When you hear 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na), think about something that can keep going for a long time without causing problems. It's like a good plan that doesn't run out of resources or harm the environment. For example, a 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na) way to grow food means you can keep doing it year after year. It's about being able to maintain something steadily.
When you hear the word 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na), think about something that can keep going without running out or causing harm. It’s often used in the context of the environment, like “sustainable development” (持続可能な開発 - jizoku kanō na kaihatsu), meaning development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. You might also hear it in discussions about business practices or resource management, emphasizing the idea of long-term viability. It’s about being able to maintain something at a healthy, consistent level over a long period. So, if something is 持続可能な, it means it's designed to last and endure.
持続可能な in 30 Seconds
- Environmentally friendly
- Long-lasting
- Renewable
§ Understanding 持続可能な (Jizoku Kanō na)
You've learned that 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na) means 'sustainable' or 'able to be maintained at a certain rate.' This word is very common when talking about things like environmental efforts, economic growth, and long-term planning. It emphasizes the ability to continue something without depleting resources or causing harm in the long run.
§ Similar Words and Nuances
While 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na) is often the most direct translation for 'sustainable,' there are other words and phrases in Japanese that express similar ideas of continuity, stability, or long-term viability. Knowing these alternatives will help you choose the most appropriate word for different contexts.
- 持続的 (Jizoku-teki)
- This is an adjective form meaning 'continuous' or 'persistent.' While it shares the 'continuation' aspect with 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na), it doesn't carry the same implication of environmental or resource management. It simply means something is ongoing or continues for a long time.
彼の努力は持続的です。(Kare no doryoku wa jizoku-teki desu.)
His efforts are continuous/persistent.
- 継続的 (Keizoku-teki)
- Similar to 持続的 (jizoku-teki), 継続的 (keizoku-teki) means 'continuous' or 'ongoing.' It's often used in contexts like 'continuous improvement' or 'ongoing support.' Again, it lacks the 'sustainability' aspect of resource management.
これは継続的なプロジェクトです。(Kore wa keizoku-teki na purojekuto desu.)
This is an ongoing project.
- 安定した (Antei shita)
- This means 'stable' or 'steady.' While a sustainable system is often stable, 'stable' doesn't necessarily imply the ability to be maintained without depleting resources. You'd use this for things like a stable economy or a stable job.
私たちは安定した生活を望んでいます。(Watashitachi wa antei shita seikatsu o nozonde imasu.)
We hope for a stable life.
- 環境に優しい (Kankyō ni Yasashii)
- Literally 'environmentally friendly,' this phrase is closely related to the concept of sustainability, especially in ecological contexts. However, 'environmentally friendly' doesn't always encompass the broader meaning of being able to be maintained at a certain rate in an economic or social sense.
これは環境に優しい製品です。(Kore wa kankyō ni yasashii seihin desu.)
This is an environmentally friendly product.
§ When to use 持続可能な (Jizoku Kanō na)
You should use 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na) when you specifically want to convey the idea of something being able to continue into the future without causing harm or depleting resources. It's the go-to word for discussing sustainability in a holistic sense.
- Environmental Sustainability: This is where you'll hear it most often. Think 'sustainable development,' 'sustainable energy,' or 'sustainable agriculture.'
- Economic Sustainability: When talking about business models or economic systems that can continue to thrive without collapsing.
- Social Sustainability: For discussing social structures or policies that can be maintained for the long term without causing societal breakdown.
持続可能な社会を目指しています。( Jizoku kanō na shakai o mezashite imasu.)
We aim for a sustainable society.
持続可能な開発目標 ( Jizoku kanō na kaihatsu mokuhyō)
Sustainable Development Goals
Fun Fact
The concept of '持続可能' has become increasingly prevalent in Japanese society, especially concerning environmental and economic discussions, mirroring global trends.
Examples by Level
持続可能な開発は未来のために重要です。
Sustainable development is important for the future.
私たちは持続可能な社会を目指しています。
We are aiming for a sustainable society.
