生まれ

• Reading: うまれ
• Romaji: umare
• Kanji breakdown: 生 (sei/shou/u) — life, birth, to be born
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ma.ɾe/

Meaning

Birth; birthplace. Refers to where or when someone was born, or the circumstances of one's birth.

A noun derived from the verb 生まれる (to be born). Used to talk about one's place of origin (東京生まれ, born in Tokyo) or the timing/year of birth. Also appears in the compound 生まれつき (by nature, innate). Common in self-introductions and biographical contexts.

Examples

1. 彼女は北海道生まれだそうだ。 I heard she was born in Hokkaido.
2. 私は1995年生まれです。 I was born in 1995.
3. 生まれが同じ町だと知って驚いた。 I was surprised to find out we were born in the same town.

Usage Guide

Context: self-introduction, biography, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 生まれる (umareru, to be born). The kanji 生 represents life and growth, depicting a plant sprouting from the earth.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal