaru'.
-
Confusing 'kurasu' with 'ikiru' for longevity.
→
Using 'ikiru' or 'nagaiki suru'.
'Ikiru' is for biological life span. 'Kurasu' is for the quality of daily life.
-
Saying 'hitori kurashi' instead of 'hitorigurashi'.
→
Using the 'g' sound.
Sequential voicing (rendaku) is required in this compound noun.
-
Using 'kurasu' for wild animals.
→
Using 'seisaku suru' or 'ikiru'.
'Kurasu' sounds too human for wild animals. It implies chores, routines, and social structures.
팁
Lifestyle over Location
Always choose 'kurasu' when you want to talk about your daily habits, hobbies, or the people you live with. It makes your Japanese sound warmer and more personal.
The '~te iru' Default
When describing your current living situation, almost always use 'kurashite imasu'. The plain form 'kurasu' sounds like a future plan or a general habit.
Pets are Family
Use 'kurasu' when talking about your pets to show you consider them part of your daily life and family. It’s a very common way to express affection.
Money Matters
When discussing budgets or making a living, 'kurasu' is the standard verb. 'Kono okane de kuraseru?' (Can you live on this money?) is a very natural phrase.
Watch the 'G'
Remember that in compound words like 'hitorigurashi', the 'k' in 'kurasu' changes to a 'g'. This is called rendaku and is essential for natural-sounding Japanese.
Seasonal Living
Japanese people often associate 'kurasu' with the seasons. Try adding seasonal words to your sentences, like 'Fuyu wa atatakaku kurashitai' (I want to live warmly in winter).
Kanji Practice
The kanji 暮 is also used in 'higure' (sunset) and 'oseibo' (year-end gift). Learning it will help you with several other common Japanese words.
Kurasu vs. Seikatsu
Use 'seikatsu' for formal things like 'standard of living' (seikatsu suijun) and 'kurasu' for personal things like 'my life with my partner'.
Asking Questions
Instead of just 'Genki?' (How are you?), try 'Saikin dou kurashiteru?' (How's life lately?) to invite a more detailed and interesting response.
Sunset Symbolism
Associate 'kurasu' with the sunset at the bottom of its kanji. It’s the verb for everything you do until the sun goes down.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'Kurasu' as 'Cool Race'. Life is a 'cool race' against the setting sun (the kanji for sunset). You are 'racing' through your daily life.
시각적 연상
Imagine a person sitting on a porch watching a beautiful sunset (暮) after a long day of work. This is their 'kurashi'.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to describe your 'ideal kurashi' using three adverbs (e.g., shizuka ni, tanoshiku, yutaka ni) and the verb kurasu.
어원
The word 'kurasu' comes from the Old Japanese root 'kura-', which is related to darkness or the evening. The kanji 暮 (bo/kureru) depicts the sun (日) disappearing into the grass or trees (莫), signifying sunset.
원래 의미: Originally, it meant 'to make it become dark' or 'to spend time until the sun sets.' This evolved into the general meaning of spending one's days or living.
Japonic / Old Japanese.문화적 맥락
Be careful when using 'kurasu' to describe someone's financial situation (e.g., 'binbou-gurashi'), as it can be sensitive or rude if not used with empathy.
English speakers often over-rely on 'live' for everything. In Japanese, 'kurasu' adds a layer of 'lifestyle' that 'live' sometimes lacks unless modified by 'how'.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Moving to a new city
- 新生活を始める
- 一人暮らしに慣れる
- どこで暮らすか決める
- 家賃を払って暮らす
Discussing retirement
- 老後を静かに暮らす
- 年金で暮らす
- 田舎に移住して暮らす
- 孫と一緒に暮らす
Talking about pets
- 犬と暮らす幸せ
- 猫と暮らす家
- ペット禁止のマンションで暮らす
- 動物と共生して暮らす
Financial struggles
- 節約して暮らす
- その日暮らしの毎日
- 借金をして暮らす
- なんとか暮らしていく
Travel and Study Abroad
- 海外で暮らす経験
- 寮で暮らす
- ホストファミリーと暮らす
- 異文化の中で暮らす
대화 시작하기
"将来はどんな場所で暮らしたいですか? (Where do you want to live in the future?)"
"一人暮らしと家族との暮らし、どちらが好きですか? (Do you prefer living alone or with family?)"
"今の暮らしで一番大切にしていることは何ですか? (What do you value most in your current life?)"
"もしお金がたくさんあったら、どんなふうに暮らしますか? (If you had a lot of money, how would you live?)"
"外国で暮らしたことがありますか? (Have you ever lived in a foreign country?)"
일기 주제
理想の「丁寧な暮らし」について書いてください。 (Write about your ideal 'mindful lifestyle'.)
初めて一人暮らしをした時の思い出を教えてください。 (Tell me about your memories of when you first lived alone.)
10年後、あなたはどこで誰と暮らしていると思いますか? (Where and with whom do you think you will be living in 10 years?)
都会での暮らしと田舎での暮らし、それぞれの良い点と悪い点を比較してください。 (Compare the pros and cons of city life and country life.)
今の暮らしをより良くするために、今日からできることは何ですか? (What can you do starting today to make your current life better?)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 'kurasu' implies a settled daily life. For a one-week trip, use 'tomaru' (stay) or 'sugosu' (spend time). Using 'kurasu' for a short trip sounds like you moved there permanently for a week.
'Hitorigurashi' is a very common noun that describes the lifestyle of living alone. 'Hitori de sumu' is a verb phrase that simply states you inhabit a place by yourself. 'Hitorigurashi' sounds more natural when talking about the experience.
'Inu o katte imasu' means 'I own/keep a dog.' 'Inu to kurashite imasu' means 'I live with a dog.' The latter sounds more affectionate, treating the dog as a family member rather than a possession.
'Kurasu' is neutral. You can use it in polite speech ('kurashite imasu') or casual speech ('kurashiteru'). For very formal documents, 'seikatsu suru' or 'zaijuu suru' are often preferred.
For 'kurasu', 'de' is much more common because it emphasizes the activities happening within a place. 'Ni' is used more with 'sumu' to show the point of residence. However, 'ni' is sometimes used with 'kurasu' in poetic or specific contexts.
Usually, 'kurasu' is for humans or pets treated like family. For wild animals, 'seisaku suru' (inhabit) or 'ikiru' (live) are used. Using 'kurasu' for a wild lion would sound like the lion has a human-like daily routine.
It literally means 'living for that day.' It describes a hand-to-mouth existence where someone spends all the money they earn each day and has no savings or future plans.
Yes, 'kurashi' is extremely common. It appears in magazine titles, book names, and daily talk to mean 'lifestyle' or 'the way of living.' For example, 'kurashi no chie' (wisdom for daily living).
It is better to use 'Nagaiki shitai' or 'Nagaku ikitai.' While 'Nagaku kurashitai' is grammatically correct, it sounds more like you want to spend a long time in a specific place rather than just having a long biological life.
It is a popular cultural concept in Japan referring to a 'careful' or 'mindful' lifestyle. It involves taking time to cook from scratch, using high-quality handmade tools, and being aware of the seasons.
셀프 테스트 185 질문
Write a sentence: 'I live with my family.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I want to live in the countryside.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Living alone is fun.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I live simply.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Can you live on 50,000 yen?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I want to live happily every day.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'He lives with three cats.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Living abroad is my dream.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I am satisfied with my life.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'They live under the same roof.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I want to live in a quiet place.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'Living on a pension is hard.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I started living alone last year.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'How are you living lately?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I want to live a free life.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'She lives a luxurious life.'
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Write a sentence: 'We live while helping each other.'
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Write a sentence: 'I want to live in harmony with nature.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'He lives without any worries.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'I want to live a long and healthy life.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe your current living situation using 'kurashite imasu'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Tell me about your ideal life in the future.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Do you prefer city life or country life? Why?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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What is 'hitorigurashi' like in your country?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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How would you spend your days if you were retired?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain the difference between 'sumu' and 'kurasu'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Talk about a pet you live with or want to live with.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Is it possible to live on a small budget in your city?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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What does 'Teinei na Kurashi' mean to you?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Have you ever lived abroad? How was it?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Who do you want to live with in the future?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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What are the challenges of living alone?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Describe a person who lives simply.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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What would you do if you had to live without the internet?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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How do you want to spend your old age?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Discuss the 'cost of living' in your area.
Read this aloud:
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What is the best thing about your current life?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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How do you feel about communal living?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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What kind of environment is best for living?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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What does 'happiness' mean in terms of daily living?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Listen and identify the phrase: '一人暮らしを始めました。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '楽しく暮らしましょう。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '田舎で暮らすのが夢です。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '年金で暮らすのは大変です。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '猫と暮らしています。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '質素に暮らしています。'
Listen and identify the phrase: 'どうやって暮らしてるの?'
Listen and identify the phrase: '静かに暮らしたい。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '不自由なく暮らしてきた。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '同じ屋根の下で暮らす。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '贅沢に暮らしたい。'
Listen and identify the phrase: 'その日暮らしの毎日。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '海外で暮らす経験。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '自由に暮らせる世界。'
Listen and identify the phrase: '今の暮らしに満足だ。'
/ 185 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'kurasu' is your go-to verb for describing the 'how' of your life. While 'sumu' tells people where your house is, 'kurasu' tells them how you spend your days, who you share them with, and the emotional tone of your existence. Example: 'Inaka de nonbiri kurashitai' (I want to live leisurely in the countryside).
- Kurasu focuses on the passage of time and daily lifestyle rather than just a physical address or location.
- It is a Godan verb commonly used in the '~te iru' form to describe a current living situation.
- Commonly paired with adverbs like 'hitori de' (alone) or 'tanoshiku' (happily) to describe the quality of life.
- Essential for discussing retirement, financial survival, and personal dreams regarding how one wants to spend their years.
Lifestyle over Location
Always choose 'kurasu' when you want to talk about your daily habits, hobbies, or the people you live with. It makes your Japanese sound warmer and more personal.
The '~te iru' Default
When describing your current living situation, almost always use 'kurashite imasu'. The plain form 'kurasu' sounds like a future plan or a general habit.
Pets are Family
Use 'kurasu' when talking about your pets to show you consider them part of your daily life and family. It’s a very common way to express affection.
Money Matters
When discussing budgets or making a living, 'kurasu' is the standard verb. 'Kono okane de kuraseru?' (Can you live on this money?) is a very natural phrase.
관련 콘텐츠
이 단어를 다른 언어로
daily_life 관련 단어
もう少し
B1A little more.
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2주소. 살고 있는 곳.
~後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1~인데도; ~임에도 불구하고. 예상 밖의 결과에 대한 불만이나 놀람을 나타낼 때 사용한다.
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.