ikigai
いきがい
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates roughly to "a reason for being" or "a reason to get up in the morning." It is the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, representing the sense of fulfillment and purpose that makes life worth living. In practice, ikigai does not always have to be grand or career-focused; it can be as simple as tending to a garden, spending time with family, or perfecting a craft. It is used to describe the source of one's motivation and the underlying joy that keeps a person balanced and resilient through daily challenges.
In conversation
Discussing life goals
I've been feeling a bit lost lately. Do you ever think about your ikigai?
I've been feeling a bit lost lately. Do you ever think about your ikigai?
Honestly? My ikigai is just my morning coffee and walking the dog.
Honestly? My ikigai is just my morning coffee and walking the dog.
Shows that ikigai can be found in small, everyday routines.
Career planning
We want everyone here to feel like their work is their ikigai.
We want everyone here to feel like their work is their ikigai.
That's a nice sentiment, but my ikigai is actually my pottery studio.
That's a nice sentiment, but my ikigai is actually my pottery studio.
Highlights the distinction between professional tasks and personal passion.
Examples
Gardening is my ikigai.
がーでにんぐはわたしのいきがいです。
Gardening is my ikigai.
Finding your ikigai can lead to a more balanced life.
いきがいをみつけることは、よりバランスのとれたせいかつにつながります。
Finding your ikigai can lead to a more balanced life.
Many people search for their ikigai to overcome a sense of aimlessness.
おおくのひとは、むもくひょうなかんじをのりこえるために、じぶんのいきがいをさがします。
Many people search for their ikigai to overcome a sense of aimlessness.
