自然

• Reading: しぜん
• Romaji: shizen
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (shi/ji) — self; 然 (zen) — as it is, so
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.zeŋ/

Meaning

Nature; the natural world. Used broadly to refer to the environment and natural phenomena.

Functions as both a noun and a na-adjective. As a na-adjective (自然な), it means natural or spontaneous. Frequently used in compounds like 自然災害 (natural disaster) and 大自然 (great nature/wilderness).

Examples

1. 日本の自然はとても美しいです。 Japan's nature is very beautiful.
2. 子供のころ、自然の中でよく遊びました。 When I was a child, I often played in nature.
3. 自然を大切にしなければなりません。 We must take care of nature.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, daily life, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 自 (self) and 然 (as it is). The combination expresses the idea of things being as they are on their own — the natural state of the world.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal