平均寿命
平均寿命 em 30 segundos
- Means 'life expectancy' (Average + Lifespan).
- Frequently used in news and social statistics.
- Japan consistently ranks among the highest globally.
- Often contrasted with 'healthy life expectancy' (健康寿命).
The Japanese term 平均寿命 (Heikin Jumyō) is a foundational concept in both statistical analysis and everyday discussions regarding health, society, and the economy in Japan. To understand this word, we must break it down into its constituent kanji components. The first part, 平均 (Heikin), means 'average' or 'mean.' The second part, 寿命 (Jumyō), refers to 'lifespan' or 'the duration of life.' Combined, they literally translate to 'average lifespan,' which is known in English as 'life expectancy.'
- Statistical Context
- In demographic studies, this refers specifically to the average number of years a newborn is expected to live if mortality rates at each age remain constant. It is a primary indicator of a nation's health and development.
Japan is globally famous for its high life expectancy, often ranking at the top of international charts. Consequently, 平均寿命 is a word you will encounter frequently in Japanese media. It is not just a dry academic term; it is a point of national pride and also a source of social concern regarding the 'super-aging society' (超高齢社会 - chō-kōrei shakai). When the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare releases annual statistics, the 平均寿命 of Japanese men and women is reported as major news.
日本の女性の平均寿命は世界で最も長い部類に入ります。
(The life expectancy of Japanese women is among the longest in the world.)
Socially, the word is used when discussing public policy, pension systems, and healthcare improvements. If you are talking about why people live so long in Japan—mentioning the diet, the healthcare system, or the active lifestyle of the elderly—you will invariably use 平均寿命. It provides a benchmark for comparing different eras; for instance, discussing how much the life expectancy has increased since the Meiji era or the post-war period.
Furthermore, the term is often contrasted with 健康寿命 (kenkō jumyō), which means 'healthy life expectancy'—the period during which a person can live independently without requiring constant nursing care. In modern Japan, the goal of public health policy is not just to extend the 平均寿命, but to close the gap between it and the healthy life expectancy.
医療技術の進歩により、平均寿命は年々延びています。
(Due to advancements in medical technology, life expectancy is increasing year by year.)
- Cultural Nuance
- Japanese culture values longevity, often celebrating specific milestone birthdays like 'Kanreki' (60th). The rising '平均寿命' is seen as a testament to the success of the Japanese lifestyle and social infrastructure.
In summary, whether you are reading a newspaper, watching a documentary on longevity, or discussing social issues with Japanese friends, 平均寿命 is the essential term for describing how long, on average, people are living. It reflects the intersection of biology, society, and statistics.
Using 平均寿命 correctly involves understanding its role as a compound noun that usually functions as the subject or object of a sentence. Because it is a statistical measurement, it is frequently paired with verbs related to increase, decrease, or comparison.
- Common Verb Pairings
- The most common verbs used with this word are 延びる (nobiru - to extend/increase), 縮まる (chidimaru - to shorten/decrease), and 比較する (hikaku suru - to compare).
先進国の平均寿命は、発展途上国よりも高い傾向にあります。
(Life expectancy in developed countries tends to be higher than in developing countries.)
When talking about the 'average life expectancy of [Group X]', the particle の (no) is used: [Group X] の 平均寿命. For example, 'Men's life expectancy' is 男性の平均寿命. When specifying a certain age, you use the copula だ/です or the verb 達する (tassuru - to reach).
日本の男性の平均寿命は81歳を超えています。
(The life expectancy of Japanese men exceeds 81 years.)
In more academic or formal writing, you might see 平均寿命 used in complex noun phrases such as 平均寿命の推移 (suī - transition/trends in life expectancy) or 平均寿命の格差 (kakusa - disparity in life expectancy). These phrases are common in sociopolitical essays and news reports regarding the impact of wealth or location on health outcomes.
- Sentence Structure with 'Compared to'
- To compare life expectancies, use the pattern: Aの平均寿命はBと比べて[形容詞]. Example: 都市部の平均寿命は農村部と比べて高い (Life expectancy in urban areas is higher compared to rural areas).
食生活の改善が、国民の平均寿命を延ばす鍵となります。
(Improving dietary habits is the key to extending the nation's life expectancy.)
Finally, note that 平均寿命 is almost always treated as a singular concept in a sentence, even though it represents a collection of data. It represents the 'expected value' for an entire population, so it is often the grammatical subject of sentences discussing national trends.
You will hear 平均寿命 in several specific environments, primarily those that are informative or professional. Because Japan is deeply invested in health metrics, this word permeates various layers of public life.
- News and Media
- The most common place is the nightly news (like NHK's News 7). Every year, when the WHO or the Japanese government releases new data, news anchors will present charts showing the latest 平均寿命 rankings.
In educational settings, students learn about 平均寿命 in social studies (社会科 - shakaika) and health class (保健 - hoken). It is used to teach students about the demographic shift of Japan and the challenges of a society with many elderly people and few children (少子高齢化 - shōshikōreika).
ニュース番組で、日本の平均寿命が過去最高を更新したと報じられました。
(On the news program, it was reported that Japan's life expectancy has reached a record high.)
You will also hear it in medical and pharmaceutical contexts. Doctors and researchers use the term when discussing the effectiveness of new treatments or the impact of lifestyle diseases (生活習慣病 - seikatsu shūkanbyō) on the population's longevity. Pharmaceutical advertisements sometimes mention how their products contribute to a longer 平均寿命.
Financial planning and insurance are other areas where the word is prevalent. When meeting with a financial advisor or insurance agent to discuss retirement funds or life insurance, they will use 平均寿命 to calculate how many years of savings you might need after retirement. It is a critical data point for the '100-Year Life Era' (人生100年時代) discussions currently popular in Japan.
老後の資金計画を立てる際には、平均寿命を考慮に入れる必要があります。
(When making financial plans for old age, it is necessary to take life expectancy into account.)
- Documentaries and Talk Shows
- Television specials focusing on 'Blue Zones' (areas where people live exceptionally long) frequently use this term to compare different regions of Japan, such as Okinawa versus Nagano prefecture.
Finally, in political debates, you will hear candidates discuss how to maintain the quality of life as 平均寿命 continues to rise, specifically regarding the sustainability of the national pension system. It is a word that signals a shift from personal health to collective social responsibility.
While 平均寿命 seems straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in its application or confuse it with related terms. The most common mistake is confusing it with the simple word 寿命 (jumyō).
- Mistake 1: Confusing Average with Individual Lifespan
- Learners sometimes say 'My average life expectancy is 80 years.' This is logically incorrect. An individual has a 'lifespan' (寿命), but only a group has an 'average life expectancy' (平均寿命).
Another frequent error is the confusion between 平均寿命 and 平均余命 (heikin yomei). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 平均寿命 is specifically the life expectancy at birth. 平均余命 is the expected remaining years of life for someone who has already reached a certain age (e.g., 'What is the life expectancy for a 60-year-old?'). Using the wrong one in a statistical context can lead to inaccuracies.
❌ 私は平均寿命まで生きたいです。
(Correct: 私は寿命を全うしたいです or 平均寿命より長く生きたいです。)
A third mistake involves the kanji for 'average.' Some learners mistakenly use 平日 (heijitsu - weekday) or 平等 (byōdō - equality) because they share the '平' character. It is important to remember that 平均 specifically refers to a mathematical mean.
In terms of grammar, learners sometimes use the wrong particle when indicating the age. It should be 平均寿命は80歳だ (The life expectancy is 80 years) rather than using particles like を or に unless there is a specific verb requiring them (like 80歳に達する).
- Confusion with 'Healthy Life Expectancy'
- In modern discussions, people often care more about 健康寿命. If you are talking about how long people stay healthy and active, using 平均寿命 alone might be seen as ignoring the quality of those years.
❌ この電池の平均寿命は5年です。
(Correct: この電池の寿命は平均5年です。 '平均寿命' is usually for humans/animals.)
Finally, avoid using 平均寿命 to describe the duration of an event or a meeting. It is strictly for biological life spans. For durations, use 所要時間 (shoyō jikan) or 期間 (kikan).
To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are related to 平均寿命. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, one of these might be more appropriate.
- 寿命 (Jumyō)
- The general term for 'lifespan.' It can be used for people, animals, and even inanimate objects like machines or lightbulbs. It lacks the statistical 'average' component.
- 平均余命 (Heikin Yomei)
- 'Average life expectancy at a given age.' As mentioned before, this is the remaining years one is expected to live. It is more precise for older populations.
- 健康寿命 (Kenkō Jumyō)
- 'Healthy life expectancy.' This focuses on the years lived without significant disability. It is a very popular term in current Japanese health discourse.
単に長生きするだけでなく、健康寿命を延ばすことが重要です。
(It is important not just to live long, but to extend one's healthy life expectancy.)
For a more formal or biological tone, you might use 生存期間 (seizon kikan), which means 'survival period.' This is often used in medical research, such as the survival rate of patients after a specific surgery or treatment.
- Comparison Table
- 平均寿命: Statistical expectancy at birth (Demographics).
- 天寿 (Tenju): One's natural lifespan given by heaven (Poetic/Religious).
- 長寿 (Chōju): Longevity/Long life (Congratulatory).
If you want to talk about how long something lasts in a non-biological sense, use 耐用年数 (taiyō nensū), which refers to the 'service life' or 'useful life' of equipment or buildings. Using 平均寿命 for a house would sound very strange.
日本は長寿国として知られています。
(Japan is known as a country of longevity.)
In summary, while 平均寿命 is the standard for life expectancy, choosing the right synonym depends on whether you are being statistical, congratulatory, poetic, or technical.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
Before the 20th century, the '平均寿命' in Japan was around 40 years, largely due to high infant mortality. The jump to 80+ is one of the fastest in human history.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'kin' as 'kin' (English family) instead of 'keen' (Japanese 'ki').
- Shortening the long 'o' at the end of 'jumyō'.
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'heijitsu' (weekdays).
Nível de dificuldade
The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge. '均' and '寿' are the tricky ones.
Writing '寿命' correctly from memory can be difficult for B1 learners due to the complexity of '寿'.
The word is long but follows standard pronunciation rules. Easy to say once learned.
Very common in news broadcasts, so learners will hear it often.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Noun + の + Noun
日本の平均寿命 (Japan's life expectancy)
〜に伴い (Along with...)
平均寿命の延びに伴い、医療費が増大している。
〜と比較して (Compared to...)
他国と比較して、日本の平均寿命は長い。
〜とされる (Is said to be/is considered to be)
和食は平均寿命を延ばす要因とされる。
〜によって (Depending on...)
平均寿命は地域によって異なる。
Exemplos por nível
日本の平均寿命は長いです。
Japan's life expectancy is long.
Subject (日本の平均寿命) + は + Adjective (長いです).
平均寿命は何歳ですか?
What is the life expectancy?
Simple question using '何歳' (how many years old).
女性の平均寿命は長いです。
Women's life expectancy is long.
Possessive particle 'の' connecting '女性' and '平均寿命'.
私の国の平均寿命は80歳です。
My country's life expectancy is 80 years old.
Stating a fact using '〜は〜です'.
日本は平均寿命が世界一です。
Japan has the world's longest life expectancy.
Using '世界一' (world's best/first) to describe a rank.
昔の平均寿命は短かったです。
Life expectancy in the past was short.
Past tense of the adjective '短い' (short) -> '短かったです'.
平均寿命を知っていますか?
Do you know the life expectancy?
Object (平均寿命) + を + verb (知っていますか).
野菜を食べると平均寿命が延びますか?
Does eating vegetables extend life expectancy?
Conditional '〜と' followed by the verb '延びる' (to extend).
男性よりも女性のほうが平均寿命が長いです。
Women's life expectancy is longer than men's.
Comparison pattern: AよりもBのほうが〜.
医療が進歩して、平均寿命が延びました。
Medicine advanced, and life expectancy extended.
Using the 'te-form' (進歩して) to show cause and effect.
この国の平均寿命はだいたい82歳です。
The life expectancy of this country is about 82 years old.
Using 'だいたい' (about/roughly) for approximations.
平均寿命が延びると、お年寄りが増えます。
When life expectancy extends, the number of elderly people increases.
Conditional '〜と' expressing a natural consequence.
世界中で平均寿命が上がっています。
Life expectancy is rising all over the world.
Present progressive '〜ています' to show a current trend.
平均寿命は国によって違います。
Life expectancy differs depending on the country.
Pattern '〜によって' meaning 'depending on'.
健康な食事は平均寿命に関係があります。
A healthy diet is related to life expectancy.
Phrase '〜に関係がある' (to be related to).
将来、平均寿命は100歳になるかもしれません。
In the future, life expectancy might become 100 years old.
Using '〜かもしれません' to express possibility.
日本の平均寿命が延びた理由は、和食にあると言われています。
It is said that the reason Japan's life expectancy extended lies in Japanese food.
Passive form '〜と言われている' (it is said that).
平均寿命だけでなく、健康寿命を延ばすことが大切です。
It is important to extend not only life expectancy but also healthy life expectancy.
Pattern '〜だけでなく〜も' (not only... but also...).
厚生労働省が最新の平均寿命を発表しました。
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the latest life expectancy.
Formal subject '厚生労働省' (MHLW).
平均寿命の推移を見ると、右肩上がりに増えています。
Looking at the transition of life expectancy, it is increasing steadily.
Phrase '右肩上がりに' (steadily rising/growing).
経済の発展に伴い、多くの国で平均寿命が延びてきました。
Along with economic development, life expectancy has been extending in many countries.
Pattern '〜に伴い' (along with/accompanying).
平均寿命が延びることは喜ばしいが、老後の不安もあります。
While it's joyful that life expectancy is extending, there are also anxieties about old age.
Contrast marker '〜が' (but/while).
地域の医療体制が平均寿命に大きな影響を与えます。
The regional medical system has a huge impact on life expectancy.
Phrase '〜に影響を与える' (to have an effect/influence on).
平均寿命の男女差は、生物学的な要因もあると考えられています。
It is thought that the gender gap in life expectancy also has biological factors.
Passive '〜と考えられている' (it is thought that).
平均寿命が延びる一方で、少子化が進むという課題に直面しています。
While life expectancy extends, we are facing the challenge of a declining birthrate.
Pattern '〜一方で' (on the other hand/while).
この統計データは、平均寿命と所得水準の強い相関関係を示しています。
This statistical data shows a strong correlation between life expectancy and income levels.
Noun '相関関係' (correlation).
平均寿命の延びが、年金制度の持続可能性に疑問を投げかけています。
The extension of life expectancy is casting doubt on the sustainability of the pension system.
Idiom '疑問を投げかける' (to cast/raise doubt).
戦後の公衆衛生の改善が、平均寿命の飛躍的な向上をもたらしました。
Improvements in post-war public health brought about a dramatic increase in life expectancy.
Adjective '飛躍的な' (dramatic/rapid).
平均寿命の国際比較において、日本は常に上位に位置しています。
In international comparisons of life expectancy, Japan always ranks high.
Phrase '〜に位置している' (to be positioned/ranked in).
都市部と地方における平均寿命の格差が、新たな社会問題となっています。
The disparity in life expectancy between urban and rural areas is becoming a new social problem.
Noun '格差' (gap/disparity).
乳児死亡率の低下が、全体の平均寿命を大きく押し上げました。
The decline in infant mortality significantly pushed up the overall life expectancy.
Verb '押し上げる' (to push up/boost).
平均寿命が80歳を超える社会では、生涯学習の重要性が高まります。
In a society where life expectancy exceeds 80, the importance of lifelong learning increases.
Noun '生涯学習' (lifelong learning).
平均寿命の伸長は人類の勝利であるが、同時に多死社会への移行も意味する。
The extension of life expectancy is a victory for humanity, but it also means a transition to a high-death society.
Formal noun '伸長' (extension/growth) and '多死社会' (society with many deaths).
平均寿命という指標だけでは、国民の真の幸福度を測ることはできない。
One cannot measure the true happiness of a nation using only the indicator of life expectancy.
Noun '指標' (indicator/index).
平均寿命の限界説については、科学者の間でも意見が分かれている。
Opinions are divided among scientists regarding the theory of the limits of life expectancy.
Phrase '意見が分かれている' (opinions are divided).
各国の平均寿命を分析することで、その国の社会保障制度の充実度が露呈する。
By analyzing the life expectancy of various countries, the adequacy of their social security systems is revealed.
Verb '露呈する' (to be exposed/revealed).
平均寿命が延びることによる労働力の高齢化は、経済成長の足かせになりかねない。
The aging of the workforce due to extended life expectancy could potentially hinder economic growth.
Grammar '〜かねない' (could possibly/might lead to a bad result).
ゲノム解析技術の発展が、将来的に平均寿命をさらに押し上げる可能性を秘めている。
The development of genome analysis technology holds the potential to further push up life expectancy in the future.
Phrase '可能性を秘めている' (to hold/hide potential).
平均寿命の男女差を縮めるためには、男性の生活習慣の改善が不可欠だ。
In order to narrow the gender gap in life expectancy, improving men's lifestyle habits is indispensable.
Adjective '不可欠' (indispensable/essential).
平均寿命の向上は、単なる数値の変化ではなく、社会構造そのものの変容を迫っている。
The improvement in life expectancy is not just a change in numbers; it is forcing a transformation of the social structure itself.
Verb '変容を迫る' (to force/demand transformation).
平均寿命の漸進的な延びは、近代化がもたらした最大の恩恵の一つと言えよう。
The gradual extension of life expectancy could be called one of the greatest benefits brought by modernization.
Auxiliary '〜と言えよう' (could be said/one might say).
平均寿命のパラドックスとは、生存期間が延びるほど、晩年の罹患期間も延びる現象を指す。
The paradox of life expectancy refers to the phenomenon where the longer the survival period, the longer the period of illness in later years.
Noun '罹患期間' (period of morbidity/illness).
平均寿命の統計的推計には、乳児死亡率や不慮の事故など、多岐にわたる変数が関与する。
Statistical estimations of life expectancy involve a wide range of variables, such as infant mortality and accidental deaths.
Phrase '多岐にわたる' (wide-ranging/diverse).
平均寿命が極限に達したとき、人類は死生観の根本的な再構築を余儀なくされるだろう。
When life expectancy reaches its limit, humanity will be forced to fundamentally reconstruct its view of life and death.
Pattern '〜を余儀なくされる' (to be forced to do).
歴史を紐解けば、抗生物質の発見が平均寿命の軌跡を劇的に変えたことがわかる。
If we unroll history, we can see that the discovery of antibiotics dramatically changed the trajectory of life expectancy.
Phrase '歴史を紐解く' (to unroll/examine history).
平均寿命というマクロな視点と、個人のQOLというミクロな視点の止揚が求められている。
A sublation of the macro perspective of life expectancy and the micro perspective of individual QOL is required.
Philosophical term '止揚' (Aufheben/sublation).
平均寿命の地域的偏在は、社会経済的要因が個人の生物学的限界を規定している証左である。
The regional maldistribution of life expectancy is evidence that socioeconomic factors define individual biological limits.
Noun '証左' (evidence/proof).
平均寿命の飽和状態を見据え、我々は「量」から「質」へのパラダイムシフトを遂げるべきだ。
Looking ahead to the saturation of life expectancy, we should achieve a paradigm shift from 'quantity' to 'quality'.
Verb '見据える' (to look ahead/stare at) and '遂げる' (to achieve/accomplish).
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— A super-aging society, caused by high life expectancy.
平均寿命の伸長により、日本は超高齢社会となった。
— To extend the period of living in good health.
平均寿命だけでなく、健康寿命を延ばそう。
— A reversal in life expectancy trends.
ある国で平均寿命の逆転現象が起きた。
— The 'wall' or limit of average life expectancy.
平均寿命の壁を突破するのは難しい。
— A stagnation in the growth of life expectancy.
最近、平均寿命の伸び悩みが指摘されている。
— The gap in life expectancy between groups.
経済状況による平均寿命の格差が懸念される。
— The world's longest life expectancy.
日本は世界一の平均寿命を誇る。
— The prediction of future life expectancy.
2050年の平均寿命の予測が発表された。
— A decline in life expectancy.
感染症の流行により平均寿命の低下が見られた。
Frequentemente confundido com
Jumyō is the general lifespan. Heikin Jumyō is specifically the statistical average.
Heikin Yomei is the remaining years at a specific age. Heikin Jumyō is life expectancy from birth.
Kenkō Jumyō is how long you live while being healthy. Heikin Jumyō includes years of being ill.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To live out one's natural lifespan and die of old age.
祖父は100歳で天寿を全うした。
Formal/Literary— To prolong one's life (often through medical means).
手術のおかげで命を長らえることができた。
Neutral— To shorten one's life (due to bad habits).
そんなに無理をすると命を縮めるよ。
Informal— Cranes live for 1000 years, turtles for 10,000 (symbol of longevity).
長寿を願って「鶴は千年、亀は万年」と言う。
Idiomatic/Traditional— To live a long, modest, and quiet life.
太く短くより、細く長く生きたい。
Idiomatic— To live a short but intense and exciting life.
彼は太く短く生きるタイプだ。
Idiomatic— To feel like one's life is being shortened (by fear or shock).
あんなに驚かされたら寿命が縮まるよ。
Informal— Perpetual youth and longevity.
不老長寿の薬を求めて旅をする。
Literary/Mythological— Being healthier because one has a minor illness to be careful of.
一病息災で、彼は平均寿命より長生きした。
Idiomatic— Life is the most important thing; without life, nothing is possible.
無理は禁物だ。命あっての物種だからね。
IdiomaticFácil de confundir
Both deal with living.
Seizon-ritsu is the 'survival rate' (percentage), whereas Heikin Jumyō is the 'average lifespan' (years).
ガンの5年生存率は高いが、平均寿命には届かない。
Both relate to age milestones.
Teinen is the 'retirement age,' which is a legal/work limit, not a biological one.
定年が65歳でも、平均寿命は80歳だ。
Shares the kanji '平'.
Heijitsu means 'weekday.' It has nothing to do with averages or life.
平日に病院へ行く。
Shares the kanji '平'.
Byōdō means 'equality.' While related to social issues, it is not a statistical mean.
男女平等の社会を目指す。
Shares the kanji '命'.
Inochi is the general word for 'life' or 'soul.' Jumyō is the 'length' of that life.
命を大切にする。
Padrões de frases
〜の平均寿命は〜歳です。
アメリカの平均寿命は76歳です。
〜のおかげで、平均寿命が延びました。
医療の進歩のおかげで、平均寿命が延びました。
平均寿命だけでなく、〜も大切だ。
平均寿命だけでなく、健康寿命も大切だ。
平均寿命が延びる一方で、〜という問題がある。
平均寿命が延びる一方で、介護不足という問題がある。
〜が平均寿命を押し上げている。
健康的な食生活が平均寿命を押し上げている。
平均寿命の伸長に伴い、〜を余儀なくされる。
平均寿命の伸長に伴い、社会保障の再考を余儀なくされる。
〜が平均寿命に寄与している。
高い衛生水準が平均寿命に寄与している。
平均寿命の推移を鑑みると、〜。
平均寿命の推移を鑑みると、定年延長は妥当だ。
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
High in news and health discussions; medium in casual chat.
-
Using '平均寿命' for a single person.
→
寿命 (Jumyō) or 長生き (Nagayaki).
You cannot have an 'average' for one person. Use '寿命' to talk about an individual's lifespan.
-
Confusing '平均' with '平日'.
→
平均 (Heikin).
Heijitsu means weekday. Make sure to use Heikin for average.
-
Saying '平均寿命を長くする'.
→
平均寿命を延ばす (Nobasu).
While 'nagaku suru' is understandable, the standard collocation for life expectancy is 'nobasu' (to extend).
-
Using '平均寿命' for machine life.
→
寿命 (Jumyō) or 耐用年数 (Taiyō nensū).
Heikin Jumyō is almost exclusively for populations of living things. For products, use '寿命'.
-
Writing '寿命' with the wrong 'jo' kanji.
→
寿命 (Jumyō).
Learners sometimes confuse '寿' with other similar-looking kanji. Practice the strokes for '寿'.
Dicas
Particles with Numbers
When stating the age, use 'は' or 'が' for the subject and 'だ/です' for the number. Example: 平均寿命は80歳です。
Gender Difference
Always remember that in Japan, women's '平均寿命' is significantly higher than men's. This is a common topic in social debates.
Writing '寿'
The kanji for '寿' is also used in '寿司' (sushi). Associating it with healthy food might help you remember it!
Healthy Life Expectancy
Learning '健康寿命' (kenkō jumyō) alongside '平均寿命' will make you sound much more like a native speaker in health discussions.
News Keywords
Listen for '過去最高' (kako saikō - record high) in news segments about '平均寿命'. Japan breaks its own record almost every year.
Comparison Phrases
Use '〜に次いで' (tsuide - following/next to) when talking about rankings. 'Japan is next to [Country] in life expectancy.'
Aging Society
Connect '平均寿命' with '少子高齢化' to discuss the most pressing social issue in modern Japan.
Statistical Charts
When looking at Japanese graphs, '平均寿命' is often abbreviated as '寿命' in the legend if space is tight.
Formal Verbs
Use '推移する' (suī suru) to describe how the average life expectancy changes over a long period of time.
100-Year Life
The term '人生100年時代' is now so common that people often discuss '平均寿命' reaching 100 in the near future.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Heikin' as 'Hikin' (hiking) on an 'Average' trail, and 'Jumyō' as 'Junior's Life' (Jumyō) being long. The average hike of life.
Associação visual
Imagine a line graph (Heikin) that turns into a heartbeat monitor (Jumyō).
Word Web
Desafio
Try to find the '平均寿命' for your own country in Japanese and write a sentence comparing it to Japan's.
