Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the concept of the world's beginning in Japanese, from mythological creation to figurative new eras.
Referring to the creation of the world in myths, religion, or ancient stories.
A set phrase meaning 'the creation of heaven and earth', used in mythological contexts. It is the most direct equivalent for 'beginning of the world' in a cosmic sense.
天地開闢の神話は多くの文化に存在する。
Creation myths exist in many cultures.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'the beginning of the world'. It is neutral and can be used in both religious and secular contexts.
世界の始まりについての伝説を調べている。
I'm researching legends about the beginning of the world.
A literary term for 'the beginning of the world' or 'creation'. Often used in historical or mythological writings.
開闢以来の出来事を記録する。
Record events since the beginning of the world.
Describing a situation that feels like a completely new beginning, as if the world has started over.
Means 'the beginning of a new world'. Used figuratively for major changes, like a new era in life or society.
革命は新世界の始まりを告げた。
The revolution heralded the beginning of a new world.
A more colloquial way to say 'the world begins', often used in poetic or emotional expressions about a fresh start.
君と出会って、新しい世界が始まった。
Meeting you, a new world began.
Referring to the beginning of the world in a scientific context, such as the Big Bang or formation of Earth.
Means 'the beginning of the universe'. Used in scientific discussions about cosmology.
宇宙の始まりはビッグバンだと考えられている。
The beginning of the universe is thought to be the Big Bang.
Specifically 'the birth of Earth', used when talking about the planet's formation rather than the entire cosmos.
地球の誕生は約46億年前です。
The birth of Earth was about 4.6 billion years ago.
天地開闢 (てんちかいびゃく) is a fixed Sino-Japanese compound with a mythological and literary feel, while 世界の始まり (せかいのはじまり) is a more flexible, everyday phrase. Use 天地開闢 for traditional creation stories; use 世界の始まり for general or modern contexts.
In figurative uses, directly translating 'beginning of the world' as 世界の始まり may sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Consider using 新世界の始まり or rephrasing with 始まる.