12 Best Japanese Words + Phrases for Living a Chill Life
I’ve been living in Japan since 2017. And it’s one of my favorite countries…a place I call home. And over the years, I’ve picked up on a lot of different words and phrases.
These are my favorite Japanese phrases…which are more like mini nuggets of wisdom too.
But let’s skip the chit chat and just get right to it!
1. Amai Mono Wa Betsu Bara Desu
This Japanese phrase is amazing. It basically means “sweet things go to a different stomach.”
This is the perfect response to anyone who says they’re too full for dessert. Pffff too full for dessert…
Because let’s be honest, we can always squeeze in a cookie or a chocalate…right?
Yea. It’s a different stomach. :)
2. Shinrin-yoku
You’ve probably seen this phrase before.
Shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing”. But really, it’s the art of connecting more deeply with nature and your natural surroundings.
It’s easy to feel separated from these earthy things…so shinrin-yoku is a nice personal reminder.
Put down the phone and get out in some nature!
If you’re keen to adopt this way of life, you could take a light hike or even try meditating in the park.
3. Ikigai
I love this next Japanese concept.
Ikigai means your “life purpose” or “reason for being”. It’s the art of finding your why in life.
It’s also believed to be one of the core reasons for how the centenarians of Okinawa live so long and stay healthy.
So if you’re looking to adopt a Japanese life concept or two, this one is definitely worth your time.
4. Muri shinai de
I recently heard this phrase from a friend. And it’s quickly become a go-to expression for me.
Muri shinai de means “take it easy” or “don’t overdo it”. But it’s more nuanced than just this.
The expression is heartfelt and has a much deeper meaning than just saying “take a break” (as we would in English). It’s an awesome way to show someone that you really truly care.
I see this phrase as a way of life. It’s a reminder that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself.
5. Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is a great concept.
In the simplest sense, wabi-sabi is the “acceptance of imperfections and awareness of things being ephemeral”.
(yea I know, “simple”, right?)
It’s an aesthetic way of life that puts focus on the transient and imperfect nature of life and things.
Everything is in flux. Life and stuff are dynamic. This is something I like to remember.
6. Kaizen
This concept is ubiquitous in the business world (perfect if you’re looking for an entrepreneurial edge).
Kaizen is the Japanese concept of “continuous improvement”.
It’s a form of quality control that values individual progress, productivity and how small actions accumulate to big changes over time.
It’s a life concept that boasts awesome benefits. It’s something I’ve definitely adapted into my own life.
7. Bushidō
If you love Japanese history and culture, then you’ll love this concept.
Bushidō is the “moral code, attitudes and lifestyle of the samurai”. Put another way, it’s the samurai spirit.
Some core principles include honor, honesty, loyalty, courage, respect and self control.
Suffice to say, it’s a pretty solid Japanese concept to embrace.
8. Shoshin
This next Zen Buddhist concept is definitely worth a try.
Shoshin is the art of cultivating and having a “beginner’s mind”.
Embracing a learner’s mindset is incredibly helpful for growth, skill building and personal development.
This is a Japanese concept that’s always top of mind for me. I like to remember that everyone knows something that I don’t.
9. Mottainai
This is a great term…and one with a strong sustainability focus.
Mottainai means “wastefulness”. And after living in Japan for many years, I can tell you that mottainai culture is strong.
It’s simply an awareness of wasteful behavior, such as throwing away food or always buying new rather than trying to fix or repurpose something.
This is a super common phrase and a solid way of life (i.e. wasting less).
10. Shoganai
If you spend any time in Japan or studying Japanese, you’re bound to come across this term.
Shoganai means “it can’t be helped”. The best English translation I can think of is “it is what it is”.
I hear it often while traveling there and it’s a great way to wrap up a thought (or impress some local friends with your knowledge).
11. Mono no aware
Mono means “thing(s)”. And aware means “feeling of…” (among other definitions).
So mono no aware means the “empathy for things and their impermanence”. Similar to wabi-sabi, this concept is a deep awareness of the ephemeral.
It may sound melancholy, but it’s meant to form a deeper connection with the present moment.
And I don’t need to tell you about the benefits of present moment awareness.
12. Kintsugi
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer (called urushi). Often you’ll see pottery with golden lines filling where the cracks of a broken piece were.
It’s a strong metaphor. When something breaks, you can put it back together so that it ends up becoming something even more beautiful.
I love this idea and it resonates strongly in life.
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
