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What is the Kanji for 'World' and 'Generation'? | 世

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'World' and 'Generation', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'World' and 'Generation' is 世.

    kanji

    Meaning

    World, Generation

    Reading

    kunyomi

    yo

    onyomiせい

    sei

    se

    Parts

    廿Twenty 𠃊Second (乙)

    Example Word

    中世: middle ages. The Japanese noun '中世 (ちゅうせい)' refers to the 'Middle Ages', a historical period typically spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century in Europe. In Japan, it specifically refers to the medieval period, roughly from the late 12th century to the late 16th century, characterized by the rise of the samurai class and feudal systems. This term is used in historical and academic contexts to describe this era. For example: The Middle Ages were a time of great change「中世は大きな変化の時代だった」(ちゅうせいはおおきなへんかのじだいだった). Many castles were built during the Middle Ages「中世に多くの城が建てられた」(ちゅうせいにおおくのしろがたてられた).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    5

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    81

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    radical

    廿

    Meaning

    Twenty

    radical

    𠃊

    Meaning

    Second

    Radical Form Of

Words Using

This kanji is used in 14 words:

    word

    世界

    Meaning

    World

    word

    世紀

    Meaning

    Century

    word

    Meaning

    World, Society

    word

    世間

    Meaning

    World, Society

    word

    世代

    Meaning

    Generation

    word

    世の中

    Meaning

    World

    word

    世話

    Meaning

    Care

    word

    出世

    Meaning

    Success

    word

    この世

    Meaning

    This world

    word

    中世

    Meaning

    Middle ages

    word

    お世辞

    Meaning

    Flattery

    word

    世帯

    Meaning

    Household

    word

    世論

    Meaning

    Public opinion

    word

    近世

    Meaning

    Early modern

Kanji Related to Through the Part 廿

These 3 kanji contain the part 廿 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Degrees, Times

    kanji

    Meaning

    Seat

    kanji

    Meaning

    Commoner, Manifold

Kanji Related to Through the Part 𠃊

These 2 kanji contain the part 𠃊 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Straight, Repair

    kanji

    Meaning

    Prefecture

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 世 mean?

世 means 'World' and 'Generation'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N4 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.