Translation guide
The feeling that your life or actions have meaning, direction, and value. In Japanese, this is often expressed through nouns describing life's worth, motivation, or guiding principles, rather than a single fixed phrase.
Expressing that one's life feels meaningful and guided by a clear aim
A widely used term meaning 'reason for living' or 'something that makes life worth living'. It captures the sense of purpose derived from passions, relationships, or work.
彼は仕事に生きがいを感じている。
He finds a sense of purpose in his work.
趣味が生きがいです。
My hobby gives me a sense of purpose.
Literally 'life's purpose'. A more direct and slightly formal way to talk about one's overarching goal in life.
人生の目的を見つけたい。
I want to find a sense of purpose in life.
A sense of mission or calling, often used when someone feels driven by a duty or higher purpose, such as in a profession or social cause.
彼女は強い使命感を持って医者になった。
She became a doctor with a strong sense of purpose.
The sense of fulfillment or worthwhileness from doing something. Often used for work or tasks that feel rewarding.
この仕事はやりがいがある。
This job gives me a sense of purpose.
Describing having a focused goal or intention in what one is doing
Awareness of one's purpose or goal. Used when someone acts with clear intention rather than aimlessly.
彼は目的意識を持って勉強している。
He studies with a sense of purpose.
Literally 'to have a goal'. A simple, natural way to say one has direction or purpose in a specific context.
目標があると毎日が充実する。
Having a sense of purpose makes each day fulfilling.
Expressing the opposite of feeling aimless or adrift
Describes a feeling of engagement and motivation; life feels worth living because there is something to strive for.
仕事があると張り合いがある。
Having work gives me a sense of purpose.
A feeling of fulfillment or satisfaction, often implying that one's actions have meaning.
ボランティア活動で充実感を得た。
I got a sense of purpose from volunteering.
生きがい is a broader, deeper concept about what makes your entire life worth living. やりがい is more about the satisfaction from a specific activity or job. You can have やりがい at work, but your 生きがい might be your family.
仕事のやりがいは大きいが、生きがいは家族だ。
My work is very rewarding, but my sense of purpose comes from my family.
Avoid directly translating 'sense of purpose' as 目的の感覚 (mokuteki no kankaku). It sounds unnatural. Use the expressions above instead.