心

• Reading: こころ
• Romaji: kokoro
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, mind, spirit
• Pronunciation: /ko.ko.ɾo/

Meaning

Heart; mind; spirit. The seat of emotions and thoughts.

Refers to the emotional and spiritual heart rather than the physical organ (which is 心臓). Used in many compound words and expressions such as 心配 (worry), 安心 (peace of mind), and 心から (from the heart). A deeply important concept in Japanese culture.

Examples

1. 旅行の写真を見ると、心が温かくなる。 Looking at the travel photos warms my heart.
2. 心から感謝しています。 I'm grateful from the bottom of my heart.
3. 彼女の言葉が心に残りました。 Her words stayed with me.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, literature, daily conversation

Tone: warm

Origin & History

One of the oldest Japanese words, traced back to Old Japanese. The kanji 心 is a pictograph depicting the shape of a heart organ, but the word encompasses mind, spirit, and emotions.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal