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A1 noun #3,513 most common 14 min read

世間

seken Top 3,513

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 世間 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 世間 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 世間 (seken) as a simple way to say 'the world' when you are talking about people. While you might first learn 'sekai' for the physical world (like a map), seken is for the human world. A1 learners can use it in very basic sentences like 'The world is wide' (Seken wa hiroi desu) to express that there are many different people and places out there. It's a useful word to start noticing in simple stories or conversations about people's lives. You don't need to worry about the deep social pressure yet; just treat it as a word for 'the world of people.' Focus on the phrase 'Seken wa semai' (It's a small world) because it's a very common greeting-like expression when you meet someone unexpectedly. This helps you connect with Japanese speakers in a natural way using a culturally relevant term. Remember that it's a noun, so you can use it with 'desu' or 'wa' just like 'ringo' (apple) or 'gakusei' (student). At this stage, just being able to recognize the kanji and its basic meaning is a great achievement.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 世間 (seken) to talk about daily life and social interactions. You might learn the word seken-banashi, which means 'small talk.' This is a very common activity in Japan, where people chat about the weather, news, or neighborhood events. A2 learners can use this word to describe their day: 'I did some small talk with my neighbor' (Kinjo no hito to seken-banashi o shimashita). You should also start to understand that seken is different from 'sekai.' While 'sekai' is for geography, seken is for the people around you. You might hear people say 'Seken wa kibishii' (The world is tough), which is a common sentiment. Understanding this helps you empathize with Japanese speakers. You can also start using the particle 'no' with seken, such as 'seken no nyūsu' (news of the world/public). This level is about moving from simple definitions to seeing how the word functions in everyday social contexts.

At the B1 level, you should start to grasp the social nuances of 世間 (seken), particularly the concept of 'the public eye' (seken no me). This is where the word becomes more than just 'the world.' It represents the social pressure to conform. You can use it to explain why someone might behave a certain way: 'He cares about what people think' (Kare wa seken no me o ki ni shite iru). You will also encounter seken-shirazu (ignorant of the world/naive). This is a great word for describing characters in books or people who lack life experience. B1 learners should be able to distinguish between 'seken' and 'shakai.' Use 'shakai' for formal topics like 'shakai mondai' (social problems) and 'seken' for more personal or community-related topics. You might also start using the word in the context of news, like 'seken o sawagaseru' (to cause a stir). This level requires you to understand that seken is a collective force that influences individual behavior.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 世間 (seken) in complex discussions about culture and reputation. You can use terms like seken-tei (social standing/outward appearance) to discuss Japanese social dynamics. This is a key concept for understanding why people prioritize harmony and reputation. You might say, 'In Japan, seken-tei is very important' (Nihon de wa seken-tei ga totemo jūyō da). You should also be able to use the word metaphorically, such as 'seken no nami' (the waves of the world), to describe the ups and downs of life. B2 learners can understand more literary or formal uses of the word, such as in editorials or essays about the state of society. You should also be aware of the historical/Buddhist roots of the word, which give it a sense of 'the mundane world.' At this level, you aren't just using the word; you are using it to explain and navigate the complexities of Japanese social expectations.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 世間 (seken) should be deeply nuanced, allowing you to use it in academic or professional settings to discuss sociology and psychology. You can analyze how seken functions as a mechanism of social control in Japan. You might discuss the 'logic of seken' (seken no ronri) and how it differs from the 'logic of the individual.' You should be able to use the word in sophisticated idioms and understand its role in classical literature versus modern discourse. For example, you can discuss how the 'seken' has evolved with the rise of the internet and social media, creating a 'digital seken.' You should also be able to use the word to express subtle irony or social critique. A C1 learner can explain the difference between seken, shakai, and sekai with precision, using each word to hit the exact right register and meaning. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the emotional and psychological weight the word carries for native speakers.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 世間 (seken), using it with the same depth as a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical or sociological debates about the nature of the Japanese 'seken' and its impact on modern identity. You might reference famous literary works (like those of Natsume Soseki) where the conflict between the individual and the seken is a central theme. You can use the word in all its forms—from the most casual neighborhood gossip to the most formal academic writing—without ever missing the mark. You understand the subtle historical shifts in the word's meaning, from its Buddhist origins to its current role in a globalized world. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for expressing complex ideas about the human condition, social belonging, and the invisible threads that bind people together. You can use seken to articulate the 'unspoken rules' of Japanese life with eloquence and cultural insight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

世間 in 30 Seconds

Seken refers to the 'social world' and the public eye in Japan.
It is distinct from 'sekai' (physical world) and 'shakai' (formal society).
Commonly used to discuss reputation, social norms, and small talk.
Key phrases include 'seken no me' (public eye) and 'seken wa semai' (small world).

The Japanese word 世間 (seken) is a fascinating and multi-layered term that translates roughly to 'the world,' but it carries a weight that the English word 'society' often lacks. In English, 'society' can feel abstract or distant, like a large-scale system of laws and institutions. However, seken is much more intimate and immediate. It refers to the specific world of human relationships and the 'public eye' that surrounds an individual. It is the collective gaze of neighbors, colleagues, relatives, and even strangers on the street who might judge your behavior. When a Japanese person speaks of seken, they are often thinking about their reputation and how they are perceived by the people around them. It is the invisible force that encourages conformity and discourages behavior that might 'disturb the peace' or cause 'trouble for others' (meiwaku). Understanding this word is essential for anyone wanting to grasp the social fabric of Japan, as it dictates everything from how people dress to how they speak in public settings.

The Social Boundary: Seken represents the boundary between your private life and the public sphere. It is the 'world' you step into the moment you leave your front door.

彼は世間の目を気にしている。 (He is worried about what the world thinks of him.)

The term is frequently used in phrases like 世間の目 (seken no me), which literally means 'the eyes of the world.' This phrase encapsulates the feeling of being watched or judged by society. If someone does something scandalous, they might be said to have 'troubled the world' (seken o sawagasu). Conversely, if someone is described as 世間知らず (seken-shirazu), it means they are 'ignorant of the world' or naive, implying they don't understand how social norms or human relationships work. This is not necessarily an insult about their intelligence, but rather a comment on their lack of life experience or social awareness. In daily conversation, you might hear people use seken when discussing news, gossip, or general social trends. It is the stage upon which the drama of daily life unfolds, and maintaining a good standing within this 'world' is a primary concern for many. It is also important to distinguish seken from sekai (the physical world/globe) and shakai (society as a structured system). Seken is visceral; it is the feeling of being part of a community where your actions have social consequences.

Reputation and Face: In Japan, 'saving face' is closely tied to seken. If you lose face, you lose your standing in the seken, which can be socially isolating.

世間体（せけんてい）を気にするのは、日本人の特徴の一つだと言われる。 (Caring about one's social standing is said to be one of the characteristics of Japanese people.)

Historically, seken has its roots in Buddhist philosophy, where it referred to the 'world of suffering' or the 'mundane world' as opposed to the spiritual realm. Over centuries, this evolved into the modern meaning of the social world. This historical baggage adds a layer of 'inevitability' to the word; the seken is something you cannot easily escape because you are born into it. Even in modern, urban Japan, where people might not know their neighbors' names, the concept of seken remains strong in the workplace and online spaces. When celebrities apologize for their personal scandals, they are often apologizing to the seken for causing a disturbance. This shows that the 'world' is not just a place, but a collective consciousness that demands respect and adherence to norms.

Small Talk and Gossip: The phrase 'seken-banashi' refers to small talk or gossip about the world. It is the grease that keeps the wheels of social interaction turning smoothly.

彼は世間から離れて一人で暮らしている。 (He is living alone, away from the world/society.)

Using 世間 (seken) correctly requires understanding its role as a collective noun that represents the public. It is most commonly used as a subject or an object in contexts involving reputation, social news, or common knowledge. Because seken isn't a specific person, it functions as a generalized 'they' (as in, 'what will they think?'). One of the most important grammatical patterns involves the particle の (no) to describe things belonging to or coming from the social world. For example, 世間の常識 (seken no jōshiki) refers to 'common sense' or 'social norms.' This isn't just logical common sense, but rather the specific expectations that the public holds for a respectable person. If you violate these norms, you are going against the seken.

The 'Eye' of the Public: The most common collocation is 'seken no me'. You use it with verbs like 'ki ni suru' (to care about) or 'osoreru' (to fear).

世間の目を気にして、彼は本音を言わなかった。 (Caring about the public eye, he did not say his true feelings.)

Another frequent usage involves verbs of movement or influence. To 'cause a stir in the world' is 世間を騒がせる (seken o sawagaseru). This is often used in news headlines regarding crimes, scandals, or major breakthroughs. It implies that the 'world' (the public) is talking about the event. Similarly, if you want to say something is well-known throughout the world, you might say 世間に知れ渡る (seken ni shire-wataru). Note the use of the particle ni here to indicate the 'world' as the recipient of the information. When you want to talk about your own experience or lack thereof, you use seken to describe the breadth of your social interactions. A person who has seen many things and understands how people work is said to be 世間に通じている (seken ni tsūjite iru).

In more informal or reflective contexts, seken is used to describe the harshness or kindness of life. The phrase 世間は狭い (seken wa semai) is the Japanese equivalent of 'it's a small world.' You use this when you run into someone you know in an unexpected place. On the other hand, 世間の風は冷たい (seken no kaze wa tsumetai), literally 'the wind of the world is cold,' is a metaphor for the world being harsh or unforgiving, especially toward those who have failed or fallen from grace. This usage highlights the emotional connection Japanese speakers have with the concept; the seken is not just a group of people, but an environment that can be warm or cold depending on your circumstances. Understanding these idiomatic uses will make your Japanese sound much more natural and culturally attuned.

The Small World Phenomenon: Use 'seken wa semai' when you encounter a surprising connection between people.

こんなところで会うなんて、本当に世間は狭いですね。 (To meet in a place like this, the world really is small, isn't it?)

Finally, consider the word 世間並み (seken-nami). This means 'average' or 'ordinary' relative to the standards of the world. For example, a seken-nami no seikatsu is a standard, middle-class life. This word is often used to express a desire for normalcy or to compare one's situation to the general public. It shows that seken serves as the benchmark for what is considered 'normal' in Japanese society. Whether you are following the rules or breaking them, you are always doing so in relation to the seken. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss social dynamics, personal reputation, and everyday coincidences with precision.

You will encounter 世間 (seken) in a variety of real-life situations, ranging from casual neighborhood chats to serious news broadcasts. One of the most common places is in the media. News anchors often use the phrase 世間を騒がせた事件 (seken o sawagaseta jiken) to refer to a crime or scandal that has dominated the headlines and captured public attention. This phrase signals that the topic is something 'everyone is talking about.' In this context, seken acts as a synonym for the general public or the national audience. If you watch Japanese TV dramas or movies, you will frequently hear characters worrying about seken no me (the public eye). A parent might tell their child to behave properly because they are worried about what the neighbors or the seken will say. This highlights the role of the word in maintaining social order through the pressure of reputation.

Neighborhood Gossip: In residential areas, 'seken-banashi' (small talk) is a way for neighbors to bond and share information about the community.

近所の人と世間話をするのが日課です。 (Making small talk with the neighbors is my daily routine.)

In the workplace, seken is used when discussing business trends or the general state of the economy. A manager might say that their company's products are well-received by the seken, meaning they are popular with the general public. Furthermore, the concept of 世間体 (seken-tei)—one's appearance in the eyes of society—is a major theme in Japanese corporate culture. It explains why companies are so sensitive to public relations and why individual employees are often cautious about their behavior even outside of work hours. You might hear a colleague say, 'We have to think about seken-tei,' as a reason for following a certain protocol or avoiding a controversial decision. This isn't just about branding; it's about the moral standing of the company within the community.

Another interesting place you'll hear this word is in literature and traditional arts. In classical Japanese literature, seken often refers to the fleeting, mundane world in contrast to the eternal or the religious. This nuance still exists today in phrases that describe the 'ups and downs of the world' (seken no nami). Older generations might use seken more frequently than younger people, as the sense of community and the importance of reputation were traditionally even stronger. However, even on social media, the concept has found a new home. Netizens often discuss what the seken (the internet public) thinks about a particular influencer or viral event. The 'eye' of the seken has simply moved from the physical neighborhood to the digital one. Pay attention to how the word is used to define 'us' versus 'them' or 'normal' versus 'strange.' It is a key to understanding the invisible boundaries of Japanese social life.

The Harshness of Life: The phrase 'seken no kaze' (the wind of the world) is often used in songs and stories to describe the difficulties of surviving in society.

彼は世間の荒波にもまれて成長した。 (He grew up being tossed about by the rough waves of the world.)

The most common mistake learners make is confusing 世間 (seken) with 世界 (sekai). While both can be translated as 'world' in English, they are used in completely different contexts. Sekai refers to the physical world, the globe, or a specific field (like 'the world of sports' or 'the world of art'). If you want to say 'I want to travel the world,' you must use sekai. If you use seken, it would sound like you want to travel through 'society' or 'people's opinions,' which makes no sense. Conversely, if you say 'I care about the world's eye' using sekai, it sounds like you are worried about the opinion of the entire planet (like the UN), whereas you probably just mean your local social circle (seken).

Seken vs. Sekai: Sekai = Geography, Global, Physical. Seken = Social, Reputation, Psychological.

✖ 世間旅行をする。 (Incorrect: Traveling the 'social world'.)
✓ 世界旅行をする。 (Correct: Traveling the physical world.)

