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