Origem da palavra
The word is a modern Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. '平均' (Heikin) comes from classical Chinese meaning 'balanced' or 'level.' '寿命' (Jumyō) also has roots in classical Chinese, where '寿' (ju) means long life and '命' (myō) means life or decree.
Significado original: The average duration of life decreed by nature/heaven.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Contexto cultural
When discussing '平均寿命,' be sensitive to the fact that it is a statistical average and doesn't account for individual tragedies or health disparities.
In English, we often say 'Life Expectancy.' In Japan, '平均寿命' is slightly more common in daily news than 'life expectancy' is in Western news.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
News Report
- 平均寿命が過去最高を更新
- 男女別の平均寿命
- 厚生労働省の発表によると
- 世界ランキングで1位
Medical Discussion
- 平均寿命の延びと医療技術
- 生活習慣病の影響
- 健康寿命との乖離
- 予防医学の重要性
Financial Planning
- 平均寿命まで生きると仮定して
- 老後の資金不足
- 年金受給開始年齢
- 100歳までのライフプラン
School Textbook
- 日本の人口ピラミッド
- 明治時代の平均寿命
- 公衆衛生の改善
- 長寿国の理由
Social Issues Debate
- 平均寿命の格差問題
- 孤独死の増加
- 介護負担の増大
- 定年延長の議論
Iniciadores de conversa
"日本の平均寿命がこれほど長い理由は何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the reason Japan's life expectancy is so long?)"
"あなたの国の平均寿命はどのくらいですか? (About how much is the life expectancy in your country?)"
"平均寿命が100歳になったら、社会はどう変わると思いますか? (If life expectancy becomes 100, how do you think society will change?)"
"健康寿命と平均寿命の差を縮めるには何が必要でしょうか? (What is needed to narrow the gap between healthy life expectancy and life expectancy?)"
"平均寿命が延びることは、個人にとって幸せなことでしょうか? (Is it a happy thing for individuals that life expectancy is extending?)"
Temas para diário
平均寿命が延び続ける社会で、自分はどのような老後を過ごしたいか書きなさい。 (Write about what kind of old age you want to spend in a society where life expectancy continues to extend.)
平均寿命の長さと、生活の質(QOL)の関係についてあなたの考えを述べなさい。 (State your thoughts on the relationship between the length of life expectancy and quality of life.)
もし平均寿命が150歳になったら、人々のキャリアや教育はどう変わるべきか。 (If life expectancy became 150, how should people's careers and education change?)
自分の国の平均寿命を調べ、その背景にある社会的要因を分析しなさい。 (Research your country's life expectancy and analyze the social factors behind it.)
「太く短く」生きることと「平均寿命より長く」生きること、どちらが理想的か。 (Which is ideal: living 'thick and short' or living 'longer than the average life expectancy'?)
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, you can use it for animals. For example, '犬の平均寿命' (average life expectancy of dogs). It is used to discuss how different breeds live longer on average.
It is attributed to a combination of factors: a healthy diet (fish, vegetables, fermented foods), a universal healthcare system, high hygiene standards, and a culture that encourages staying active in old age.
If you say 'My battery's 寿命 is low,' it's correct. If you say 'My battery's 平均寿命 is low,' it sounds like you are talking about all batteries of that type statistically. '平均' adds the 'average' layer.
Yes, it is primarily a formal or technical term. In very casual speech, people might just say '寿命' or talk about '長生き' (living long).
No, for the 'lifespan' of a nation or empire, words like '存続期間' (period of existence) are better.
It means the average life expectancy is increasing/extending. This is the most common phrase used in news reports.
You say '平均寿命が短い' (heikin jumyō ga mijikai).
Yes, statistically, the average is heavily influenced by infant mortality rates, which is why historical '平均寿命' was so low.
It is written as 平均寿命. 平 (Even/Level) + 均 (Equal) + 寿 (Longevity) + 命 (Life).
In romaji, it is often written as 'jumyo' or 'jumyō'. The 'o' sound is long (おう).
