生活様式

• Reading: せいかつようしき
• Romaji: seikatsuyoushiki
• Kanji breakdown: 生 (sei) — life; 活 (katsu) — activity, living; 様 (you) — manner, style; 式 (shiki) — form, ceremony
• Pronunciation: /seː.ka.tsɯ.joː.ɕi.ki/

Meaning

Lifestyle; way of living. The particular manner in which a person or group lives.

A noun describing the overall pattern of how people live, including habits, customs, and daily routines. More formal and analytical than ライフスタイル (raifusutairu, lifestyle). Often used in academic, sociological, and public health contexts. Gained particular prominence during the COVID-19 era with the phrase 新しい生活様式 (atarashii seikatsu youshiki, new lifestyle/new normal).

Examples

1. パンデミックをきっかけに生活様式が大きく変わった。 The pandemic triggered major changes in lifestyles.
2. 日本の伝統的な生活様式に興味がある外国人は多い。 Many foreigners are interested in Japan's traditional way of living.
3. 都市部と農村部では生活様式がかなり異なる。 Lifestyles in urban and rural areas differ considerably.

Usage Guide

Context: sociology, public health, cultural studies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 生活 (seikatsu, life/living) + 様式 (youshiki, style/form). Literally 'living style' — the established form or pattern of daily life.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal