人間

• Reading: にんげん
• Romaji: ningen
• Kanji breakdown: 人 (jin/nin/hito) — person; 間 (kan/gen/aida) — space, between
• Pronunciation: /niŋ.ɡeɴ/

Meaning

A human being; a person; humanity as a concept.

A noun meaning 'human being' with broader philosophical connotations than 人 (hito). While 人 simply means 'person,' 人間 emphasises human nature, character, and the human condition. Common expressions: 人間関係 (ningen kankei, human relationships), 人間性 (ningensei, humanity/human nature). Used when discussing what it means to be human, moral character, or interpersonal dynamics.

Examples

1. 人間は誰でも間違いをすることがある。 All human beings make mistakes sometimes.
2. 良い人間関係を築くことは大切だ。 Building good human relationships is important.
3. 彼は本当に素晴らしい人間だと思う。 I think he's a truly wonderful person.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, relationships, character

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

Originally a Buddhist term. Compound of 人 (nin, person) and 間 (gen, space/between). In Buddhism, 人間 referred to the human realm among the six realms of existence. The meaning gradually shifted to simply 'human being.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal