精神

• Reading: せいしん
• Romaji: seishin
• Kanji breakdown: 精 (sei) — essence, purity, vitality; 神 (shin) — spirit, god
• Pronunciation: /seː.ɕin/

Meaning

Mind; spirit; soul; heart. The non-physical aspect of a person's being.

A versatile noun used across many contexts. In medicine, it appears in 精神科 (psychiatry department) and 精神的 (mental/psychological). In daily life, it refers to spirit or willpower, as in 精神力 (mental strength). Also used for the spirit or ethos of something, like 武士の精神 (the samurai spirit).

Examples

1. 精神的に疲れているときは休むことが大切だ。 When you're mentally exhausted, it's important to rest.
2. 彼女はとても精神力が強い人だ。 She's a person with incredibly strong mental fortitude.
3. スポーツは精神の健康にもいい影響を与える。 Sports have a positive effect on mental health too.

Usage Guide

Context: health, philosophy, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 精 (sei, essence/purity) and 神 (shin, spirit/god). Literally 'pure spirit,' representing the essential non-physical core of a being. Rooted in Chinese philosophical concepts of the vital essence.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal