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A2 verb #3,000 most common 6 min read

いきる

ikiru Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips いきる in 30 Seconds

Explanation いきる in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize 生きる (ikiru) as a basic verb for life. The focus is on its simplest form: existing versus not existing. You might encounter it in simple sentences like 'The plant is living' or 'I want to live a long time.' At this stage, it is crucial to learn that ikiru is NOT for your home address. Beginners often try to translate 'I live in London' directly using ikiru, which is incorrect. A1 learners should focus on the polite form ikimasu and the simple dictionary form ikiru. Understanding that it belongs to the Ichidan (Group 2) verb category is also helpful for early conjugation practice. You might see it in children's books or basic science contexts describing animals. It’s a 'big' word for a 'small' vocabulary, often appearing in emotional or biological contexts rather than daily chores.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 生きる (ikiru) to describe life goals and survival. You will learn the continuous form ikite iru (is alive) to describe the state of people or animals. This is also when you learn to express desires like 'I want to live freely' (jiyuu ni ikitai). You should be able to distinguish ikiru from sumu (to reside) and kurasu (to spend time/make a living). A2 learners often use this verb in the past tense ikita to talk about historical figures or ancestors. You'll also start seeing it in compound forms or with particles like made (until) and tame ni (for the sake of). It becomes a tool for expressing personal philosophy on a basic level.

By B1, 生きる (ikiru) takes on more metaphorical and abstract meanings. You will use it to describe how skills or experiences 'live' in a new context (make use of). For example, 'Kono keiken wa shigoto ni ikiru' (This experience will be useful in work). You'll also encounter the causative form ikasu (to make the most of/to let live), which is very common in professional settings. B1 learners should be comfortable using ikiru in complex sentences, such as 'Having survived the disaster, he decided to live for others.' The nuance of 'surviving' (ikinokoru) also becomes relevant here. You will start hearing the word in more formal speeches, literature, and news broadcasts concerning health and society.

At the B2 level, you explore the philosophical and societal nuances of 生きる (ikiru). You can discuss the 'meaning of life' (ikiru imi) or 'the power to live' (ikiru chikara). This level involves understanding the word in various registers, from gritty slang about survival to high-level academic discussions on existentialism. You should be able to appreciate the word in classic literature and cinema (like Kurosawa's 'Ikiru'). You'll also learn more specialized vocabulary derived from the same kanji, such as seizon (survival) or shougai (lifetime), and know when ikiru is more appropriate for emotional impact. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the distinction between biological life and a life of purpose.

C1 learners use 生きる (ikiru) with nuance and literary flair. You can use it to describe how a specific artistic style 'lives' in a modern piece of architecture, or how a tradition 'lives on' (iki-tsuzukeru) in a local community. You understand the subtle differences between ikiru and its synonyms in legal, medical, and poetic contexts. At this level, you might analyze how the verb is used in the works of Natsume Soseki or other literary giants to convey the struggle of the individual in society. You are also proficient in using the various honorific and humble forms that might surround the concept of life and existence in formal Japanese society.

At the C2 level, 生きる (ikiru) is a tool for profound expression. You can engage in debates about bioethics, the right to live, and the nature of consciousness using this verb and its derivatives. You are sensitive to the historical evolution of the word and its kanji (生), which has more readings than almost any other character. You can use ikiru in highly specialized ways, such as describing the 'liveness' of a stage performance or the existential state of a nation. Your mastery allows you to use the word to evoke specific emotional responses, choosing it over more clinical terms to create a sense of humanity and vitality in your speech and writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

いきる in 30 Seconds

Ikiru means 'to be alive' or 'to exist' biologically and philosophically.
It is an Ichidan verb, conjugated as ikimasu, ikite, ikita.
Do NOT use it for home addresses; use 'sumu' (reside) for that.
It can mean 'to be effective' or 'useful' in abstract contexts.

The Japanese verb 生きる (ikiru) is a fundamental Ichidan verb that translates primarily as 'to live' or 'to exist.' While English uses 'live' for both biological existence ('He is living') and residence ('I live in Tokyo'), Japanese makes a sharp distinction. Ikiru specifically refers to the act of being alive, the state of existence, or the manner in which one conducts their life. It is the pulse of vitality. When you speak of a hundred-year-old man still going strong, or a plant surviving in harsh conditions, you use ikiru. It conveys a sense of survival, endurance, and the philosophical weight of existence.

Biological Life: This describes the state of not being dead. It applies to humans, animals, and plants. For example, 'The fish is still living' (魚はまだ生きている).
Way of Life: It describes how one chooses to spend their time or the values they hold. 'Living for one's children' (子供のために生きる) uses the verb to show purpose.
Utility and Effectiveness: In more abstract contexts, it means 'to be put to use' or 'to come alive.' A skill might 'live' (be useful) in a new job, or a color might 'live' (stand out) against a specific background.

一生懸命に生きることは、素晴らしいことです。(To live with all one's might is a wonderful thing.)

In daily conversation, you will often hear it in the continuous form ikite iru (living/alive). It is also central to the concept of ikigai (a reason for living). It is rarely used to mean 'reside'—for that, you must use sumu (住む). If you say 'Tokyo de ikiru,' it implies you are surviving or finding your purpose in Tokyo, not just that you have an apartment there. This distinction is crucial for A2 learners who are moving beyond basic survival Japanese into expressive communication.

彼は100歳まで生きました。(He lived until 100 years old.)

Grammatically, 生きる (ikiru) is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object in the sense of 'living a thing.' However, it often takes the particle wo (を) when describing the path or the life one leads, such as 'jinsei wo ikiru' (to live a life). Most commonly, it is paired with particles like de (in/at - location of action) or ni (to/for - purpose or direction).

The 'Te-iru' Form: 'Ikite iru' is the state of being alive. 'Kono sakana wa ikite iru' (This fish is alive). It is used to contrast with 'shinde iru' (is dead).
Purpose with 'Tame ni': 'Yume no tame ni ikiru' (Living for the sake of a dream). This is a common structure in motivational speaking and literature.

この経験は、将来必ず生きるはずだ。(This experience will surely be put to use in the future.)

When talking about the duration of life, use the particle made (until). 'Nagaku ikiru' (to live long) is an adverbial usage. Interestingly, ikiru can also be used in sports and games. If a stone in the game of Go is 'alive,' it is ikite iru. If a ball in tennis is 'in,' it is 'alive.' This versatility shows that ikiru is about the presence of potential or function, not just biology.

自由に生きたいと思っています。(I want to live freely.)

You will encounter 生きる (ikiru) in a variety of high-stakes and everyday contexts. In Japanese cinema, the most famous example is Akira Kurosawa's film Ikiru, which explores a man's quest for meaning after a terminal diagnosis. This highlights the word's association with the 'meaning of life.' In news reports, you'll hear it regarding survivors of natural disasters ('Seikan-sha' or those who lived through it). On a lighter note, in cooking shows, a chef might say 'sozai no aji ga ikite iru' (the flavor of the ingredients is brought out/alive).

In Anime and Manga: Characters often shout 'Ikite kure!' (Please live/stay alive!) during dramatic scenes. It carries a heavy emotional weight compared to English.
In Philosophy: Terms like 'Ikiru chikara' (the power to live/survive) are used in educational policy to describe the resilience children need in the modern world.

彼は厳しい環境で生き抜いた。(He survived/lived through the harsh environment.)

In commercial settings, 'ikiru' is used to describe products that 'bring life' to a room or a lifestyle. It is a very positive, vibrant word. In spiritual contexts, it refers to the cycle of life and rebirth. For a learner, hearing ikiru usually signals that the conversation has turned toward something significant—health, future plans, or core values.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using 生きる (ikiru) when they mean 'to reside.' In English, 'I live in New York' is the standard way to state your address. If you say 'New York de ikiru' in Japanese, you sound like a character in a gritty drama who is struggling to survive on the mean streets of Manhattan. For your address, always use sumu (住む).

Ikiru vs. Sumu: Sumu = I have a house here. Ikiru = I am existing/surviving here. Don't mix them up when introducing yourself!
Ikiru vs. Kurasu: Kurasu (暮らす) means to 'make a living' or 'spend one's days.' It's more about the daily routine and lifestyle than the abstract fact of being alive.

❌ 日本に生きています (I am living [surviving] in Japan).
✅ 日本に住んでいます (I reside in Japan).

Another mistake is using ikiru for inanimate objects like machines. While a 'live' wire might be 'ikite iru' in a technical sense, generally, machines 'move' (ugoku) or 'work' (hataraku). Ikiru is reserved for things with a biological or metaphorical 'soul.' Finally, watch out for the transitive version ikasu (生かす), which means 'to let live' or 'to make the most of.' Beginners often confuse the two.

Japanese has several verbs for 'living' depending on the nuance. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise. 生きる (ikiru) is the broad, often philosophical term. Let's compare it with its cousins.

住む (Sumu): Focuses on the physical location and housing. Used for addresses and residency.
暮らす (Kurasu): Focuses on the lifestyle and daily activities. 'Hitori de kurasu' (living alone) implies managing one's own daily life.
生活する (Seikatsu suru): Focuses on the economic and social aspect of living. 'Seikatsu ga kurushii' (Life/Livelihood is hard).
生存する (Seizon suru): A formal, clinical term for 'survival' or 'existence,' often used in biology or news reports.

彼は田舎で静かに暮らしています。(He is living [spending his days] quietly in the countryside.)

Choosing between ikiru and kurasu is often a matter of perspective. If you want to say 'I live for art,' use ikiru. If you want to say 'I live on 200,000 yen a month,' use kurasu or seikatsu suru. Ikiru is the high-level, essential state; the others are the practical details of that state.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'ikiru' (生) is one of the most versatile in Japanese, with over 100 possible readings including 'nama' (raw), 'umare' (birth), and 'ki' (pure).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪˈkɪ.ruː/

US /iˈki.ru/

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

dekiru (can do) wakaru (understand - partial) miru (see) kiru (cut) shiru (know) noru (ride) uru (sell) toru (take)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' with curled tongue.
Stressing the 'ru' too heavily.
Vowel lengthening (making it 'iki-ruuu').
Using a hard 'k' that sounds like 'g'.
Confusing the pitch with 'iki' (breath), which has a high-low drop.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji 生 is very common but has many readings, which can be confusing.

Writing 2/5

The kanji is simple to write, but knowing when to use 生きる vs other 'living' verbs is key.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires care not to use it for 'residing'.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible in drama and daily talk.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

行く (iku) いる (iru) 死ぬ (shinu) 人 (hito) 私 (watashi)

Learn Next

住む (sumu) 暮らす (kurasu) 生活 (seikatsu) 命 (inochi) 体 (karada)

Advanced

生存 (seizon) 生涯 (shougai) 寿命 (jumyou) 輪廻 (rinne) 実存 (jitsuzon)

Grammar to Know

Ichidan Verb Conjugation

生きる -> 生きます, 生きない, 生きて

Nominalization with Koto/No

生きることは難しい。

Tame ni (Purpose)

家族のために生きる。

Potential Form (~reru)

100歳まで生きられる。

Continuous State (~te iru)

彼はまだ生きている。

Examples by Level

この花は生きています。

This flower is alive.

Uses the te-iru form to show a state.

元気に生きたいです。

I want to live healthily.

Tai-form for desire.

魚が生きていますか。

Is the fish alive?

Question form of te-iru.

100歳まで生きたい。

I want to live until 100.

Made particle for 'until'.

虫が生きています。

The insect is alive.

Basic subject-verb.

彼は生きています。

He is alive.

Simple state.

生きることは大切です。

Living is important.

Nominalizing the verb with 'koto'.

一生懸命生きる。

Live with all one's might.

Adverbial phrase before verb.

彼は100歳まで生きました。

He lived to be 100 years old.

Past tense of ikiru.

自由に生きたいと思っています。

I am thinking that I want to live freely.

Tai-form + omotte iru.

犬はまだ生きていますか。

Is the dog still alive?

Mada (still) with te-iru.

都会で生きるのは大変です。

Living in the city is hard.

Nominalizing with 'no'.

家族のために生きます。

I live for my family.

Tame ni (for the sake of).

強く生きてください。

Please live strongly.

Te-kudasai (request).

彼は夢の中で生きている。

He is living in a dream.

Metaphorical use of place.

明日も生きていたい。

I want to be alive tomorrow too.

Tai-form with time adverb.

この経験は将来の仕事に生きるでしょう。

This experience will be useful for future work.

Ikiru meaning 'to be put to use'.

彼女は自分の信じる道を生きている。

She is living the path she believes in.

Direct object 'michi wo' with ikiru.

震災を生き延びた人々。

People who survived the earthquake.

Compound verb ikinobiru.

彼は音楽なしでは生きられない。

He cannot live without music.

Potential negative form.

どう生きるべきか悩んでいます。

I am worried about how I should live.

Beki (should) form.

過去を生きるのではなく、今を生きよう。

Don't live in the past, let's live in the now.

Volitional form 'ikiyou'.

その言葉が私の心に生き続けている。

Those words continue to live in my heart.

Compound verb ikitsuzukeru.

彼は社会のために生きることを選んだ。

He chose to live for society.

Erabu (to choose) with nominalized verb.

素材の持ち味を生きる料理を作る。

Make dishes where the natural flavors of the ingredients come alive.

Ikiru used for 'effectiveness/utility'.

人間らしく生きる権利がある。

There is a right to live like a human being.

Noun modification 'ikiru kenri'.

死ぬか生きるかの瀬戸際だった。

It was a life-or-death situation.

Setogiwa (brink/critical moment).

彼は自分のアイデンティティを求めて生きている。

He lives in search of his identity.

Motomete (seeking) + ikite iru.

都会の喧騒の中で生きるのは容易ではない。

Living amidst the hustle and bustle of the city is not easy.

Formal 'youi de wa nai'.

生きた心地がしなかった。

I felt more dead than alive (due to fear/stress).

Common idiom.

彼の精神は今も私たちの作品の中に生きている。

His spirit still lives within our works today.

Metaphorical existence.

与えられた命を精一杯生きる。

Live the life you were given to the fullest.

Passive participle 'ataerareta'.

漱石の小説には、近代に生きる知識人の苦悩が描かれている。

Soseki's novels depict the suffering of intellectuals living in the modern era.

Relative clause 'kindai ni ikiru'.

伝統を現代にどう生きるかが問われている。

The question is how to make traditions live in the modern day.

Embedded question with 'ka'.

彼は波乱万丈の人生を生き抜いた。

He lived through a life full of ups and downs.

Yojijukugo 'haran banjou'.

虚構の世界に生きる人々の孤独。

The loneliness of people living in a world of fiction.

Abstract noun 'kyokou'.

細胞一つ一つが生きようとする力。

The power of every single cell trying to live.

Volitional + to suru (attempting to).

彼は死してなお、人々の心の中に生きている。

Even in death, he lives on in people's hearts.

Literary 'shishite nao'.

この法律はもはや死文化しており、生きていない。

This law has become a dead letter and is no longer active.

Ikiru used for legal validity.

自己犠牲の上に生きる喜びを見出す。

Find the joy of living through self-sacrifice.

Miidasu (to find).

存在することと生きることは、必ずしも同義ではない。

To exist and to live are not necessarily synonymous.

Philosophical 'dougi'.

彼は刹那を生きるデカダンスな生活を送った。

He led a decadent life, living for the moment.

Setsuna (the moment) + decadence.

万物流転の中で、我々はどう生きるべきか。

In the flux of all things, how should we live?

Yojijukugo 'banbutsu ruten'.

主体的、かつ創造的に生きる姿勢。

An attitude of living independently and creatively.

Adverbial conjunction 'katsu'.

生命の根源的な生きる意欲を考察する。

Consider the fundamental will to live of life itself.

Academic 'kousatsu'.

彼は歴史の証人として生きる運命にある。

He is destined to live as a witness to history.

Unmei ni aru (to be destined).

言語は、話者の口を通してのみ生きるものである。

Language lives only through the mouths of its speakers.

Nomi (only) + mono da.

無常観を抱きつつも、現在を懸命に生きる。

Living the present earnestly while embracing a sense of impermanence.

Tsutsu mo (while/despite).

Common Collocations

100歳まで生きる

夢のために生きる

都会で生きる

経験が生きる

強く生きる

生きる意味

生きる力

細々と生きる

生きる望み

共に生きる

Common Phrases

生きてる？

— Informal check-in. 'Are you alive?' or 'Are you okay?'

おーい、生きてる？返事して。

生きててよかった

— Expression of extreme gratitude or relief. 'I'm glad to be alive.'

この景色を見られて、生きててよかった。

生きるか死ぬか

— A life-or-death situation.

生きるか死ぬかの大問題だ。

生きる道

— One's path in life or a way to survive.

これが私の生きる道です。

生きる喜び

— The joy of living.

生きる喜びを分かち合う。

生きる術

— Means of survival; life skills.

厳しい社会で生きる術を学ぶ。

生きる糧

— Food for life; what keeps one going (metaphorically).

音楽が私の生きる糧だ。

生きる証

— Proof of one's existence.

何かに生きる証を残したい。

生きているうちに

— While one is still alive.

生きているうちに親孝行したい。

生きていけない

— Cannot live (often used emotionally with 'without someone/something').

君なしでは生きていけない。

Often Confused With

いきる vs 住む (sumu)

Sumu is for addresses/residency; Ikiru is for existence.

いきる vs 暮らす (kurasu)

Kurasu is for daily routine/lifestyle; Ikiru is for the state of being alive.

いきる vs 行く (iku)

They sound similar (iku vs ikiru), but iku means 'to go'.

Idioms & Expressions

"生きた心地がしない"

— To feel more dead than alive; to be scared out of one's wits.

地震の時は生きた心地がしなかった。

Common

"網の目を潜り抜けて生きる"

— To survive by finding loopholes or escaping detection.

彼は網の目を潜り抜けて生きてきた。

Literary

"今日を生きる"

— To live for today; to focus on the present.

先のことは考えず、今日を生きる。

Poetic

"死に体で生きる"

— To live while being effectively finished or powerless.

政権は死に体で生き延びている。

Political

"水を得た魚のように生きる"

— To live vibrantly, like a fish in water (in one's element).

彼は新しい職場で水を得た魚のように生きている。

Common

"太く短く生きる"

— To live a short but spectacular/intense life.

細く長くより、太く短く生きたい。

Proverbial

"細く長く生きる"

— To live a long, modest, and stable life.

無茶をせず細く長く生きるのが一番だ。

Proverbial

"生きた金を使う"

— To spend money wisely/effectively.

ただ貯めるより、生きた金を使いたい。

Finance

"生き馬の目を抜く"

— To be extremely shrewd or cutthroat (as in a competitive city).

ここは生き馬の目を抜くような都会だ。

Common

"生き恥をさらす"

— To live in public disgrace/shame.

生き恥をさらすくらいなら死んだほうがましだ。

Dramatic

Easily Confused

いきる vs 生かす (ikasu)

Sounds like a conjugation of ikiru.

Ikasu is transitive (to let live/make use of); Ikiru is intransitive (to live).

才能を生かす (Make use of talent).

いきる vs 生きる (ikiru) vs 生まれる (umareru)

Both share the kanji 生.

Ikiru is to live; Umareru is to be born.

日本で生まれた (Born in Japan).

いきる vs 息 (iki)

Homophones in some contexts.

Iki is the noun 'breath'; Ikiru is the verb 'to live'.

息をする (To breathe).

いきる vs 活きる (ikiru)

Same pronunciation, different kanji.

活きる is specifically for being 'useful' or 'active' (like a skill), though 生きる is often used for both.

経験が活きる (Experience is put to use).

いきる vs 生き生き (iki-iki)

Derived from the same root.

This is an adverb/adjective meaning 'lively' or 'vividly'.

生き生きと話す (Speak livelily).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] は生きています。

この虫は生きています。

[Time] まで生きたいです。

100歳まで生きたいです。

[Purpose] のために生きる。

夢のために生きる。

[Experience] を [Context] に生かす。

経験を仕事に生かす。

[Manner] に生きる。

自分らしく生きる。

[Noun] を生き抜く。

戦乱の時代を生き抜く。

[Philosophy] として生きる。

表現者として生きる。

[Condition] つつ生きる。

苦悩しつつ生きる。

Word Family

Nouns

生きがい (ikigai - reason for living)

生き方 (ikikata - way of life)

生き物 (ikimono - living thing)

生 (sei - life/birth)

Verbs

生き返る (ikikaeru - to be resuscitated)

生き残る (ikinokoru - to survive)

生かす (ikasu - to let live/make use of)

生き延びる (ikinobiru - to outlive/survive)

Adjectives

生き生きとした (iki-iki to shita - lively/vivid)

生々しい (namanamashii - fresh/graphic)

生命 (seimei - life force)

人生 (jinsei - human life)

生存 (seizon - survival)

一生 (isshou - a lifetime)

誕生日 (tanjoubi - birthday)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in both spoken and written Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ikiru' for residence. → 住む (sumu)
English uses 'live' for both existence and address. Japanese separates them strictly.
Confusing 'ikiru' with 'iku' (to go). → 生きる vs 行く
The 'ri' in 'ikiru' is essential. 'Iku' is to go; 'ikiru' is to live.
Using 'ikiru' for machines working. → 動く (ugoku) / 動いている
'Ikiru' is for biological life. Machines 'move' or 'operate'.
Misconjugating as a Godan verb. → 生きる -> 生きます (not ikiru -> ikimasu... wait, it is ikimasu, but the stem is 'iki').
Actually, it's an Ichidan verb. The stem is 'iki-'. So 'ikimasu', 'ikite', 'ikinai'. Don't treat it like 'iku'.
Confusing 'ikiru' with 'ikasu'. → 生かす (to make use of)
'Ikiru' is intransitive; 'ikasu' is transitive. You 'ikasu' your skills.

Tips

Conjugation Mastery

Since it's an Ichidan verb, just drop 'ru'. Ikiru -> Ikimasu. It's one of the easiest patterns to remember.

Address Alert

Never use 'ikiru' to tell someone where you live. It's a common beginner mistake that sounds very dramatic.

Metaphorical Use

Try using 'ikiru' for skills or colors. 'Aoi iro ga ikite iru' (The blue color really stands out/lives).

Ikigai Connection

Remember 'ikigai' to help you remember 'ikiru'. Both are about the value and purpose of life.

Compound Verbs

Learn 'ikinokoru' (survive) and 'ikikaeru' (revive) together with 'ikiru' to expand your range.

Emotional Expression

Use 'ikite te yokatta' when you are genuinely moved by something beautiful or a lucky escape.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ikiru' on the news, it's usually about survival rates or life expectancy.

Kanji Variations

While '生' is standard, you might see '活' in contexts of 'being active'. Stick to '生' for 'to live'.

Antonym Practice

Pair 'ikiru' (live) with 'shinu' (die) in your flashcards to reinforce the biological meaning.

The 'I-Key'

Imagine life is a locked door and 'Iki' is the key you need to open it and 'ru' is the room inside.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'I-KEY' (iki) that opens the 'ROOM' (ru) of life. Without the key, you aren't living!

Visual Association

Imagine a seedling (the shape of the kanji 生) breaking through the ground to live.

Word Web

Life Survival Purpose Vitality Existence Breath Growth Action

Challenge

Try to use 'ikiru' in a sentence about your favorite hobby, explaining why it makes you feel alive.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'iku' (to go/live), which eventually split into modern 'iku' (to go) and 'ikiru' (to live). The 'iru' suffix was added to denote the state of being.

Original meaning: To breathe, to move, to be in a state of activity.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'ikiru' regarding terminal illness; 'ikite hoshii' (I want you to live) is very emotional and should be used with care.

English speakers often use 'live' for residency, but Japanese people use 'sumu'. This is a major cultural/linguistic hurdle.

Akira Kurosawa's film 'Ikiru' (1952) The song 'Ikiru' by various J-pop artists Natsume Soseki's 'Kokoro' which explores the struggle to live.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Longevity

長生きする (live long)
健康に生きる (live healthily)
100歳まで生きる (live to 100)
元気に生きる (live vigorously)

Philosophy and Goals

生きる意味 (meaning of life)
何のために生きるか (what one lives for)
自分らしく生きる (live as oneself)
夢を求めて生きる (live seeking dreams)

Disasters and Survival

生き残る (survive)
生き延びる (outlive/survive)
奇跡的に生きる (miraculously live)
命が助かる (life is saved)

Nature and Biology

野生で生きる (live in the wild)
厳しい環境で生きる (live in harsh environments)
生き物の不思議 (wonders of living things)
植物が生きる (plants live)

Daily Metaphors

経験を生きる (use experience)
趣味に生きる (live for a hobby)
今を生きる (live for now)
仕事に生きる (live for work)

Conversation Starters

"100歳まで生きたいですか？ (Do you want to live until 100?)"

"あなたにとって、生きる意味は何ですか？ (To you, what is the meaning of life?)"

"もし明日世界が終わるなら、どう生きますか？ (If the world ended tomorrow, how would you live?)"

"都会と田舎、どちらで生きたいですか？ (The city or the countryside, where do you want to live [survive/exist]?)"

"自分の経験を今の仕事にどう生かしていますか？ (How are you making your experience live in your current job?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、自分が『生きている』と感じた瞬間を書いてください。 (Write about a moment today when you felt 'alive'.)

将来、どのような生き方をしたいですか？ (What kind of way of life do you want to have in the future?)

『強く生きる』とはどういうことだと思いますか？ (What do you think it means to 'live strongly'?)

誰かのために生きることは幸せだと思いますか？ (Do you think living for someone else is happiness?)

あなたが大切にしている、生きるためのルールは何ですか？ (What is a rule for living that you hold dear?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'sumu' (住む) for your physical residence. 'Ikiru' refers to biological or philosophical existence.

'Ikiru' is about being alive or having a purpose. 'Kurasu' is about the daily logistics of living, like paying bills or your routine.

Yes, it is used for all living things including animals and plants.

It means the ball is 'in play' or the move is still valid/effective.

Use 'Nihon ni sumitai' (日本に住みたい). If you say 'Nihon de ikitai', it sounds like you want to spend your life's journey there.

'Ikigai' is a noun derived from the root of 'ikiru', meaning 'a reason for living' or 'something that makes life worth living'.

It is a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb because it ends in '-iru' and the vowel before '-ru' is 'i'.

Yes, in sentences like 'Kono keiken wa shigoto ni ikiru', it means the experience will be put to good use.

You can use 'ikinokoru' (生き残る) or 'seizon suru' (生存する).

Yes, 'ikita' is used to describe how someone lived their life, often in biographies or history.