盛ん

• Reading: さかん
• Romaji: sakan
• Kanji breakdown: 盛 (sei/saka) — prosperous, flourishing, to pile up
• Pronunciation: /sa.kaɴ/

Meaning

Prosperous; flourishing; active; thriving. Describes something in a vigorous or lively state.

A na-adjective used to describe activities, industries, regions, or movements that are thriving. Often appears in contexts like 貿易が盛んだ (trade is active) or 研究が盛んだ (research is thriving). Can describe both economic prosperity and energetic activity.

Examples

1. この地域では農業が盛んです。 Agriculture is thriving in this region.
2. 最近、日本語の勉強が盛んになってきた。 Lately, studying Japanese has been gaining momentum.
3. 夏祭りの準備が盛んに行われている。 Preparations for the summer festival are being carried out actively.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, culture, industry

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 盛 combines 成 (sei, to become/accomplish) with 皿 (sara, dish/plate). Originally depicted a dish piled high with food — an image of abundance and prosperity.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal