Translation guide
For the general concept of 'the world' as the planet, society, or human existence, the most common Japanese word is 世界 (sekai). However, Japanese has several other words that map to specific nuances of 'the world', such as the Earth as a physical planet, the natural world, or a particular social sphere.
Referring to the world in terms of people, countries, international affairs, or the realm of human activity.
The most common and versatile word for 'the world' in the sense of society, the global community, or the realm of human existence. Used in phrases like 'world peace', 'around the world', and 'the whole world'.
世界平和を願っています。
I wish for world peace.
彼は世界中を旅した。
He traveled around the world.
Literally 'in the world/society', often used to talk about the ways of the world, society, or life in general. More abstract and philosophical than 世界.
世の中は厳しい。
The world is a harsh place.
世の中の役に立ちたい。
I want to be of use to the world/society.
Refers to the world of people, public opinion, or society at large. Often used when talking about what other people think or social norms.
世間の目が気になる。
I'm concerned about what the world/people think.
世間ではそう言われている。
That's what they say in the world (people say).
Referring to the physical planet, the globe, or the Earth as a celestial body.
Specifically the planet Earth. Use this for geographical, environmental, or astronomical contexts.
地球は太陽の周りを回っている。
The Earth revolves around the sun.
地球温暖化が問題だ。
Global warming is a problem.
Can also mean the physical world, but is more commonly used for the human/social world. In contexts like 'world map' or 'world geography', 世界 is natural.
Referring to the world as nature, the cosmos, or everything that exists.
Means 'nature' or 'the natural world'. Use when talking about the environment, flora and fauna, or natural phenomena.
自然を大切にしよう。
Let's take care of the natural world.
Literally 'heaven and earth', a somewhat literary or philosophical term for the universe or the whole world of nature.
Referring to a specific field of activity, a social circle, or a specialized domain.
A suffix meaning 'world' or 'circle' in the sense of a specific field or community. Attach to nouns: ビジネス界 (business world), 芸術界 (art world), 科学界 (scientific world).
彼は音楽界で有名だ。
He is famous in the music world.
スポーツ界のニュース
news from the sports world
Can also be used for a specific world or realm, often with a modifier: 夢の世界 (world of dreams), 子供の世界 (children's world).
Emphasizing that something is known or experienced by everyone.
Means 'all over the world' or 'the whole world'. Often used with verbs like 知っている (know) or 広がる (spread).
そのニュースは世界中に広まった。
The news spread throughout the world.
Can also mean 'everyone' or 'people in general' in a more abstract sense.
世界 (sekai) is the most general and neutral term for 'the world' as a global entity. 世の中 (yo no naka) is more about society and the way things are, often used in proverbs or philosophical statements. 世間 (seken) specifically refers to the world of people and public opinion, and carries a nuance of social pressure or 'what others think'.
In English, 'the world' is used in many idiomatic expressions that don't directly map to 世界. For example, 'the world of difference' is 雲泥の差 (undei no sa), and 'out of this world' is この世のものとは思えない (kono yo no mono to wa omoenai). Always consider the intended meaning.
世界は面白い人でいっぱいだ。
The world is full of interesting people.
世界を見てみたい。
I want to see the world.
自然界は美しい。
The natural world is beautiful.
自然界 (shizenkai) is another common term for 'the natural world'.
Please look at the world map.
To explore the principles of the universe.
That's a story from another world.
世の中の誰もが知っている。
Everyone in the world knows.