Another mistake involves the word 社会 (shakai). While shakai and seken both mean 'society,' shakai is much more formal and structural. You use shakai when talking about 'social problems' (shakai mondai) or 'social security' (shakai hoshō). Using seken in these cases would be too informal and personal. Think of shakai as the 'system' and seken as the 'vibe' or the 'people.' For example, you 'enter society' (shakai ni deru) when you start your first job, but you 'face the world' (seken ni deru) when you deal with the complexities of human relationships outside your family.

Learners also sometimes misuse the phrase 世間知らず (seken-shirazu). While it means 'ignorant of the world,' it shouldn't be used to describe someone who doesn't know facts or trivia. It is specifically for people who don't understand social etiquette, the value of money, or the 'way the world works.' Using it to describe someone who failed a history test would be incorrect. It is a commentary on their social maturity, not their academic knowledge. Similarly, be careful with 世間体 (seken-tei). It is often used in a slightly negative or restrictive sense—describing someone who is too obsessed with what others think. If you want to praise someone for having a good reputation, use hyōban instead.

Nuance of Ignorance: Seken-shirazu is often applied to 'sheltered' individuals (like children of wealthy families) who haven't faced real-world struggles.

彼はいい人だが、少し世間知らずなところがある。 (He is a good person, but he is a bit naive about the world.)

Finally, remember that seken is a collective noun. You cannot say 'one seken' or 'two sekens.' It is an all-encompassing term for the social environment. Avoid trying to use it to refer to a specific group of people like 'the world of teachers'—in that case, use sekai (e.g., kyōiku no sekai). By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the most common pitfalls and use seken with the same nuance as a native speaker.

To truly master 世間 (seken), it helps to compare it with its close relatives in the Japanese vocabulary. The most important alternative is 世の中 (yo no naka). While seken and yo no naka are often interchangeable, yo no naka is slightly broader and more philosophical. It refers to 'the world we live in' and the general state of human affairs. While seken emphasizes the 'eyes' and 'judgement' of others, yo no naka emphasizes the 'flow' and 'nature' of life. You might say 'the world (yo no naka) is changing fast,' but you would say 'the world (seken) will judge you if you do that.' Yo no naka feels more like a place, while seken feels more like a community.

Seken vs. Yo no Naka: Seken is about social pressure. Yo no naka is about the general environment of life.

世の中、そんなに甘くない。 (The world isn't that easy.)

Another related term is 社会 (shakai), which we touched on earlier. Shakai is the formal word for 'society.' It is used in academic, political, and professional contexts. If you are talking about 'social structure' or 'sociology,' you use shakai. Seken is too informal for a university lecture on social systems. However, in a novel where a character is feeling the weight of their neighbors' gossip, seken is the perfect choice. Think of shakai as the skeleton of the world and seken as the skin and nerves that feel the social temperature.

For more specific contexts, you might use 周り (mawari) or 他人 (tanin). Mawari literally means 'surroundings' and is often used to refer to the people immediately around you, like friends or family. It is less heavy than seken. Tanin means 'others' or 'strangers.' If you don't care what strangers think, you say tanin no me. Using seken implies a broader, more inescapable social circle. There is also the word 世情 (sejō), which refers to 'world conditions' or 'public sentiment.' This is a more formal, literary word used to describe the general mood or state of affairs in the world at a given time.

Word Comparison: Mawari: Immediate circle. Tanin: Strangers. Seken: The public eye. Shakai: Formal society.

周りの意見を聞くことも大切だ。 (It's also important to listen to the opinions of those around you.)

Finally, consider 人目 (hitome), which means 'the eyes of others.' It is very similar to seken no me but focuses specifically on the act of being seen. You might 'avoid the eyes of others' (hitome o sakeru) by sneaking out at night. Seken is broader; it's not just about being seen physically, but about your reputation in the community. By choosing between these words, you can specify exactly which 'world' or 'group of people' you are referring to, adding depth and precision to your Japanese communication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, 'seken' specifically referred to the community of people you interact with. If you were exiled, you were literally 'thrown out of the seken.' This historical weight is why the 'public eye' feels so heavy in Japan today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /se.ken/

US /se.ken/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'seken', the pitch typically starts low on 'se' and rises on 'ken' (LH).

Rhymes With

意見 (iken) 点 (ten) 面 (men) 圏 (ken) 宣言 (sengen) 経験 (keiken) 制限 (seigen) 未練 (miren)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'se' like 'see'. It should be a short 'e' sound.
Stress-accenting the first syllable like 'SE-ken'. Japanese uses pitch, not stress.
Treating 'n' as a separate English 'n' syllable. It is a moraic nasal.
Confusing the vowel length with 'sekeen' (incorrect).
Pronouncing 'k' with too much aspiration.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are relatively simple (JLPT N4/N3 level), but the nuance is deep.

Writing 2/5

Both 世 and 間 are common kanji taught early on.

Speaking 3/5

Using it with the correct cultural nuance (reputation vs. world) takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news and daily conversation; easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

世界 (Sekai) 社会 (Shakai) 人々 (Hitobito) 目 (Me) 話 (Hanashi)

Learn Next

評判 (Hyōban) 常識 (Jōshiki) 迷惑 (Meiwaku) 本音 (Honne) 建前 (Tatemae)

Advanced

世相 (Sesō) 世情 (Sejō) 世俗 (Sezoku) 勧善懲悪 (Kanzen-chōaku) 浮世 (Ukiyo)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + Noun (Possession/Attribute)

世間の目 (The eye of the world)

Noun + を + Verb (Direct Object)

世間を騒がせる (To cause the world to stir)

Noun + に + Verb (Direction/Target)

世間に知れる (To become known to the world)

Noun + 並み (Suffix meaning 'average/standard')

世間並みの生活 (A life like the average person)

Noun + 離れ (Suffix meaning 'detached/away from')

世間離れした考え (Ideas detached from the world)

Examples by Level

世間はとても広いです。

The world is very wide.

Simple noun + wa + adjective structure.

世間にはいろいろな人がいます。

There are various people in the world.

Seken + ni wa + existence verb (imasu).

世間は狭いですね！

The world is small, isn't it!

Common idiomatic phrase using 'semai' (narrow/small).

世間のニュースを見ます。

I watch the news of the world.

Using 'no' to link seken and news.

世間を知りたいです。

I want to know the world.

Direct object 'seken' + 'shiritai' (want to know).

これは世間で有名です。

This is famous in the world.

Seken + de (location of state) + famous.

世間の話を聞きます。

I listen to stories of the world.

Seken + no + hanashi (talk/story).

世間は明るいです。

The world is bright.

Simple descriptive sentence.

近所の人と世間話をしました。

I had small talk with my neighbor.

Compound noun 'seken-banashi' (small talk).

世間のルールを守ります。

I follow the rules of the world (society).

Seken + no + rule + mamoru (to follow/protect).

世間はそんなに甘くないですよ。

The world isn't that sweet (easy), you know.

Metaphorical use of 'amai' (sweet).

彼は世間をよく知っています。

He knows the world well.

Adverb 'yoku' modifying 'shitte iru'.

世間ではこれが流行っています。

This is popular in the world (society).

Seken + de wa (topic marker in a location).

世間の風は冷たいと感じます。

I feel the world's wind is cold (life is harsh).

Metaphorical phrase for social harshness.

世間並みの生活をしたいです。

I want to live an ordinary life like others.

Seken-nami (average/standard).

世間に顔が広いです。

He has a wide face in the world (knows many people).

Idiom for having many social connections.

彼は世間の目を気にしています。

He is worried about the public eye.

Seken no me (the public eye) + ki ni suru.

彼女は少し世間知らずなところがある。

She is a bit naive about the world.

Seken-shirazu (ignorant of the world).

そのニュースは世間を騒がせました。

That news caused a stir in the world.

Seken o sawagaseru (to cause a stir).

世間の常識を身につけるべきだ。

You should acquire common sense (social norms).

Seken no jōshiki (social common sense).

世間から取り残されたような気がする。

I feel like I've been left behind by the world.

Passive voice 'tori-nokosareta'.

世間に知れ渡るまで時間はかからなかった。

It didn't take long for it to become known to the public.

Seken ni shire-wataru (spread through the world).

世間との付き合いを大切にする。

I value my interactions with the world.

Seken to no tsukiai (socializing with the world).

世間の評判はあまり良くない。

The public's reputation (of it) isn't very good.

Seken no hyōban (public reputation).

世間体ばかりを気にするのは良くない。

It's not good to only care about social standing.

Seken-tei (social standing/reputation).

彼は世間の荒波にもまれて強くなった。

He became strong by being tossed by the world's rough waves.

Seken no aranami (rough waves of the world).

世間一般の意見とは異なります。

It differs from the general opinion of the world.

Seken ippan (general public/world at large).

世間に顔向けできないようなことはするな。

Don't do anything that would make you unable to face the world.

Seken ni kao-muke dekinai (cannot show one's face).

彼は世間離れした考えを持っている。

He has ideas that are out of touch with the world.

Seken-banare (out of touch/unconventional).

世間のしがらみから解放されたい。

I want to be free from the shackles of society.

Seken no shigarami (social ties/shackles).

世間に認められるために努力する。

I will work hard to be recognized by the world.

Seken ni mitomerareru (to be recognized by the public).

世間は彼の才能をまだ知らない。

The world does not yet know his talent.

Seken as the subject representing the public.

世間の荒波を渡り歩くのは容易ではない。

Navigating the rough waves of society is no easy feat.

Literary expression for navigating life's struggles.

渡る世間に鬼はなしという言葉がある。

There is a saying that there are no 'demons' in the world you pass through (people are generally kind).

Famous Japanese proverb.

彼の行動は世間に対する挑戦だった。

His actions were a challenge to the world (social norms).

Seken ni taisuru (towards/against the world).

世間の冷笑を浴びながらも彼は信念を貫いた。

Despite being bathed in the world's ridicule, he stuck to his beliefs.

Seken no reishō (world's ridicule/sneer).

世間虚仮（せけんこけ）という仏教の教えがある。

There is a Buddhist teaching that the world is empty/false.

Archaic/Buddhist terminology 'Seken-koke'.

彼は世間慣れした様子で交渉を進めた。

He proceeded with the negotiations in a world-weary/experienced manner.

Seken-nare (accustomed to the world/socially savvy).

世間の風潮に流されないことが大切だ。

It is important not to be swept away by the trends of the world.

Seken no fūchō (social trends/tide).

世間を渡るための知恵を身につける。

To acquire the wisdom needed to navigate the world.

Seken o wataru (to cross/navigate the world).

世間という名の見えない檻に閉じ込められている。

Imprisoned in an invisible cage called 'the world'.

Metaphorical use of 'seken' as a cage.

彼は世俗的な成功を収めたが、心は世間から離れていた。

He achieved worldly success, but his heart was detached from the world.

Contrast between 'sezoku' (worldly) and 'seken'.

世間の喧騒を離れ、山奥で静かに暮らす。

Leaving the bustle of the world behind, living quietly deep in the mountains.

Seken no kensō (the bustle/din of the world).

その作家は世間の矛盾を鋭く突き放した。

The author sharply detached himself from the contradictions of the world.

Seken no mujun (contradictions of the world).

世間体が個人の自由を抑圧しているという議論がある。

There is an argument that social standing suppresses individual freedom.

Seken-tei as a subject of sociological debate.

彼は世間擦れしていない、純粋な心を持っている。

He is not world-weary (unsophisticated/pure); he has a pure heart.

Seken-zure (becoming cynical/world-weary).

世間の荒波を乗り越えた者だけが知る真実がある。

There are truths known only to those who have overcome the world's rough waves.

Complex conditional structure.

世間という荒野を一人で歩んでいく覚悟だ。

I am prepared to walk alone through the wilderness that is the world.

Seken as a metaphorical wilderness.

Synonyms

社会世の中世上外界世情

Antonyms

個人私生活内界

Common Collocations

世間の目

世間を騒がせる

世間話をする

世間知らず

世間は狭い

世間体

世間に知れる

世間並み

世間離れ

世間の風

Common Phrases

世間を渡る

— To make one's way in the world. It refers to navigating social life and earning a living.

世間を渡るには知恵が必要だ。

世間に顔を出す

— To appear in public or attend social gatherings after a period of absence.

久しぶりに世間に顔を出す。

世間が狭くなる

— To lose one's social standing or place in society, often due to a scandal.

失敗して世間が狭くなった。

世間に顔向けできない

— To be too ashamed to face the public or one's social circle.

そんな恥ずかしいことは世間に顔向けできない。

世間をあっと言わせる

— To surprise the world or the public with something amazing or unexpected.

新製品で世間をあっと言わせる。

世間ずれ

— Becoming world-weary, cynical, or overly sophisticated through social experience.

都会で暮らして世間ずれしてしまった。

世間の口

— Public gossip or what people are saying about someone.

世間の口はうるさい。

世間の耳

— The public's attention or the act of the public listening to something.

世間の耳を集める。

世間口を封じる

— To silence public gossip or stop people from talking about a scandal.

金を払って世間口を封じる。

世間様に申し訳ない

— To feel apologetic toward society or the public for one's actions.

世間様に申し訳ないことをした。

Often Confused With

世間 vs 世界 (Sekai)

Sekai is the physical world or a specific field. Seken is the social world of people.

世間 vs 社会 (Shakai)

Shakai is formal society/system. Seken is the informal public eye/community.

世間 vs 世の中 (Yo no naka)

Yo no naka is more philosophical and broad. Seken is more about social pressure and reputation.

Idioms & Expressions

"渡る世間に鬼はなし"

— The world is not full of demons; there is kindness to be found everywhere.

困っているときに助けてもらい、渡る世間に鬼はなしだと感じた。

Proverbial

"世間は広いようで狭い"

— The world seems large but is actually small (often said when meeting someone unexpectedly).

海外で同級生に会うなんて、世間は広いようで狭い。

Common

"世間の荒波"

— The rough waves of the world; the hardships of living in society.

彼は若くして世間の荒波にもまれた。

Literary

"世間知らずのホトトギス"

— Someone who is naive or out of touch with reality (rare/poetic).

彼は世間知らずのホトトギスのような男だ。

Poetic

"世間並みに歩く"

— To live a standard, unremarkable life according to social norms.

特別なことは望まず、世間並みに歩きたい。

Neutral

"世間を騒がす"

— To cause a great deal of public discussion or controversy.

その政治家の発言は世間を騒がした。

Journalistic

"世間虚仮"

— The world is a lie/illusion (Buddhist origin).

世間虚仮、唯仏是真（せけんこけ、ゆいぶつぜしん）。

Religious/Archaic

"世間を忍ぶ"

— To live in hiding or avoid the public eye.

彼は名前を変えて世間を忍んで暮らしている。

Literary

"世間の垢"

— The 'grime' of the world; the corrupting influence of society.

世間の垢にまみれて、純粋さを失った。

Literary

"世間を敵に回す"

— To make an enemy of the whole world/society.

あんな発言をすれば、世間を敵に回すことになる。

Emphatic

Easily Confused

世間 vs 世間 (Seken)

Both translate to 'world'.

Seken refers to the people around you and their opinions. It is the 'human' world.

世間の目が怖い。

世間 vs 世界 (Sekai)

Both translate to 'world'.

Sekai refers to the globe, geography, or a specific domain (e.g., world of music).

世界地図を見る。

世間 vs 社会 (Shakai)

Both translate to 'society'.

Shakai is the official, structured society (laws, economy). Seken is the unofficial community.

社会問題について考える。

世間 vs 世の中 (Yo no naka)

Very similar meanings.

Yo no naka is more about the state of life/existence. Seken is more about reputation.

世の中、金がすべてではない。

世間 vs 衆目 (Shūmoku)

Both mean 'public eye'.

Shūmoku is very formal and literally means 'the eyes of the crowd'. Seken is more common.

衆目の一致するところだ。

Sentence Patterns

[Seken] wa [Adjective] desu.

世間は狭いです。

[Person] wa [Seken] o yoku shitte iru.

母は世間をよく知っている。

[Seken] no me o ki ni suru.

彼は世間の目を気にしすぎる。

[Seken] o sawagaseru [Noun].

世間を騒がせるニュースが多い。

[Seken] ni shire-wataru.

その噂はすぐに世間に知れ渡った。

[Seken] no shigarami kara [Verb].

世間のしがらみから逃れたい。

[Seken]-shirazu na [Person].

世間知らずな若者が増えている。

[Seken]-nami no [Noun].

世間並みの幸せで十分だ。

Word Family

Nouns

世間体 (seken-tei) - social standing

世間話 (seken-banashi) - small talk

世間知らず (seken-shirazu) - naive person

世間並み (seken-nami) - average/ordinary

Verbs

世間を騒がせる (seken o sawagaseru) - to cause a stir

世間に知れる (seken ni shireru) - to become known to the public

Adjectives

世間離れした (seken-banare shita) - out of touch/unconventional

世界 (sekai) - world

社会 (shakai) - society

世の中 (yo no naka) - the world/life

世相 (sesō) - social conditions

俗世 (zokusei) - mundane world

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily speech, news, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Seken' for world travel. → Sekai ryokō (世界旅行).
'Seken' refers to the social world, not the physical globe. You cannot travel 'through' social reputation in a literal sense.
Using 'Seken' for social problems in a formal essay. → Shakai mondai (社会問題).
'Shakai' is the correct term for formal, structural, or systemic issues in society.
Saying 'Seken no me' to mean 'my vision'. → Watashi no me (私の目).
'Seken no me' is an idiom for 'the public eye'. It does not refer to physical eyes or personal vision.
Calling someone 'Seken-shirazu' because they don't know math. → Benkyō-busoku (勉強不足) or similar.
'Seken-shirazu' is about social common sense and life experience, not academic knowledge.
Using 'Seken' to refer to the 'world of animals'. → Dōbutsu no sekai (動物の世界).
'Seken' is specifically for human society. Animals do not have a 'seken' in the Japanese sense.

Tips

Use with 'no me'

Always remember 'seken no me' (public eye). It's the most common way to talk about social pressure in Japan.

Human Focus

Use 'seken' when people are involved. If you are talking about mountains or oceans, use 'sekai' or 'shizen'.

Small Talk

Learn the word 'seken-banashi'. It's essential for building relationships with neighbors and colleagues.

Seken vs Shakai

Think of 'shakai' as the government/system and 'seken' as the neighbors/public. Use accordingly.

