Meaning

Primary

Fresh

Alternatives

Raw, Live

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

Normally a single kanji alone like this would mean the same thing as its parent kanji, but in the case of it's a little different (but still related). When you think of something that has life, it's fresh or raw. Think sashimi or sushi, for example. You want that to be as close as possible to life as you can, so you eat it when it's fresh and raw. This word can also be used to describe a live event, like a concert or sporting event.

You'll see this word at the beginning of other words. For example, 生たまご is "raw egg."

Reading

なま
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This uses one of the kun'yomi readings. Here's a mnemonic to help you remember it:

After eating raw fish, my yoga teacher and I say namaste (なま) to the sushi chef, bowing low to show our appreciation.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 生できく

    to listen to live music

    生であじわう

    to taste raw food, to enjoy music live

    生でたべる

    to eat raw

Context Sentences

生ビール、一つ下さい。

One draft beer, please.

生のパプリカは、おいしいですか?

Are raw peppers tasty?

おばあちゃんはビートルズを生でみたことがある。

Grandma has seen The Beatles in person.

Kanji Composition