B1 verb Neutral #1,200 most common 1 min read

暮らす

kurasu /kuɾasɯ/

To live and carry out daily activities in a specific place.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to the act of living or dwelling in a place.
  • Focuses on daily routines and the way of life.
  • Used to describe living conditions or financial situations.

一般的な文脈:日常会話から小説、ニュースまで幅広く使われます。「都会で暮らす」「一人で暮らす」「年金で暮らす」など、生活全般について述べるときに非常に便利な言葉です。

  1. 1類語との比較:「住む」は場所を重視する客観的な表現です。「暮らす」は、そこでどのような生活を送っているかという主観的・動的なニュアンスが強くなります。「生活する」はより硬い表現で、公的な書類や説明的な文章で好まれます。

Examples

1

私は日本で暮らしています。

everyday

I live in Japan.

2

祖父母は田舎で静かに暮らした。

formal

My grandparents lived quietly in the countryside.

3

猫と暮らすのが夢だ。

informal

It is my dream to live with a cat.

4

低賃金で暮らすことは困難である。

academic

It is difficult to live on a low wage.

Common Collocations

一人で暮らす to live alone
都会で暮らす to live in the city
家族と暮らす to live with family

Common Phrases

暮らしやすい

easy to live in

暮らし向き

standard of living

日々の暮らし

daily life

Often Confused With

暮らす vs 住む (sumu)

Refers specifically to the act of residing or having a dwelling. Kurasu is more about the lifestyle.

暮らす vs 生活する (seikatsu suru)

A more formal, analytical term for 'to lead a life.' Often used in academic or news reports.

Grammar Patterns

[場所]で暮らす [人]と暮らす [手段/様態]で暮らす

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Kurasu is a neutral verb suitable for all levels of formality. When using it in formal writing, ensure the surrounding language matches the register. It is often used to describe long-term states rather than temporary visits.


Common Mistakes

Beginners often use 'ni' instead of 'de' when referring to a location. Remember that 'de' describes the location of the action, which is essential here. Also, do not confuse it with 'sumu' when talking about a specific house address.

Tips

💡

Use with 'de' for location

Always use the particle 'de' to indicate the place where you live. For example, 'Tokyo de kurasu' means to live in Tokyo.

⚠️

Do not confuse with 'sumu'

While similar, 'sumu' is about the address or dwelling, while 'kurasu' is about the life you lead there.

🌍

The concept of 'Kurasu'

In Japan, 'kurasu' often implies a sense of community and daily harmony within a specific environment.

Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'kurasu' meaning to pass time. Historically, it evolved from words describing the passage of days or seasons.

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'kurasu' carries a nuance of building a life within a community. It is a warm word often used in stories to describe the atmosphere of a home.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Kurasu' as 'Class' - living your daily life is like attending your own 'class' of existence. It helps to remember that it's about the quality of your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「住む」は場所に焦点を当てた客観的な表現です。一方、「暮らす」は生活の様子や日々の営みに焦点を当てた、より人間味のある表現です。

日常会話からエッセイまで幅広く使えます。生活の質やスタイルについて話す際に特に適しています。

「暮らした」となります。過去の生活を振り返る際や、一定期間住んでいたことを述べる際に使用します。

日常的な動詞ですので、丁寧語の「暮らします」を使えばビジネスや目上の人に対しても十分に失礼なく使えます。

Test Yourself

fill blank

私は田舎で静かに___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 暮らします

文末として適切な動詞の形が必要です。

multiple choice

次のうち、正しい文はどれですか?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 私は両親と暮らしています。

「~と暮らす」という形が適切です。

sentence building

(で / 暮らす / 都会 / 忙しく / 私たちは)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 私たちは都会で忙しく暮らす。

主語、場所、様態、動詞の順序が自然です。

Score: /3

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