Meaning and Usage
「健在」(けんざい) is a formal or literary expression used to indicate that someone is in good health or still alive and well, especially when referring to elderly people or someone who might have been ill. It often conveys respect and relief.
Common Contexts
You will often see 「健在」 used in news reports, obituaries, or polite conversations when confirming someone's health status. It is less common in casual speech.
Collocations and Patterns
- 「健在だ」: to be in good health
- 「健在である」: formal equivalent
- 「まだ健在」: still healthy/alive
Nuances
Using 「健在」 implies that the person has maintained their health despite age or previous illness. It is a positive and respectful term.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 「健在」 with casual expressions like 「元気」. 「元気」 is more casual and used in everyday conversation, while 「健在」 is more formal and often written.
Use 「健在」 when you want to sound polite or formal, especially in writing or formal speech.