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Translate to Japanese: 'The average life expectancy in Japan is very long.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '平均寿命' and '延びる'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Women's life expectancy is longer than men's.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the meaning of '健康寿命' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Life expectancy varies by country.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why Japanese people live long.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'We should consider life expectancy for our retirement plan.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The news reported that life expectancy reached a record high.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '平均寿命' in a sentence about a super-aging society.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'There is a gap in life expectancy between urban and rural areas.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'What is the average life expectancy of a dog?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about the '100-year life era'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The decrease in infant mortality pushed up the average life expectancy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence comparing your country's life expectancy to Japan's.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'It is important to extend healthy life expectancy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '平均寿命' and '要因' (factor) in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The gap in life expectancy between men and women is widening.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the future of life expectancy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Life expectancy is a key indicator of a country's health.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He lived longer than the average life expectancy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss: Why do you think Japan has a high life expectancy?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: What are the pros and cons of a long life expectancy?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: How would you spend your time if you lived to 100?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: Compare life expectancy in your country and Japan.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: What can people do to extend their own 'jumyō'?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: Is 'Heikin Jumyō' a good measure of a country's happiness?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: How does 'Heikin Jumyō' affect the economy?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: Should the retirement age be raised as life expectancy increases?
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: The difference between 'Heikin Jumyō' and 'Kenkō Jumyō'.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss: Factors that could decrease life expectancy in the future.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Japan's life expectancy is the longest in the world.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'I want to live a long and healthy life.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'The average life expectancy is 80 years.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Life expectancy is increasing every year.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'There is a gap between men and women.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'We need to think about the pension system.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Diet affects life expectancy.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Medical technology is advancing.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Japan is a country of longevity.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Let's extend our healthy life expectancy.'
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to the word: 'Heikin Jumyō'. What does it mean?
Listen to the sentence: '日本の平均寿命は84歳です。' What was the age mentioned?
Listen to the news snippet: '女性の平均寿命が過去最高を更新しました。' Who set a new record?
Listen: '平均寿命と健康寿命の差は約10年です。' What is the gap?
Listen: '厚生労働省が統計を発表しました。' Which ministry was mentioned?
Listen: '平均寿命の延びが鈍化しています。' Is it growing fast or slowing down?
Listen: '男性の平均寿命は81.47歳です。' What is the exact number?
Listen: '長寿の秘訣は和食にあります。' What is the secret to longevity?
Listen: '少子高齢化が進んでいます。' What two social trends are mentioned?
Listen: '平均寿命の国際比較を行います。' What kind of comparison is being done?
Listen: '昔は平均寿命が40歳でした。' What was the historical age?
Listen: '平均寿命が延びることは良いことです。' Is the speaker positive or negative?
Listen: '健康寿命を延ばす努力が必要です。' What is needed?
Listen: '老後の資金が心配です。' What is the person worried about?
Listen: '平均寿命はあくまで平均です。' What does the speaker emphasize?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
平均寿命 (Heikin Jumyō) is the standard Japanese term for 'life expectancy.' It is a compound noun used in formal and semi-formal contexts to discuss health, demographics, and social issues. Example: 日本の女性の平均寿命は87歳を超えています (The life expectancy of Japanese women exceeds 87 years).
- Means 'life expectancy' (Average + Lifespan).
- Frequently used in news and social statistics.
- Japan consistently ranks among the highest globally.
- Often contrasted with 'healthy life expectancy' (健康寿命).
Particles with Numbers
When stating the age, use 'は' or 'が' for the subject and 'だ/です' for the number. Example: 平均寿命は80歳です。
Gender Difference
Always remember that in Japan, women's '平均寿命' is significantly higher than men's. This is a common topic in social debates.
Writing '寿'
The kanji for '寿' is also used in '寿司' (sushi). Associating it with healthy food might help you remember it!
Healthy Life Expectancy
Learning '健康寿命' (kenkō jumyō) alongside '平均寿命' will make you sound much more like a native speaker in health discussions.
Exemplo
日本は世界で最も平均寿命が長い国の一つだ。
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de health
しばらく
B1Por um tempo, por algum tempo.
異変がある
B1Há uma mudança incomum ou anormalidade. Algo está errado. (Há uma anormalidade.)
異常な
B1Anormal; incomum. Descreve algo que se desvia da norma de forma preocupante.
擦り傷
B1Um arranhão ou esfoliação na pele. Geralmente causado por fricção contra uma superfície áspera após uma queda.
吸収する
B1A esponja absorve a água.
禁酒
B1Abstinência de álcool. 'Ele está em kinshu para melhorar o desempenho nos treinos.'
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1A acupuntura e a moxabustão são técnicas fundamentais da medicina oriental.
急性的
B1Significa 'agudo'. Usado para descrever uma doença ou crise que surge de repente e de forma intensa.
急性な
B1Acute