中世

• Reading: ちゅうせい
• Romaji: chuusei
• Kanji breakdown: 中 (chuu) — middle; 世 (sei) — age, era, generation
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.seː/

Meaning

Middle Ages; medieval times. In Japanese history, especially the Kamakura and Muromachi periods.

A historical periodisation term. In Japanese history, 中世 typically covers the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and Muromachi period (1336-1573), characterised by samurai governance. In world history, it refers to the European medieval period (roughly 5th-15th centuries). Context determines which is meant.

Examples

1. 中世ヨーロッパの城を見学するのが夢だ。 It's my dream to visit castles from medieval Europe.
2. 日本の中世は武士が政治の中心だった時代だ。 Japan's medieval period was an era when samurai were at the center of politics.
3. 中世の文学には宗教の影響が色濃く表れている。 The influence of religion is strongly reflected in medieval literature.

Usage Guide

Context: history, education, literature, culture

Tone: academic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 中 (chuu, middle) + 世 (sei, age/era). Literally 'middle age,' a calque of the Western historical concept 'Middle Ages' adapted to Japanese historiography.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated