生き物

• Reading: いきもの
• Romaji: ikimono
• Kanji breakdown: 生 (sei/i) — life, living; 物 (butsu/mono) — thing
• Pronunciation: /i.ki.mo.no/

Meaning

Living thing; creature; organism. Any being that is alive.

A compound noun from 生き (living) and 物 (thing). Broadly covers all living creatures — animals, insects, plants, and even microorganisms. More colloquial and warm than the scientific term 生物 (seibutsu). Often used when expressing care or wonder about nature. Common in phrases like 生き物を大切にする (to cherish living things).

Examples

1. 子供のころから生き物が好きだった。 I've loved living things ever since I was a kid.
2. この森にはたくさんの生き物がいる。 There are tons of creatures in this forest.
3. 小さな生き物にも命がある。 Even tiny creatures have lives of their own.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, education, daily life

Tone: warm

Origin & History

A native Japanese compound of 生き (the continuative form of 生きる, to live) and 物 (thing). Reflects the Japanese worldview of reverence for all living beings.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal