The Japanese language is unique and thanks to its ideograms, it is capable of expressing words with abundant meanings and its own concept. In this article, we will share 7 Japanese words that can guide your life for the better.
The Japanese are familiar with the concept of their words, their origin, meaning, and idea thanks to the ideograms that facilitate this process. Unfortunately, we Brazilians often do not know the origin of the words in our language.
Everything in the Japanese language has an interesting meaning and origin that can be discussed. We may go our whole lives without knowing the essence of all words, but we can know the important words that can guide and change our lives.
Table of Contents
1. Ikigai [生き甲斐] – Life Purpose
If we are talking about words that can guide our lives, it is clear that we must start with a purpose, goal, or motivation to live. Ikigai literally means life purpose and is a very important word for the Japanese.
It is written with the ideograms [生き] which means to live and [甲斐] which means value, effect, result, or outcome. Ikigai is such a powerful word that involves an entire art, philosophy, concept, and secret behind the word.
There are people who dedicate their entire lives to the study of Ikigai and help others discover their life purpose.
Also read: Ikigai – Meaning, purpose, and reason for living of the Japanese
2. Yoisho [よいしょ] – Effort
The word Yoisho is somewhat unknown; it is not usually taught in school or in Japanese courses. Despite this, it is a widely known and used word among the Japanese. Yoisho is a shout of encouragement for oneself or for others.
A little-written word, but very spoken during some action to express effort or relieve tension. For example, a group of people who are about to lift something heavy. Or it can be said alone when we are tense to give a certain strength.
The most amazing thing is how this word is often spoken but rarely written, thus showing its omnipresence. This word accompanies the Japanese throughout their lives, in their daily struggles. It may not seem important, but it is a word capable of moving mountains.
The word yoisho is considered a kakegoe [掛け声], a word that means battle cry or encouragement used in events such as taiko, bon odori, kabuki, undokai, and others. Yoisho goes far beyond that and is part of the daily life of the Japanese.
3. Shouganai [仕様がない] – Accepting the Inevitable
The word Shouganai [仕様がない] means cannot be helped, cannot be done, it is inevitable, there is no solution, or similar things. However, this word is not always disheartening or despairing.
We live in a world where not everything we want works out. Saying Shouganai is accepting that something is out of your control. Many use this word to encourage people to realize that something was not their fault.
Accepting that something did not work out is a solution for us to move forward without regrets. The shou [仕様] of shouganai means path, method, resource, or something specific. Since our paths do not always work out, “Shouganai” will help guide our lives.
We recommend reading: Shouganai and Shikatanai – The culture of acceptance of the Japanese
4. Wabi Sabi [侘び寂び] – Worldview
The next Japanese word that will guide your life is quite comprehensive and involves a complete view of the world through aesthetics. This aesthetic feeling of Japanese art is centered on acceptance, transition, and imperfection.
Although it is a word involving art, its meaning refers to a way of life that consists of accepting the imperfections of life, the natural cycle of growth, and decay. Through wabi-sabi, it is possible to empty the mind and bring tranquility.
The aesthetics of “wabi-sabi” involve asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, frugality, austerity, modesty, and intimacy. It seems something difficult to explain, but “wabi-sabi” can affect the way we live our lives, decorate our homes, and appreciate nature.
Also read: Wabi-sabi: Know the Japanese concept of valuing the beauty in imperfect things
5. Ganbatte [頑張って] – Do Your Best
This is one of the most popular words in the Japanese language; its purpose is to encourage people to strive for something. “Ganbatte” involves doing your best, moving forward, staying focused, enduring, fighting, not giving up, and working hard.
“Ganbatte” means to persevere, persist, insist, and remain. Some end up translating ganbatte to good luck, as it is often said to people who are about to take a test or go through some difficulty.
We recommend reading: Ganbatte – Understand the True Meaning
I want to take this opportunity to mention another related word which is akiramenaide [諦めないで] which means don’t give up, don’t lose hope. Both words tell you to never give up on life and face difficulties with strength!
