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A1 noun #3,088 most common 13 min read

瞑想

meisō Top 3,088

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 瞑想 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 瞑想 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '瞑想' (meisou) as a basic noun for 'meditation.' You can use it in simple sentences like '瞑想をします' (I do meditation). It is a useful word if you want to talk about your hobbies or daily routine. Even though the kanji looks difficult, you can remember it as a special word for relaxing your mind. Think of it like 'yoga'—it's an activity you do to feel better. At this stage, focus on the fact that it is a 'suru-verb' (an action word) and that it's something people do to be quiet and calm.

At the A2 level, you can start using '瞑想' in sentences that describe when and why you do it. For example, 'リラックスするために瞑想します' (I meditate to relax). You should also recognize the word in the context of health and wellness. You might see it on signs at a gym or in a flyer for a temple experience. Start noticing that 'meisou' is different from 'thinking' (kangaeru); it's about being quiet. You can also use it with time expressions, such as '10分間瞑想します' (I meditate for 10 minutes).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '瞑想' in various grammatical structures. You can use it with 'through' (～を通じて) to say '瞑想を通じて、ストレスが減りました' (Through meditation, my stress decreased). You should also learn common collocations like '瞑想を習慣にする' (to make meditation a habit). At this level, you can distinguish between 'meisou' and 'zazen' (Zen sitting) and understand that 'meisou' is a broader term. You might read short articles about the benefits of meditation in Japanese and should be able to summarize them using this word.

At the B2 level, you can use '瞑想' to discuss more complex topics like mental health, corporate wellness, and philosophy. You should understand the nuance of '瞑想にふける' (to be absorbed in meditation) versus simple 'meisou suru.' You can also use the word in formal writing or presentations about the history of Japanese spirituality. You should be able to explain the difference between 'meisou' and 'naisei' (introspection) and use them correctly in context. You might also encounter 'meisou' in literary texts where it describes a character's internal state.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the cultural and historical weight of '瞑想.' You can discuss the etymology of the kanji 瞑 (closing eyes) and 想 (thought) and how this reflects Japanese views on the mind. You can engage in debates about the 'commercialization' of meditation in modern society using terms like 'mindfulness.' You should be able to read academic papers or complex philosophical essays that use 'meisou' to explore the concept of the 'self' (jigo) and 'nothingness' (mu). Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in both formal and informal registers.

At the C2 level, you can master the most subtle nuances of '瞑想.' You can use it metaphorically or in high-level literary analysis. You understand how the word interacts with other high-level concepts like 'transcendence' (chouetsu) or 'enlightenment' (satori). You can critique translations of Japanese spiritual texts, noting where 'meisou' might be better translated as 'contemplation' or 'internal focus' rather than just 'meditation.' You are fully aware of all homophones like 'meisou' (wandering) and can use them for wordplay or puns if appropriate. You can lead a workshop or give a lecture in Japanese about the neurobiology of meditation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

瞑想 in 30 Seconds

瞑想 (meisou) is the Japanese word for meditation, focusing on closing eyes and mental stillness.
It functions as a noun and a suru-verb, commonly used in both spiritual and secular contexts.
Culturally, it bridges ancient Zen traditions with modern mindfulness and psychological health practices.
Key phrases include 'meisou suru' (to meditate) and 'meisou ni fukeru' (to be absorbed in meditation).

The Japanese word 瞑想 (めいそう - meisou) is a profound term that encapsulates the act of meditation. While English speakers might associate meditation with a broad range of activities from breathing exercises to spiritual contemplation, in Japanese, 瞑想 specifically highlights the internal cognitive and spiritual process of closing one's eyes to seek mental clarity or spiritual enlightenment. The word is composed of two kanji: 瞑 (mei), which means to close one's eyes or to be dark, and 想 (sou), which refers to thoughts, concepts, or imagination. Together, they paint a literal picture of 'closing the eyes to the external world to focus on the internal thoughts.'

Spiritual Context: In traditional Japanese culture, 瞑想 is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, particularly Zen. While monks might use the specific term zazen (sitting meditation), 瞑想 serves as the overarching noun for the practice itself. It is used when discussing the history of monks seeking satori (enlightenment) or the disciplined mental training of the samurai class.

彼は毎朝、静かな部屋で瞑想にふけっている。

Translation: He is absorbed in meditation every morning in a quiet room.

In modern Japan, the usage has expanded significantly beyond the temple walls. With the rise of global wellness trends, 瞑想 is now frequently used in the context of stress management, mental health, and productivity. You will find it in titles of self-help books, yoga studio schedules, and corporate wellness programs. It is no longer seen strictly as a religious rite but as a practical tool for the busy urbanite to find 'kokoro no heian' (peace of mind). Despite this modernization, the word retains a certain gravity and respect, suggesting a disciplined and intentional mental state rather than just 'daydreaming' or 'relaxing.'

