ikigai

Where does the word "ikigai" come from? It comes from Japanese ikigai, and was adopted directly into English (2010s).

Ikigai’s story begins in Japanese: ikigai meant “a reason for being; what makes life worthwhile.” Combining 'iki' (life) and 'kai' (worth/effect), naming one's sense of purpose. It reached English by 2010s as ikigai. Popularized by self-help and wellness writers seeking a Japanese framework for purpose. Today, ikigai means a Japanese concept describing one's sense of purpose or reason for living.

1. Stage 1 · Japanese · 20th century ikigai "a reason for being; what makes life worthwhile", combining 'iki' (life) and 'kai' (worth/effect), naming one's sense of purpose.
2. Stage 2 · English · 2010s ikigai "a personal sense of purpose that gives life meaning", popularized by self-help and wellness writers seeking a Japanese framework for purpose.