6. Kaizen [改善] – Improvement
Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy and practice that promises to continuously improve your projects, businesses, and even your health. Although it is mostly applied within companies, understanding this word can help guide your life in a productive and improved way.
The concept of kaizen can help you cut costs, organize yourself, and increase productivity and dedication to something. This word was one of the major contributors to Japan’s growth and the dedication of the Japanese to various aspects of life.
Kaizen involves being transparent, focusing on the future, changing at any occasion, not being negative, not seeking perfection, prioritizing quality, and not procrastinating. If you let kaizen guide your life, it will surely be one of the best.
We recommend reading: Kaizen – Learn about the method and how to apply it
7. Omotenashi [お持て成し] – Japanese Hospitality
Omotenashi goes far beyond simple hospitality or education; it involves reception, treatment, and service without superficiality. It involves striving for others even when not requested or necessary.
Omotenashi involves treating your guest, client, or neighbor in the best possible way. It is like the golden rule that says “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” And all this without obligation, without expecting anything in return, or with ulterior motives.
Some selfish people will find this completely unnecessary for guiding our lives, but the way we treat others will affect our lives in the present or future. The lack of Omotenashi is one of the main reasons for a catastrophic Brazil.
Omotenashi involves other words that we know in Portuguese such as humility, honesty, friendship, and love. These are words we know very well and can guide our lives in the best possible way.
8. Mottainai [もったいない] – Value and Avoid Waste
Mottainai expresses a feeling of regret for waste. It goes beyond the idea of reusing materials, encompassing respect for time, relationships, and opportunities. Mottainai invites us to appreciate the intrinsic value of each thing, avoiding excessive consumption and unnecessary disposal.
In Japanese culture, “mottainai” manifests in various practices, such as the custom of using a cloth until the end, transforming it into a new item, or the habit of consuming food completely, avoiding food waste. This word reminds us that everything has value and deserves to be appreciated, encouraging us to adopt a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.
By incorporating “mottainai” into our lives, we learn to value what we have, to avoid waste, and to cultivate gratitude for the little things. This mindset helps us live more fully and build a more prosperous future for ourselves and for future generations.
9. Yugen [幽玄] – The Deep and Mysterious Beauty
Yugen refers to a deep and mysterious beauty that transcends intellectual understanding. It is the beauty that evokes intense emotions and connects us to something greater than ourselves. Yugen can be found in nature, in art, in music, and in fleeting moments of everyday life.
In Japanese aesthetics, yugen is often associated with the beauty of impermanence, such as the cherry blossom that blooms for a brief period or the moon that changes shape each night. This word invites us to appreciate the ephemeral beauty of life and to find meaning in passing moments.
By cultivating sensitivity to yugen, we develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. We learn to find meaning in subtle details and to connect with the beauty that resides in each moment. Yugen inspires us to live with more attention and to find joy in the little things.
10. Ukiyo [浮世] – Live in the Present Moment
Ukiyo means “floating world” and refers to the transient nature of life. This word reminds us that everything is in constant change and that we must enjoy the present moment. Ukiyo invites us to live intensely, to celebrate the beauty of life, and to accept impermanence.
In Japanese culture, ukiyo is associated with hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure. However, ukiyo can also be interpreted as a philosophy of life that teaches us to find joy in the little things and to accept the impermanence of life.
By incorporating ukiyo into our lives, we learn to live in the present moment, to appreciate the beauty of life, and to accept impermanence. This mindset helps us find inner peace and live more fully and happily.
Conclusion
If we apply the philosophies and lifestyles taught by all these words mentioned in the article, we will have a great compass to face all the difficulties of life and achieve the best results.
I hope you enjoyed the article; if you did, share it and leave your comments. From the thousands of Japanese words, which other word do you find interesting to guide our lives?
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