Modern Application: Modern Japanese speakers use 瞑想 to describe secular mindfulness practices. It is common to hear people talk about 'meisou-apuri' (meditation apps) or 'meisou-kai' (meditation gatherings) in cities like Tokyo or Osaka.

ストレスを減らすために、瞑想を習慣にしています。

Translation: I make meditation a habit to reduce stress.

Culturally, 瞑想 is often associated with the concept of 'muga' (selflessness) or 'mu' (nothingness). In a society known for its high-pressure work environment and social expectations, the act of 瞑想 represents a rare moment of total autonomy and internal focus. It is often depicted in media as a way for characters to gain clarity before a big decision or to recover from emotional turmoil. The linguistic weight of the kanji 瞑 (closing eyes) emphasizes the physical act of shutting out the 'noise' of society to listen to one's own breath and thoughts.

深い瞑想の状態に入ると、時間の感覚がなくなります。

Translation: When entering a state of deep meditation, one loses the sense of time.

Visual Imagery: The kanji 想 includes the 'heart/mind' radical (心) at the bottom, suggesting that meditation is not just a brain activity but one that involves the core of one's being.

その寺の庭は、瞑想に最適な場所です。

Translation: The garden of that temple is the perfect place for meditation.

マインドフルネス瞑想が、科学的にも注目されています。

Translation: Mindfulness meditation is also gaining scientific attention.

In summary, 瞑想 is a versatile and culturally rich word. It bridges the gap between ancient spiritual traditions and modern psychological practices. Whether you are describing a monk in Kyoto or a salaryman on a lunch break, 瞑想 is the key term for the intentional practice of seeking stillness within the mind.

Using 瞑想 correctly requires understanding its role as a 'suru-verb' noun. You can use it as a standalone noun or combine it with auxiliary verbs to describe the action. Because it is a formal and somewhat abstract concept, the surrounding grammar often reflects a polite or contemplative tone. In daily Japanese, you will most often see it used with 'suru' (to do), 'ni fukeru' (to be absorbed in), or 'wo fukameru' (to deepen).

Basic Verb Usage: The most common way to say 'to meditate' is 'meisou suru'. This is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from clinical to casual.

寝る前に5分間瞑想すると、よく眠れます。

Translation: If you meditate for 5 minutes before bed, you can sleep well.

When you want to describe a deeper or more prolonged state, the phrase 'meisou ni fukeru' (瞑想にふける) is used. The verb 'fukeru' means to be engrossed in or absorbed by something, often implying a loss of awareness of one's surroundings. This is a more literary or descriptive way to speak about meditation, often found in novels or spiritual texts.

Descriptive Phrases: Using 'meisou no jikan' (meditation time) or 'meisou-chu' (during meditation) helps specify the context of the activity within a schedule or a specific moment.

彼は瞑想中なので、静かにしてください。

Translation: He is in the middle of meditation, so please be quiet.

In academic or medical contexts, 瞑想 is often the subject of sentences discussing health benefits. You might see patterns like 'meisou wa ... ni kouka ga aru' (meditation is effective for ...). This structure is common in news articles or health blogs discussing the physiological changes triggered by consistent practice, such as lowered blood pressure or reduced cortisol levels.

瞑想は集中力を高める効果があります。

Translation: Meditation has the effect of increasing concentration.

Compound Usage: You will often see 'meisou' paired with 'hou' (method) as in 'meisou-hou' (meditation technique/method). This is useful when comparing different styles like Vipassana or Transcendental meditation.

自分に合った瞑想法を見つけることが大切です。

Translation: It is important to find a meditation method that suits you.

彼女は瞑想を通じて、自分自身を見つめ直した。

Translation: Through meditation, she looked back at herself (self-reflected).

Finally, when discussing the social aspect, you can use 'meisou-kai' (meditation meeting/session). Japanese culture values group harmony, and group meditation sessions are a popular way to practice while feeling a sense of community. Whether you are writing a journal entry about your morning routine or explaining the benefits of mindfulness to a friend, these patterns will help you use 瞑想 accurately and naturally.

In contemporary Japan, 瞑想 (meisou) is a word that echoes through various layers of society, from the ancient stone floors of Kyoto temples to the high-tech offices of Minato-ku. If you are a traveler or a resident, you are most likely to encounter this word in contexts related to health, spirituality, and personal development. Unlike some religious terms that feel 'stuck in the past,' 瞑想 has successfully migrated into the modern Japanese lexicon, often appearing in katakana-heavy environments alongside words like 'wellness' and 'detox.'

In Temples and Traditional Spaces: If you visit a Zen temple for a 'taiken' (experience) session, the monk will likely use the term 'zazen' for the specific sitting posture, but the broader concept of the mental work being done will be referred to as 瞑想. You will see signs for 'meisou-shitsu' (meditation rooms) or 'meisou-no-niwa' (gardens for meditation).

このお寺では、初心者向けの瞑想クラスがあります。

Translation: This temple has meditation classes for beginners.

In the digital world, Japanese app stores are flooded with 'meisou-apuri' (meditation apps). These apps use the word 瞑想 to market guided sessions for sleep, focus, and anxiety relief. You will hear the word in the introductory audio of these apps, usually spoken in a calm, soothing 'yasashii' voice. Similarly, on YouTube, Japanese 'vloggers' often include a segment on their 'asa-katsu' (morning routine) where they mention doing 5 to 10 minutes of 瞑想 to start their day with a clear mind.

In Pop Culture and Media: In anime and manga, characters with high mental discipline or supernatural powers are often shown in a state of 瞑想. It is a visual shorthand for 'gathering power' or 'finding an answer.' You might hear a narrator say, 'Kare wa fukai meisou ni haitta' (He entered a deep meditation).

修行者は滝の下で瞑想を続けている。

Translation: The practitioner continues to meditate under the waterfall.

Another place you will hear this word is in clinical settings or yoga studios. Yoga instructors in Japan often end their sessions with a period of 瞑想. They might say, 'Saigo ni, sukoshi no aida meisou wo shimashou' (Lastly, let's meditate for a little while). In these contexts, the word is associated with physical relaxation and the 'shavasana' (corpse pose) in yoga. Medical professionals might also recommend 瞑想 as a non-pharmacological approach to managing 'jiritsu shinkei' (autonomic nervous system) imbalances, which is a common diagnosis for stress-related symptoms in Japan.

ヨガのレッスンの最後に瞑想の時間があります。

Translation: There is a meditation time at the end of the yoga lesson.

In Literature and Philosophy: In Japanese literature, 瞑想 is used to describe a character's internal journey. It often appears in philosophical essays discussing the nature of the self and the universe, bridging the gap between the mundane and the metaphysical.

哲学者は瞑想を通じて真理を探求した。

Translation: The philosopher explored the truth through meditation.

仕事の合間に短い瞑想をすると、頭がスッキリします。

Translation: Doing a short meditation between work tasks clears your head.

Whether you are listening to a podcast, attending a health seminar, or exploring a temple in Kamakura, 瞑想 is a high-frequency word that signals a shift from outward action to inward reflection.

Even though 瞑想 (meisou) seems straightforward, there are several linguistic and cultural pitfalls that learners should be aware of. The most common mistakes usually involve homophones (words that sound the same), incorrect verb usage, or confusing 瞑想 with related but distinct practices like Zen sitting. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural and avoid potentially confusing or humorous situations.

The 'Meisou' Homophone Trap: The biggest pitfall for Japanese learners (and even native speakers in writing) is the word 迷走 (meisou). While it sounds exactly the same, 迷走 means 'wandering,' 'going astray,' or 'being lost.' It is often used to describe a project or a government policy that has lost its way. If you use the wrong kanji in a text message, you might accidentally say you are 'wandering aimlessly' instead of 'meditating.'

❌ 彼は山の中で瞑想した (if he was lost).
✅ 彼は山の中で迷走した (He wandered/got lost in the mountains).

Note: Context is key! Be careful with your kanji choice.

Another mistake is using the wrong particle. Since 瞑想 is an activity you 'do,' you use the particle 'wo' with 'suru' (瞑想をする). However, if you are describing a state you are 'in,' you must use 'ni' with 'fukeru' (瞑想にふける) or 'chu' (瞑想中). Beginners often mix these up, saying things like 'meisou wo fukeru,' which is grammatically incorrect. Think of 'ni' as entering the 'space' of meditation.

Confusing Meisou with Zazen: In a cultural context, don't use 'meisou' when you specifically mean the formal Zen practice of 'zazen.' While 'meisou' is the mental act, 'zazen' is the physical and spiritual discipline. If you are at a Zen temple, calling the session 'meisou' is not wrong, but 'zazen' is the correct technical term that shows respect for the tradition.

❌ 禅寺で瞑想をしました。
✅ 禅寺で座禅を組みました。

Note: 'Zazen wo kumu' is the specific phrase for 'doing zazen.'

A subtle mistake is the pronunciation of the long 'ou' sound at the end of 'meisou.' Some learners pronounce it as 'meiso' (short 'o'). In Japanese, 'meiso' (迷子 - though usually 'maigo') or other short sounds can lead to confusion. Ensure you hold the 'o' sound for two beats: め・い・そ・う. This long vowel is crucial for being understood clearly, especially in noisy environments or when speaking quickly.

❌ 毎朝、メイソします。
✅ 毎朝、メイソウします。

Note: Lengthen that final 'o'!

Usage with 'Thinking' Verbs: Be careful not to say 'meisou wo kangaeru' (thinking about meditation) when you mean you are actually meditating. Use 'meisou wo suru' for the action. 'Meisou wo kangaeru' would mean you are contemplating the *concept* of meditation as a topic of study.

❌ 私は今、瞑想を考えています。 (I'm thinking about meditation).
✅ 私は今、瞑想しています。 (I am meditating right now).

Note: Use the continuous form '~shite imasu' for current actions.

❌ 瞑想を迷走する。 (This is a pun, but usually a mistake!)

By keeping these common errors in mind, you can navigate the spiritual and linguistic landscape of 瞑想 with confidence and accuracy.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for mental states, and while 瞑想 (meisou) is the most general term for meditation, several other words offer more specific nuances. Depending on whether you are talking about religious practice, self-reflection, or simple quiet thinking, you might choose a different term. Understanding these comparisons will help you refine your Japanese and express yourself with greater precision.

Meisou vs. Zazen (座禅): 瞑想: A general term for any kind of meditation (secular, religious, standing, lying down).
座禅: Specifically refers to 'sitting Zen.' It involves a specific posture (lotus or half-lotus) and is strictly a Buddhist practice. You 'do' meisou, but you 'cross' (kumu) zazen.

彼は毎晩、ベッドで瞑想するが、寺では座禅を組む。

Translation: He meditates in bed every night, but at the temple, he does zazen.

Another common alternative is マインドフルネス (maindo-furunesu). This katakana loanword is becoming increasingly popular in business and psychology. While 瞑想 can feel traditional or religious, 'mindfulness' sounds modern, scientific, and 'cool.' It specifically emphasizes being present in the moment and observing thoughts without judgment, whereas 瞑想 can sometimes imply a broader spiritual quest or emptying the mind entirely.

Meisou vs. Mokkou (黙考): 瞑想: Focusing on breath or 'nothingness' to calm the mind.
黙考: Thinking deeply and silently about a specific problem or topic. 黙考 is an active intellectual process, while 瞑想 is often about letting go of active thought.

彼は難問を前にして黙考にふけった。

Translation: He was lost in silent contemplation before a difficult problem.

For a more poetic or literary alternative, consider 観照 (kanshou). This word means to contemplate or observe something (like nature or art) with a detached, calm mind. It is often used in aesthetics. While 瞑想 is usually done with closed eyes, 観照 often involves looking at something external to gain internal insight.

Summary Table

瞑想 (Meisou): General meditation.
座禅 (Zazen): Zen sitting posture meditation.
黙想 (Mokusou): Silent meditation (often used in schools or martial arts).
内省 (Naisei): Self-reflection/introspection.
マインドフルネス: Modern mindfulness.

剣道の稽古の前に黙想をする。

Translation: We do silent meditation before Kendo practice.

彼は自己の過ちを内省した。

Translation: He reflected on his own mistakes.

Choosing the right word depends on the context: use 瞑想 for general practice, 座禅 for temples, 黙想 for martial arts, and 内省 for personal growth. This level of detail will make your Japanese sound much more sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '想' has 'heart' (心) at the bottom and 'tree' (木) + 'eye' (目) at the top. This suggests looking at a tree with one's heart, or mental visualization.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /meɪ.soʊ/

US /meɪ.soʊ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In standard Japanese (Tokyo dialect), 'meisou' has a flat (heiban) accent or a slight drop depending on the context, but generally, each mora is given equal length.

Rhymes With

Keisou (軽装 - light dress) Heisou (並走 - running alongside) Teisou (貞操 - chastity) Seisou (清掃 - cleaning) Reisou (礼装 - formal dress) Meisou (迷走 - wandering) Keisou (計装 - instrumentation) Gaisou (外装 - exterior)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'meiso' (short 'o'). The long 'u' at the end is vital.
Pronouncing 'mei' as 'me-ee' without the 'i' sound glide.
Confusing the pitch with 'meisou' (wandering) which can have a different pitch pattern in some dialects.
Stopping the sound too abruptly after 'mei'.
Nasalizing the 'n' sound if it were present, but here it's purely vowel-based.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji are N1 level, quite complex to write, but common enough to recognize.

Writing 5/5

Writing 瞑 and 想 from memory is difficult for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy as long as the long vowel is maintained.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'meisou' (wandering) based on context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

静か (shizuka) 思う (omou) 心 (kokoro) 目 (me) 閉じる (tojiru)

Learn Next

座禅 (zazen) 精神 (seishin) 集中 (shuuchuu) リラックス (relax) 呼吸 (kokyuu)

Advanced

悟り (satori) 無常 (mujou) 三昧 (zanmai) 慈悲 (jihi) 解脱 (gedatsu)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

瞑想する (To meditate)

Continuous aspect (~ている)

瞑想している (Is meditating)

Purpose (~ために)

リラックスするために瞑想する (Meditate in order to relax)

Nominalization (~こと/の)

瞑想することは大切だ (Meditating is important)

During (~中)

瞑想中に電話が鳴った (The phone rang during meditation)

Examples by Level

私は毎日瞑想をします。

I meditate every day.

Uses the basic 'noun + wo suru' pattern.

瞑想はとてもいいです。

Meditation is very good.

A simple 'A is B' structure.

ここで瞑想してもいいですか？

May I meditate here?

Uses the '~temo ii desu ka' (permission) pattern.

5分間、瞑想しましょう。

Let's meditate for five minutes.

Uses the '~mashou' (suggestion) form.

瞑想は静かです。

Meditation is quiet.

Uses a simple adjective to describe the noun.

母は瞑想が好きです。

My mother likes meditation.

Uses the 'ga suki' (like) pattern.

瞑想を教えてください。

Please teach me meditation.

Uses the '~te kudasai' (request) form.

瞑想の時間です。

It is meditation time.

A simple noun phrase.

リラックスするために、瞑想を始めました。

I started meditation in order to relax.

Uses '~tame ni' to express purpose.

瞑想をすると、心が落ち着きます。

When I meditate, my heart calms down.

Uses the conditional '~to' for natural consequences.

寝る前に少し瞑想したほうがいいですよ。

It's better to meditate a little before going to bed.

Uses '~ta hou ga ii' to give advice.

昨日、初めて瞑想を体験しました。

Yesterday, I experienced meditation for the first time.

Uses 'hajimete' (first time) and 'taiken' (experience).

瞑想のやり方がわかりません。

I don't know how to do meditation.

Uses '~kata' to mean 'way of doing'.

公園で瞑想するのは気持ちがいいです。

Meditating in the park feels good.

Uses 'no wa' to turn the verb into a subject.

忙しいときこそ、瞑想が必要です。

It is precisely when you are busy that meditation is necessary.

Uses 'koso' for emphasis.

瞑想の音楽を聴きながら寝ます。

I sleep while listening to meditation music.

Uses '~nagara' to show simultaneous actions.

瞑想を習慣にすることで、集中力が上がりました。

By making meditation a habit, my concentration increased.

Uses '~koto de' to show means or cause.

最近、瞑想に興味を持つ人が増えています。

Recently, the number of people interested in meditation is increasing.

Uses '~te iru' for a continuing state.

瞑想を通じて、自分自身をより深く知ることができました。

Through meditation, I was able to know myself more deeply.

Uses '~wo tsuujite' (through).

深い瞑想の状態に入るには、練習が必要です。

To enter a state of deep meditation, practice is necessary.

Uses '~ni wa' to show a requirement.

瞑想は、宗教的な目的だけでなく、健康のためにも行われます。

Meditation is performed not only for religious purposes but also for health.

Uses 'dake naku ... mo' (not only... but also).

瞑想の効果は、科学的にも証明されつつあります。

The effects of meditation are being scientifically proven.

Uses '~tsutsu aru' to show an ongoing process.

どんなに忙しくても、一日に一度は瞑想するようにしています。

No matter how busy I am, I try to meditate once a day.

Uses 'donna ni ~temo' and 'youni shite iru'.

瞑想中に雑念が浮かんできても、気にしないでください。

Even if stray thoughts come up during meditation, please don't worry about them.

Uses '~temo' (even if) and 'ki ni shinai' (don't mind).

瞑想にふけっている間は、外の世界の騒音も気にならなくなる。

While absorbed in meditation, even the noise of the outside world stops bothering me.

Uses 'ni fukeru' (to be absorbed) and 'ki ni naranaku naru'.

瞑想が脳の構造に与える影響について、興味深い論文を読んだ。

I read an interesting paper about the impact meditation has on brain structure.

Uses '~ni ataeru eikyou' (impact on).

多くの成功者が瞑想を日課にしているという事実は、注目に値する。

The fact that many successful people make meditation a daily routine is worth noting.

Uses 'chuumoku ni atai suru' (worth noting).

瞑想は単なるリラクゼーションではなく、精神修養の一環である。

Meditation is not merely relaxation but a part of mental/spiritual training.

Uses 'tannaru ~ dewa naku' (not merely...).

彼女は瞑想によって、過去のトラウマを克服しようとしている。

She is trying to overcome past trauma through meditation.

Uses '~ni yotte' (by means of) and the volitional '~ou to shite iru'.

瞑想を深めるためには、適切な環境と正しい姿勢が不可欠だ。

To deepen meditation, a suitable environment and correct posture are indispensable.

Uses 'fukameru' (deepen) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

マインドフルネス瞑想は、現代社会のストレスに対する有効な手段だ。

Mindfulness meditation is an effective means against the stress of modern society.

Uses '~ni taisuru' (against/towards).

瞑想の最中に、ふと素晴らしいアイデアが閃くことがある。

During meditation, a brilliant idea sometimes suddenly flashes into mind.

