生き物 — meaning in English: A creature

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

Guess the translation for creature

生き物

ikimono

違い

chigai

専門家

senmonka

昆虫

konchū

クレジット

kurejitto

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 生き物 (ikimono) in contexts related to nature or wildlife. For instance, you might hear it in a conversation about pets or during a visit to a zoo, where people discuss various creatures they encounter.

Synonyms & nuances

While 生き物 (ikimono) broadly refers to any living creature, you might encounter more specific terms like 動物 (doubutsu) for 'animal' or 植物 (shokubutsu) for 'plant.' Choose 生き物 when discussing all forms of life collectively or when the context is particularly focused on the essence of living beings.

Culture

The term 生き物 is derived from the combination of 生き (iki), meaning 'living,' and 物 (mono), meaning 'thing' or 'object.' This word reflects the Japanese cultural reverence for all living things, emphasizing a connection to nature that is deeply ingrained in various aspects of Japanese life, from traditional folklore to modern conservation efforts.

FAQ

Q.What does 生き物 mean in English?

生き物 (ikimono) translates to 'creature' or 'living thing' in English, encompassing all forms of life.

Q.Can 生き物 refer to plants as well?

Yes, 生き物 can refer to both animals and plants, highlighting the broader category of living organisms.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 生き物?

A common mistake is to use 生き物 exclusively for animals. Remember, it includes all living beings, so using it in discussions about plants is also correct.

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