世 Kanji – generation
The Japanese kanji 世 can mean generation, world, society, public.
Meaning and Readings
How is 世 read?
世 has the onyomi readings セイ, セ, ソウ and the kunyomi reading よ.
In romaji, these readings can be written as sei, se, sou, yo.
Common Japanese Words Using 世
These common Japanese words contain 世. Select linked kanji to explore their meanings and readings.
- お世辞（おせじ） — flattery, compliment
- お世話になる（おせわになる） — to receive favor, to receive assistance, to receive help, to be looked after, to be taken care of, to become dependent (on), to become much obliged (to someone), to become indebted
- 救世軍（きゅうせいぐん） — Salvation Army
- 救世主（きゅうせいしゅ） — saviour, savior, messiah
- 近世（きんせい） — recent past, recent times
- 後世（こうせい） — posterity, future generations, future life
- 出世（しゅっせ） — success in life, getting ahead, successful career, promotion, climbing the corporate ladder, eminence
- 世の中（よのなか） — society, the world, the times
- 世界（せかい） — the world, society, the universe
- 世界一（せかいいち） — best in the world