Uses 'saichuu ni' (in the middle of) and 'hirameku' (flash).

瞑想という営みは、自己と宇宙との境界を曖昧にするプロセスである。

The act of meditation is a process that blurs the boundaries between the self and the universe.

Uses 'to iu itonami' (the act/undertaking of).

伝統的な瞑想と現代の科学的アプローチの融合が、新たな治療法を生んでいる。

The fusion of traditional meditation and modern scientific approaches is giving birth to new treatments.

Uses 'yuugou' (fusion) and 'unde iru' (giving birth to).

瞑想における「無」の境地は、言葉で表現し尽くせるものではない。

The state of 'nothingness' in meditation is not something that can be fully expressed in words.

Uses '~shitsukuseru mono dewa nai' (not something that can be fully...).

彼は瞑想の深淵に触れ、人生の真理を悟ったかのように見えた。

He touched the depths of meditation and appeared as if he had realized the truth of life.

Uses 'shin'en' (abyss/depths) and 'ka no you ni mieta'.

瞑想の普及に伴い、その本質が歪められて伝えられる懸念もある。

Along with the spread of meditation, there is a concern that its essence may be distorted and transmitted.

Uses '~ni tomonai' (along with) and 'ken'en' (concern).

静寂の中での瞑想は、喧騒に満ちた日常からの崇高な逃避である。

Meditation in silence is a sublime escape from a daily life filled with clamor.

Uses 'suukou na touhi' (sublime escape).

瞑想がもたらす内面的な変容は、個人の行動様式にも大きな影響を及ぼす。

The internal transformation brought about by meditation exerts a significant influence on an individual's behavioral patterns.

Uses 'naimenteki na hen'you' (internal transformation).

瞑想の実践は、単なる技法の習得を超えた、生き方そのものの探求である。

The practice of meditation is an exploration of the way of life itself, transcending the mere acquisition of techniques.

Uses '~wo koeta' (transcending).

瞑想の極致において、観照者と観照対象は不可分の一体となる。

At the pinnacle of meditation, the observer and the observed become an inseparable unity.

Uses 'kyokuchi' (pinnacle) and 'fukabun' (inseparable).

近年の瞑想ブームは、実存的な不安を抱える現代人の精神的救済を象徴している。

The recent meditation boom symbolizes the spiritual salvation of modern people harboring existential anxiety.

Uses 'jitsuzonteki na fuan' (existential anxiety).

瞑想による意識の変容を神経学的知見から解明する試みが、学際的に進められている。

Attempts to elucidate the transformation of consciousness through meditation from neurological findings are progressing interdisciplinary.

Uses 'kaimei' (elucidation) and 'gakusaiteki' (interdisciplinary).

古来より、瞑想は世俗のしがらみを断ち切り、絶対的自由に到達するための手段であった。

Since ancient times, meditation has been a means to sever worldly ties and reach absolute freedom.

Uses 'shigarami' (ties/obligations) and 'tachikiru' (to sever).

瞑想を通じて培われる「慈悲」の心は、分断の進む社会における処方箋となり得る。

The heart of 'compassion' cultivated through meditation can serve as a prescription for a society where division is progressing.

Uses 'tsuchiwareru' (cultivated) and 'shohousen' (prescription).

瞑想の静謐な時間は、情報の氾濫に抗い、自己のアイデンティティを再構築する場である。

The tranquil time of meditation is a place to resist the flood of information and reconstruct one's identity.

Uses 'hanran' (flood) and 'aragau' (to resist).

言語という枠組みを脱却し、瞑想という非言語的体験の中に没入することの意義は大きい。

There is great significance in breaking away from the framework of language and immersing oneself in the non-verbal experience of meditation.

Uses 'dakkyaku' (breaking away) and 'motsunyuu' (immersion).

瞑想がもたらすメタ認知的な視点は、感情の波に翻弄されない強靭な精神を育む。

The meta-cognitive perspective brought by meditation nurtures a resilient spirit that is not toyed with by waves of emotion.

Uses 'honrou' (to be toyed with/at the mercy of).

Synonyms

座禅黙想静思マインドフルネス観想

Antonyms

喧騒散漫妄想

Common Collocations

瞑想にふける

瞑想を習慣にする

瞑想の状態

瞑想法

誘導瞑想

瞑想の時間

瞑想の効果

深い瞑想

瞑想室

瞑想に入る

Common Phrases

瞑想する

— To meditate. This is the standard verb form.

毎朝10分瞑想します。

瞑想中

— In the middle of meditation. Often used as a sign or status.

ただいま瞑想中です。

瞑想のすすめ

— The recommendation of meditation. Common in book titles.

「瞑想のすすめ」という本を読んだ。

瞑想アプリ

— Meditation app. Modern technology usage.

おすすめの瞑想アプリはありますか？

瞑想クラス

— Meditation class.

