健康 — meaning in English: health

kenkō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for health

節約

setsuyaku

階段

kaidan

数

sū

出力

shutsuryoku

健康

kenkō

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 健康 (kenkō) when discussing personal well-being in contexts such as medical check-ups, fitness discussions, or when giving advice on lifestyle choices. For instance, a friend might ask, 'How's your health lately?' (最近、健康はどう?) during a casual catch-up.

Synonyms & nuances

While 健康 (kenkō) broadly refers to health, a close synonym, 体調 (taichō), specifically denotes physical condition. You would use 健康 when discussing overall health concepts, while 体調 might be more appropriate when talking about specific ailments or fitness levels.

Culture

The concept of 健康 (kenkō) is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, reflecting a holistic approach to well-being that includes physical, mental, and social health. Its etymology combines the characters for 'healthy' (健) and 'ease' or 'peace' (康), emphasizing a state of balance and wellness. In Japan, the pursuit of kenkō is often linked to traditional practices like meditation and martial arts, showcasing its cultural significance.

FAQ

Q.What does 健康 (kenkō) mean in English?

健康 (kenkō) translates to 'health' in English, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. It's a fundamental concept in discussions surrounding lifestyle and wellness.

Q.How do you use 健康 in a sentence?

You can use 健康 in sentences like '私は健康です' (Watashi wa kenkō desu), which means 'I am healthy.' It's often used to express one's state of health or to inquire about someone else's health.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 健康?

A common mistake is to confuse 健康 with 病気 (byōki), which means 'illness.' Remember to use 健康 when referring to good health, and 病気 when discussing sickness or disease.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000