From Japanese 生き甲斐 or 生きがい, from 生き, the continuative form of 生きる, plus 甲斐 meaning worth or value, with kai becoming gai by rendaku.
From Japanese 生き甲斐 or 生きがい, from 生き, the continuative form of 生きる, plus 甲斐 meaning worth or value, with kai becoming gai by rendaku.
What does 生きがい mean?
生きがい means something that makes life worth living, or the feeling that life has value.
How do you read 生きがい?
It is read いきがい (ikigai), and it is also written 生き甲斐.
Is 生きがい only about work?
No. 生きがい can come from work, family, friends, hobbies, service, or small daily joys.
Is the four-circle diagram the original meaning of 生きがい?
No. The diagram is a modern self-help frame, not the whole Japanese meaning of 生きがい.
Can 生きがい be a person?
Yes. A child, friend, partner, or community can be someone’s 生きがい.
Can 生きがい change over time?
Yes. A person’s 生きがい can shift with age, health, work, relationships, and circumstances.
What is the difference between 生きがい and a hobby?
A hobby is an activity, while 生きがい is the value or joy that may come from that activity.
Where does 生きがい come from?
生きがい combines 生き, linked to living, with 甲斐, meaning worth or value.