How to say 'World' or 'Society' in Japanese | 世

word

Meaning

World, Society

Reading

Kanji

世World, Generation

Explanation

The Japanese noun '世 (よ)' primarily means 'world' or 'society'. It refers to the physical world, human society, or the realm of existence. It is often used in a broad sense to describe the environment or era in which people live. For example: the world is vast「世は広い」(よはひろい). He is well-known in society「彼は世に知られている」(かれはよにしられている). The word can also imply the passage of time or an era, as in 'この世 (このよ) (this world)' or '来世 (らいせ) (the next world)'. It is a versatile term used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

1161

Composition

kanji

Handwriting