人間 — meaning in English: A human

ningen · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for human

肖像画

shōzōga

クリニック

kurinikku

人間

ningen

ヒップ

hippu

創造

sōzō

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neutral very common

Usage

The term 人間 (ningen) is often used in everyday conversations, particularly when discussing human nature, relationships, or moral dilemmas. For instance, friends might ponder what it means to be a good 人間 during a deep discussion over coffee, or a teacher might explain the complexities of 人間 behavior in a philosophy class.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is ひと (hito), which also means 'person' but is more casual and can refer to a specific individual. 人間 (ningen), on the other hand, emphasizes the idea of humanity as a whole, making it more suitable for discussions about human qualities or philosophical topics.

Culture

The word 人間 has interesting roots in both Chinese and Japanese cultures, originally derived from ancient Chinese philosophies that emphasized the distinction between humans and other beings. In Japan, the concept of 人間 plays a significant role in various arts and literature, often exploring the depths of human emotion and the human condition itself.

FAQ

Q.What does 人間 mean in English?

人間 (ningen) translates to 'human' in English, referring to a member of the species Homo sapiens. It encompasses the essence of being human, including traits and behaviors.

Q.How do you use 人間 in a sentence?

You can use 人間 in sentences like '人間は感情を持つ生き物です' (Ningen wa kanjō o motsu ikimono desu), meaning 'Humans are emotional beings.' This shows the word's role in describing human characteristics.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 人間?

A common mistake is using 人間 in overly casual contexts. While it's neutral, in very informal settings, it may feel too formal. Instead, consider using ひと (hito) for more casual conversations.

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