Translation guide
The English phrase "this world" can refer to the physical world we live in, the present life as opposed to an afterlife, or the secular realm as opposed to a spiritual one. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is この世 (kono yo), but other expressions exist depending on nuance.
Referring to the world we live in now, often in contrast to an afterlife or other realm.
The most common and natural way to say 'this world' in the sense of the present life or the physical world. Often used in contrasts with the afterlife (あの世).
この世には不思議なことがたくさんある。
There are many mysterious things in this world.
彼はこの世を去った。
He passed away (left this world).
A more formal or literary term for 'this world' or 'the present life', often used in religious or philosophical contexts.
現世での行いが来世に影響する。
Actions in this world affect the next life.
Literally 'this floating world', a poetic term for the transient world of everyday life, often associated with Edo-period culture.
この浮世の楽しみを味わう。
Enjoy the pleasures of this fleeting world.
Emphasizing the worldly, non-religious aspect of existence.
Refers to the secular world, the mundane world as opposed to a religious or monastic life.
彼は俗世を捨てて僧になった。
He renounced the secular world and became a monk.
Can also be used in this sense, though it is broader.
この世の欲にまみれる。
To be consumed by worldly desires.
Used in fantasy, sci-fi, or philosophical contexts to distinguish our world from parallel worlds or other realms.
A direct and neutral way to say 'this world', often used when comparing to other worlds or dimensions.
この世界とあの世界はつながっている。
This world and that world are connected.
Can also be used, but この世界 is more common in modern fantasy/sci-fi contexts.
この世とは別の次元。
A dimension different from this world.
この世 (kono yo) is the traditional, idiomatic way to say 'this world' in the sense of the present life or the physical world, often with spiritual or philosophical overtones. この世界 (kono sekai) is a more literal, modern translation used when talking about worlds in a physical or science-fictional sense. Use この世 for life/death contrasts and この世界 for parallel universes.
Do not translate 'this world' as この地球 (kono chikyuu) unless you specifically mean the planet Earth. この地球 means 'this Earth' and is not a natural equivalent for the general concept of 'this world'.