Translation guide
The English word "living" can refer to a way of life, the state of being alive, making a livelihood, or a place to live. Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on the intended meaning.
How someone earns money to support themselves.
The most common way to say "make a living" or "earn a living."
彼は翻訳で生計を立てている。
He makes a living as a translator.
Refers to "living expenses" or the cost of living.
東京の生活費は高い。
The cost of living in Tokyo is high.
A noun meaning "livelihood" or "living." Often used in compound phrases.
生計を支えるために働く。
Work to support one's livelihood.
Literally "to keep eating," meaning to make enough to get by. Casual.
今の給料では食べていくのがやっとだ。
I can barely make a living on my current salary.
Refers to one's daily life or way of living, often with a nuance of lifestyle.
田舎でのんびりとした暮らしを送りたい。
I want to live a relaxed life in the countryside.
The state of being alive, as opposed to dead.
The standard way to say "living" or "alive."
彼はまだ生きている。
He is still living.
Formal or technical term for "survival" or "being alive."
生存者の捜索が続いている。
The search for living survivors continues.
Attributive form meaning "living" (as in "living thing").
生きた化石
living fossil
The manner in which someone lives their life.
General term for "life" or "living" in the sense of daily activities.
健康的な生活を送る。
Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Literally "way of living," focusing on philosophy or approach to life.
Everyday life, often with a nuance of comfort or simplicity.
A room, house, or area where someone resides.
Formal term for "residence" or "dwelling."
適切な住居を見つけるのは難しい。
Finding suitable living quarters is difficult.
Short for "living room." Common in casual conversation.
Traditional term for "living room."
English "living" is often used as a gerund or adjective, but Japanese requires different constructions depending on the meaning. Avoid directly translating "living" as a single word without context.
生活 (seikatsu) is a neutral term for daily life, while 暮らし (kurashi) often implies a lifestyle with emotional or cultural nuances, such as simplicity or tradition.
お仕事は何をされていますか？
What do you do for a living?
A polite way to ask about someone's job. Literally: "What work do you do?"
生活費が上がっている。
The cost of living is rising.
彼は作家として生計を立てている。
He earns a living as a writer.
自分の生き方に誇りを持っている。
I am proud of my way of living.
City living is convenient but tiring.
リビングでテレビを見る。
Watch TV in the living room.
The family gathered in the living room.