ヨガスタジオの瞑想クラスに通う。

瞑想の極意

— The secret/essence of meditation.

瞑想の極意を教わる。

短い瞑想

— A short meditation.

仕事の合間に短い瞑想をする。

瞑想音楽

— Meditation music.

瞑想音楽を流してリラックスする。

瞑想体験

— Meditation experience.

京都で瞑想体験をした。

瞑想ブーム

— Meditation boom/trend.

世界中で瞑想ブームが起きている。

Often Confused With

瞑想 vs 迷走 (Meisou)

Sounds the same, but means 'wandering' or 'going off track.' Very common mistake in writing.

瞑想 vs 妄想 (Mousou)

Means 'delusion' or 'wild fantasy.' Meditation is about clarity; Mousou is about confusion.

瞑想 vs 黙想 (Mokusou)

Very similar; used more in martial arts or schools as a command for a moment of silence.

Idioms & Expressions

"瞑想にふける"

— To be completely absorbed or lost in meditation, often losing sense of time.

彼は時間を忘れて瞑想にふけった。

Literary

"瞑想から覚める"

— To wake up or emerge from a meditative state.

鐘の音で瞑想から覚めた。

Neutral

"瞑想の境地"

— A state of mind reached through meditation; a spiritual level.

彼はついに瞑想の境地に達した。

Formal

"心の波を静める"

— To calm the waves of the heart/mind (often used to describe the goal of meditation).

瞑想で心の波を静める。

Poetic

"自分と向き合う"

— To face oneself; to look honestly at one's own heart through meditation.

瞑想は自分と向き合う時間だ。

Neutral

"無の境地"

— The state of nothingness; a high level of meditation where the ego disappears.

瞑想で無の境地を目指す。

Spiritual

"雑念を払う"

— To clear away distracting thoughts (essential for meditation).

瞑想の前に雑念を払う。

Neutral

"精神を統一する"

— To unify the spirit/mind; to focus completely.

瞑想して精神を統一する。

Formal

"内なる声を聞く"

— To listen to one's inner voice.

瞑想を通じて内なる声を聞く。

Poetic

"静寂を楽しむ"

— To enjoy the silence (often associated with meditation).

瞑想中の静寂を楽しむ。

Neutral

Easily Confused

瞑想 vs 座禅 (Zazen)

Both involve meditation.

Zazen is specific to Zen Buddhism and a sitting posture. Meisou is any meditation.

寺で座禅を組むが、家では自由に瞑想する。

瞑想 vs 熟考 (Jukkou)

Both involve quiet thinking.

Jukkou is active problem-solving; Meisou is clearing the mind.

問題を熟考する。

瞑想 vs 祈り (Inori)

Both are spiritual.

Inori is prayer (asking a deity). Meisou is internal mental training.

神に祈りを捧げる。

瞑想 vs 空想 (Kuusou)

Both involve the mind.

Kuusou is daydreaming or fantasy. Meisou is focused stillness.

未来の空想をする。

瞑想 vs 反省 (Hansei)

Both involve self-reflection.

Hansei is reflecting on a mistake. Meisou is a broader mental state.

失敗を反省する。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + をします

瞑想をします。

[Verb-dictionary] + ために + [Action]

落ち着くために瞑想します。

[Noun] + を習慣にする

瞑想を習慣にしています。

[Noun] + にふける

深い瞑想にふける。

[Noun] + を通じて + [Result]

瞑想を通じて自分を見つめる。

[Noun] + の極致

瞑想の極致に達する。

Any

[Noun] + 中

瞑想中です。

Any

[Noun] + 法

色々な瞑想法がある。

Word Family

Nouns

瞑想者 (meisousha - meditator)

瞑想録 (meisouroku - meditations/journal)

瞑想法 (meisouhou - meditation method)

瞑想室 (meisoushitsu - meditation room)

Verbs

瞑想する (meisou suru - to meditate)

Adjectives

瞑想的な (meisouteki na - meditative)

黙想 (mokusou)

座禅 (zazen)

内省 (naisei)

精神 (seishin)

静寂 (seijaku)

How to Use It

frequency

High in wellness, spirituality, and mental health topics.

Common Mistakes

Using 'meisou' for Zen sitting specifically. → 座禅 (zazen)
While meisou is general, zazen is the specific technical term for Zen sitting.
Writing 迷走 when you mean meditation. → 瞑想
迷走 means to wander aimlessly or go astray.
Saying 'meisou wo kangaeru' to mean 'to meditate.' → 瞑想する
Meisou wo kangaeru means you are thinking about the concept of meditation.
Shortening the vowel to 'meiso.' → meisou
Japanese long vowels are distinct phonemes. Shortening it changes the word.
Using 'meisou' for daydreaming. → 空想 (kuusou)
Meisou is a disciplined mental practice, not idle fantasy.

Tips

Daily Routine

To talk about your habit, say '瞑想を日課にしています' (I make meditation my daily routine).

