ikigai

American  

[ee-kee-gahy] / ˌi kiˈgaɪ /

noun

1. one’s reason for being, which in principle is the convergence of one’s personal passions, beliefs, values, and vocation: those who follow the concept of ikigai undertake the activities of their life with willingness and a satisfying sense of meaning.

   The Amish may know nothing of ikigai or its roots in Japanese culture, but in many respects they adhere to its principle as a matter of tradition and routine.

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Etymology

Origin of ikigai

First recorded in 1970–75; from Japanese: literally, “value of being alive,” equivalent to iki “life, living, being alive,” from ikiru “to live” + -gai, combining form of kai “worth, value, benefit,” nominalized stem of kau “to buy”

Example Sentences

For Kumano, ikigai has to do with devoting oneself to goals and activities that are aligned with one’s values.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

He explains that while shiawase is a state of contentment or happiness and freedom from worry, ikigai deals more with what makes life meaningful.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Solving for why doesn't mean magically finding that ikigai center and swan-diving right into it.

From Fox News • Jan. 25, 2022

Shrime: In my book I discuss ikigai, the idea that we thrive at the intersection of four questions: What am I good at?

From Fox News • Jan. 25, 2022