Small World

Don't forget 'seken wa semai'. It's a great conversation filler when you find a common acquaintance.

Naive Descriptions

Use 'seken-shirazu' to describe a character who is sheltered, like a prince or a very young student.

News Phrasing

When you hear 'seken o sawagaseta', it means a big scandal has happened. Listen for it on TV.

Standard Life

Use 'seken-nami' if you want to say something is 'normal' or 'average' by society's standards.

Rough Waves

The phrase 'seken no aranami' is perfect for describing the difficulties of starting a career or a new life.

Don't confuse with Sekai

Never say 'seken ryokō' for 'world travel'. It must be 'sekai ryokō'. Seken is about people, not travel.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine 'SE' (Say) and 'KEN' (Ken - a common name). 'Say, Ken, what does the world think?' This helps you remember it's about the social world and people's opinions.

Visual Association

Picture a giant eye floating over a Japanese neighborhood. That eye is the 'seken no me' (the eye of the seken) watching everyone.

Word Web

Society Public Eye Gossip Reputation Small World Naive Stir Norms

Challenge

Try to use 'seken wa semai' the next time you find a coincidence with a Japanese friend. It's the most natural way to use the word!

Word Origin

The word 'seken' originated from Buddhist terminology as a translation of the Sanskrit word 'loka'. It originally referred to the world of sentient beings and the space they inhabit, characterized by change and suffering.

Original meaning: The world of constant change or the mundane world of human existence.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone 'seken-shirazu'; while it can be a light tease, it can also be a sharp criticism of someone's maturity or social standing.

English speakers often use 'society' or 'the public,' but these feel more distant. 'Seken' is more like 'what the neighbors think' but on a national scale.

Natsume Soseki's novels often explore the tension between individual desire and the 'seken'. The phrase 'Seken wa semai' is used in countless anime and dramas when characters meet unexpectedly. The variety show 'Seken no Shiranai Sekai' (The World the Public Doesn't Know) uses the term to highlight niche subcultures.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a neighborhood gathering

世間話をする
世間のニュース
世間は狭い
世間体がいい

In a corporate PR meeting

世間を騒がせる
世間の反応
世間一般の意見
世間に知れ渡る

Discussing a naive friend

世間知らず
世間慣れしていない
世間の荒波
世間並み

Watching the news

世間を騒がせた事件
世間の注目
世論 (Yoron - related)
世相を反映する

Reflecting on life

世間の風は冷たい
世間を渡る
世間離れした
世の中の仕組み

Conversation Starters

"最近、世間では何が一番話題になっていますか？ (What is the most talked-about topic in the world/public lately?)"

"世間は狭いと感じたことはありますか？ (Have you ever felt that the world is small?)"

"世間体を気にすることは、大切だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's important to care about social standing?)"

"世間知らずだと言われたことはありますか？ (Have you ever been told you are naive about the world?)"

"世間の常識について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the common sense of the world/society?)"

Journal Prompts

あなたが「世間は狭い」と感じたエピソードを書いてください。 (Write about an episode where you felt 'the world is small'.)

世間の目を気にせずに生きることは可能だと思いますか？ (Do you think it's possible to live without caring about the public eye?)

あなたにとっての「世間」とは、どのような人たちのことですか？ (To you, what kind of people constitute the 'seken'?)

世間知らずだった自分が、成長したと感じる瞬間はいつですか？ (When was the moment you felt you grew from being naive?)

世間の荒波を乗り越えるために必要なことは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to overcome the rough waves of the world?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for science or geography, you should use 'Sekai'. 'Seken' is strictly for human relationships and social environments. For example, 'the world is round' would use 'Sekai'.

It can be. It implies someone is naive or sheltered. If said to an adult, it suggests they lack common sense or life experience, which can be offensive.

They are close, but 'Seken' focuses on the public eye and social pressure, while 'Yo no naka' is broader and more about the general state of life and the world we live in.

In Japan, a scandal is seen as disturbing the social harmony. An apology to the 'Seken' is an apology to the public for causing trouble or 'sawagaseta' (making a stir).

The most natural way is 'Seken wa semai desu ne'. You use this when you find a surprising connection between people.

Usually, 'Sekai' is used for specific domains (e.g., 'Supōtsu no sekai'). 'Seken' is almost always the general public or society at large.

It refers to your reputation or how you appear to others. It is the 'face' you show to society to maintain your standing.

It is neutral. It can be used in daily conversation, news, and literature. However, for academic sociological terms, 'Shakai' is preferred.

No, 'Seken' only refers to the human world. For nature, use 'Shizen'.

No, Japanese nouns do not have plural forms, and 'Seken' is a collective noun that already represents many people.