Kanji Recognition

Look for the 'eye' radical in 瞑 and the 'heart' radical in 想. Eyes closed, heart focused.

Long Vowels

Don't forget the 'u' at the end. It's 'meisou', not 'meiso'.

Related Words

Learn 'zazen' for temple visits and 'meisou' for general wellness.

Temple Etiquette

If you go to a temple, they might call it 'zazen.' Follow their lead on terminology.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for the state (瞑想に入る) and 'wo' for the action (瞑想をする).

Homophone Alert

If a project is 'meisou shite iru,' it probably means it's 'wandering' (迷走), not meditating!

Mindfulness

The term 'maindo-furunesu' is very common in Tokyo yoga circles now.

Kanji Story

瞑 (closing eyes) + 想 (thinking) = Closing eyes to think. Simple logic!

Meditation Groups

Search for '瞑想会' (meisou-kai) if you want to find meditation groups in Japan.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person named 'May' (Mei) who is 'Sewing' (Sou) her thoughts together with her eyes closed. Mei-Sou.

Visual Association

Visualize the kanji 瞑 (eyes closed) and 想 (heart + eye looking at a tree). It’s like looking at your heart in the dark.

Word Web

Relaxation Zen Mindfulness Peace Quiet Brain Focus Spirit

Challenge

Try to say 'Mainichi meisou wo shimasu' (I meditate every day) five times fast without shortening the 'ou' sound.

Word Origin

The word comes from Middle Chinese roots. The first character '瞑' (míng in Chinese) originally meant to close one's eyes or the darkness of death. The second character '想' (xiǎng in Chinese) means to think, imagine, or contemplate.

Original meaning: Closing the eyes to contemplate or think deeply.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

While secular, be respectful when discussing 瞑想 in temples. Don't treat it just as a 'photo op.'

In the West, 'meditation' often implies mindfulness or stress relief. In Japan, it can carry a heavier weight of 'spiritual discipline.'

The book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius is translated as 'Jiseiroku', but discussed as a form of meisou. Steve Jobs' interest in Zen meditation (zazen/meisou) is well-known in Japan. Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto school of Zen.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Yoga Studio

瞑想から始めましょう。
深い呼吸で瞑想してください。
瞑想の時間を持ちます。
リラックスして瞑想しましょう。

Zen Temple

瞑想の作法を教わります。
静かに瞑想してください。
瞑想中に動かないでください。
瞑想の終わりを告げる鐘。

Mental Health / Therapy

瞑想は不安を和らげます。
毎日瞑想することをお勧めします。
瞑想の効果を記録しましょう。
マインドフルネス瞑想の練習。

Office / Workplace

昼休みに瞑想する。
瞑想室を利用する。
集中力を高めるための瞑想。
会議の前に1分間瞑想する。

Mobile Apps

瞑想をスタートする。
新しい瞑想プログラム。
瞑想の履歴を確認する。
お気に入りの瞑想音楽。

Conversation Starters

"瞑想をしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever tried meditation?)"

"どんな瞑想法が好きですか？ (What kind of meditation method do you like?)"

"瞑想の効果を感じますか？ (Do you feel the effects of meditation?)"

"毎日どれくらい瞑想していますか？ (How long do you meditate every day?)"

"おすすめの瞑想アプリはありますか？ (Do you have any recommended meditation apps?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の瞑想はどうでしたか？ (How was your meditation today?)

瞑想中にどんなことを考えましたか？ (What did you think about during meditation?)

瞑想を始めてから変わったことはありますか？ (Is there anything that has changed since you started meditation?)

なぜ瞑想をしたいと思うのですか？ (Why do you want to meditate?)

理想の瞑想場所について書いてください。 (Write about your ideal meditation place.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, in modern Japan, 瞑想 is used by everyone for health, stress relief, and focus. While it has Buddhist roots, the word itself is now secular.

You say '瞑想しています' (Meisou shite imasu). Use the ~te imasu form for an ongoing action.

マインドフルネス is a katakana loanword focusing on modern, psychological mindfulness. 瞑想 is the traditional Japanese word for meditation.

No, daydreaming is '空想' (kuusou) or 'ぼんやりする' (bon-yari suru). 瞑想 is an intentional, focused practice.

Yes, they are high-level kanji. Most beginners use hiragana (めいそう) or just learn to recognize the kanji without writing them.

It is '歩行瞑想' (hokou meisou). You can also use the Buddhist term 'kinhin'.

It is a noun that becomes a verb by adding 'suru.' This is called a suru-verb.

You say '瞑想アプリ' (meisou apuri).

There isn't a direct single word, but '雑念' (distracting thoughts) or '喧騒' (noise) are conceptual opposites.

Yes, '瞑想音楽' (meisou ongaku) or '瞑想用の音楽' (meisou-you no ongaku).