noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', intransitive verb
Often used in philosophical or formal contexts to refer to the fact of existing, especially in contrast to essence. Can also be used as a suru-verb meaning 'to exist'.
実存は本質に先立つ。
Existence precedes essence.
彼は自分
He is thinking deeply about his own existence.