人類

• Reading: じんるい
• Romaji: jinrui
• Kanji breakdown: 人 (jin) — person, human; 類 (rui) — type, kind, category
• Pronunciation: /dʑiɴ.ɾɯ.i/

Meaning

Mankind; humanity; the human race. All human beings collectively.

A noun referring to the entire human species as a collective. Used in scientific, philosophical, and global contexts. Common in expressions like 人類の歴史 (the history of mankind) and 人類学 (anthropology). Carries a more formal and sweeping tone than 人間 (human being, individual person).

Examples

1. 人類の歴史はとても長い。 The history of mankind is very long.
2. 環境問題は人類全体の課題だ。 Environmental issues are a challenge for all of humanity.
3. 人類が月に行ったのは1969年だ。 Mankind went to the moon in 1969.

Usage Guide

Context: science, history, global issues

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 人 (person, human) and 類 (type, kind, category). Together they mean 'the human category,' encompassing all of humanity as a species.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal