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

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

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

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