Meaning
To make good use of a favorable situation.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ikasu' is linked to 'Mottainai'. Wasting an opportunity is seen as a lack of respect for the effort others made to provide it. In 'Kaizen' (continuous improvement), employees are encouraged to '{経験|けいけん}を{生|い}かす' by turning every small mistake into a process improvement. Japanese cuisine (Washoku) is defined by '{素材|そざい}の{味|あじ}を{生|い}かす'—bringing out the natural flavor of ingredients rather than masking them with heavy sauces. While Western culture often emphasizes 'making' your own luck, Japanese culture often emphasizes 'utilizing' the luck or opportunities that come your way.
The Interview Secret
Always use '{生|い}かせる' (potential form) when talking about your skills. It sounds humble yet confident.
Don't over-use 'Tsukau'
Beginners use '{使|つか}う' for everything. Switching to '{生|い}かす' instantly makes you sound like an intermediate speaker.
Meaning
To make good use of a favorable situation.
The Interview Secret
Always use '{生|い}かせる' (potential form) when talking about your skills. It sounds humble yet confident.
Don't over-use 'Tsukau'
Beginners use '{使|つか}う' for everything. Switching to '{生|い}かす' instantly makes you sound like an intermediate speaker.
Foodie Tip
When eating high-quality food, say '{素材|そざい}の{味|あじ}が{生|い}きていますね' to compliment the chef.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {生|い}かす.
留学の機会を（ ）、英語がペラペラになった。
The 'te-form' is used here to show the means or reason for the result.
Which sentence is the most natural for a job interview?
自分の強みをどうしたいですか？
'{生|い}かす' is the standard professional term for applying one's strengths.
Match the phrase to the situation.
素材の味を{生|い}かす
This refers to not over-seasoning food so the natural flavor remains.
Complete the dialogue.
A: せっかくのチャンスだよ！ B: うん、しっかり（ ）よ。
'{つもりだ}' expresses intention, which fits the context of responding to encouragement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises留学の機会を（ ）、英語がペラペラになった。
The 'te-form' is used here to show the means or reason for the result.
自分の強みをどうしたいですか？
'{生|い}かす' is the standard professional term for applying one's strengths.
素材の味を{生|い}かす
This refers to not over-seasoning food so the natural flavor remains.
A: せっかくのチャンスだよ！ B: うん、しっかり（ ）よ。
'{つもりだ}' expresses intention, which fits the context of responding to encouragement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but be careful. '{人|ひと}を{生|い}かす' means to put people in positions where their talents shine. It's a sign of a good leader.
They are pronounced the same. '{生|い}かす' is the standard joyo kanji. '{活|い}かす' is often used in business to emphasize 'activity' or 'vitality', but '{生|い}かす' is always safe.
Absolutely. 'このチャンス、{生|い}かそうぜ！' (Let's seize this chance!) is very natural among friends.
Use '{機会|きかい}を{逃|のが}す' (kikai o nogasu).
Related Phrases
チャンスを{掴|つか}む
similarTo grab a chance.
{本領|ほんりょう}を{発揮|はっき}する
builds onTo show one's true ability.
{宝|たから}の{持|も}ち{腐|ぐさ}れ
contrastA wasted treasure.
{一期一会|いちごいちえ}
similarOnce-in-a-lifetime encounter.