持続可能なエネルギー源を探しています。
We are looking for sustainable energy sources.
持続可能な農業は地球に優しいです。
Sustainable agriculture is gentle on the earth.
このビジネスモデルは持続可能ではありません。
This business model is not sustainable.
持続可能な方法でゴミを減らしましょう。
Let's reduce waste in a sustainable way.
持続可能な生活を送りたいです。
I want to live a sustainable life.
持続可能な観光は地域に利益をもたらします。
Sustainable tourism brings benefits to the local area.
持続可能な社会を築くためには、環境保護と経済発展のバランスが不可欠です。
To build a sustainable society, the balance between environmental protection and economic development is essential.
〜ためには (tame ni wa): in order to; for the purpose of
多くの企業が持続可能な開発目標（SDGs）に貢献しようと努力しています。
Many companies are striving to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
〜しようと努力する (shiyou to doryoku suru): to strive to do
持続可能なエネルギー源への転換は、地球温暖化対策の鍵となります。
The transition to sustainable energy sources is key to measures against global warming.
〜への転換 (e no tenkan): transition to
持続可能な農業は、食料安全保障と環境保全の両立を目指します。
Sustainable agriculture aims to achieve both food security and environmental conservation.
〜の両立 (no ryouritsu): compatibility/coexistence of both
このプロジェクトは、地域社会の持続可能な成長を促進することを目的としています。
This project aims to promote the sustainable growth of the local community.
〜を目的とする (o mokuteki to suru): to have as a goal/purpose
持続可能な観光は、環境への影響を最小限に抑えつつ、経済的利益を生み出すことを目指します。
Sustainable tourism aims to generate economic benefits while minimizing environmental impact.
〜つつ (tsutsu): while; at the same time
研究者たちは、より持続可能な素材の開発に取り組んでいます。
Researchers are working on the development of more sustainable materials.
〜に取り組む (ni torikumu): to tackle; to work on
私たちのライフスタイルを持続可能なものに変えることが求められています。
We are required to change our lifestyles to sustainable ones.
〜ことが求められている (koto ga motomerarete iru): to be required/demanded to do
Idioms & Expressions
"持続可能な開発目標 (SDGs)"
Sustainable Development Goals
国連は持続可能な開発目標を掲げています。
formal"持続可能な社会"
Sustainable society
私たちは持続可能な社会を目指しています。
neutral"持続可能な成長"
Sustainable growth
企業は持続可能な成長を追求すべきです。
formal"持続可能性"
Sustainability
このプロジェクトの持続可能性について議論しましょう。
neutral"持続可能な農業"
Sustainable agriculture
持続可能な農業は環境に優しいです。
neutral"持続可能な漁業"
Sustainable fishery
乱獲を防ぐために持続可能な漁業が求められています。
neutral"持続可能なエネルギー"
Sustainable energy
太陽光発電は持続可能なエネルギーの一つです。
neutral"持続可能な観光"
Sustainable tourism
地域に貢献する持続可能な観光を推進しています。
neutral"持続可能な都市"
Sustainable city
スマート技術を活用して持続可能な都市を構築します。
formal"持続可能な資源"
Sustainable resources
森林は持続可能な資源として管理されるべきです。
neutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Word Origin
From 持続 (jizoku, 'continuation, duration') + 可能 (kanō, 'possible, capable') + な (-na, adjectival suffix).
Original meaning: The combination of 'continuation' and 'possible' directly forms the meaning of 'sustainable.'
JaponicCultural Context
In Japan, the term 持続可能な (jizoku kanō na) is frequently used in discussions about environmental conservation, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility. It reflects a growing awareness of long-term planning and the impact of current actions on future generations. You'll often see it in news articles, policy discussions, and product marketing that emphasizes eco-friendliness or durability.
Summary
持続可能な describes something that can be sustained over time, often in an ecological or economic context.
- Environmentally friendly
- Long-lasting
- Renewable
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
