Meaning and Usage
"世間" (せけん) refers broadly to "the world" or "society," but it often implies the general public or common social environment rather than the entire planet. It is frequently used to talk about social norms, public opinion, or everyday life among people.
Common Contexts
People use "世間" when discussing how society views certain behaviors or individuals, such as in the phrase "世間の目" (the eyes of society). It also appears in expressions about being inexperienced with social realities, like "世間知らず" (naive about the world).
Collocations and Patterns
- 世間の目: public opinion or social scrutiny
- 世間知らず: naive or inexperienced with society
- 世間話: casual talk about everyday topics
Register and Nuance
"世間" is neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese. It can carry a slightly judgmental tone when referring to social expectations or criticism.
Learner Tip
Be careful not to confuse "世間" with "世界" (せかい), which means the physical world or universe. "世間" focuses more on social aspects and human society.