Meaning and Usage
"世界" (せかい) means "world" and is used to refer to the Earth, the global community, or a particular sphere of experience or interest. It is a common noun appearing in everyday conversation, media, and literature.
Common Collocations
- 世界中 (せかいじゅう): "all over the world" or "throughout the world"; used when talking about something happening globally.
- 世界遺産 (せかいいさん): "World Heritage"; refers to culturally or naturally significant sites recognized internationally.
- 世界平和 (せかいへいわ): "world peace"; a common phrase in discussions about global harmony.
Usage Notes
When using "世界," speakers often imply a broad or global perspective. It can be used literally for the physical world or metaphorically for a particular domain (e.g., "子供の世界" meaning "children's world").
Learners sometimes confuse "世界" with "世間" (せけん), which means "society" or "public" and has a more social nuance. Remember that "世界" is broader and more global in scope.
Register
"世界" is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in news, education, and everyday speech.