Meaning and Usage
The verb 暮らす (くらす) means "to live" or "to get along" and is commonly used to describe how people live their daily lives, including where and with whom. It often implies a lifestyle or manner of living rather than just existing.
Common Contexts
暮らす is frequently used when talking about living arrangements, such as living alone (一人暮らし), living with family, or living in a particular place like the countryside or a city.
Collocations and Patterns
- 一人暮らし (ひとりぐらし): living alone; used when someone lives independently.
- のんびり暮らす: to live leisurely; expresses a relaxed lifestyle.
- 仲良く暮らす: to live harmoniously; often used about family or community relationships.
Register and Nuance
暮らす is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. It focuses more on the quality or style of life rather than just the fact of residing somewhere.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 暮らす with 住む (すむ), which also means "to live" or "to reside." The difference is that 住む focuses more on the physical act of residing at a place, while 暮らす emphasizes the lifestyle or daily living experience there.