Japanese mini lesson: All about “...活” Words
Where everything becomes a personal project
Today, let’s learn about “...活” words - where everything from job hunting to morning routines become a personal project with purpose.
Ever feel like your life is full of little missions? Finding a job, getting in shape, learning a new language, or just trying to wake up earlier?
In Japanese, there’s a linguistic trend that turns all these efforts into something more focused, more intentional, even kind of empowering.
It All Started with 就活 (shuukatsu)
In 1999, the word 就活（しゅうかつ shuukatsu）- short for 就職活動（しゅうしょくかつどう shuushoku katsudoo), or “job hunting” - appeared in a Japanese newspaper for the first time.
At the time, finding a job was extremely difficult. Young people, facing an uncertain future, began using this shortened, catchier version to lighten the mood and stay optimistic.
And so began a trend: turning serious, often stressful life events to manageable, mission-like “activities” with a single suffix - “活 (かつ katsu),” meaning “activity.”
From Job Hunting to Life Planning
After 就活, a wave of other “...活” terms followed, many tied to major life milestones:
💍 婚活（こんかつ konkatsu）: looking for a marriage partner
👶 妊活（にんかつ ninkatsu）: trying to conceive a baby
🏫 保活（ほかつ hokatsu）: finding daycare for your child
🧘 終活（しゅうかつ shuukatsu）: preparing for the end of life (writing wills, organizing belongings, etc.)
You might notice these are serious topics. But using “...活” makes them sound less overwhelming, even a bit positive in meaning.
The Rise of Everyday 活
In recent years, “...活” has become even more casual and creative, branching into lifestyle and hobbies:
🎤 推し活（おしかつ oshikatsu）: supporting your favorite idol, artist, and character
🌅 朝活（あさかつ asakatsu）: making the most of your early mornings (studying, exercising, or planning your day)
💤 眠活（みんかつ minkatsu）: working or improving your sleep
🥬 腸活（ちょうかつ chookatsu）: taking care of your gut health
You can add “活” to almost anything and turn it into a mission. It makes things feel more intentional, and even kind of fun! It can also help you find like-minded people. Your “...活” might connect you to a whole community.
So, What’s your current “...活”?
What are you working on these days? Trying to learn Japanese? Starting a new routine? Exploring something new?
📩If learning Japanese is your next “...活,” we’d love to support you!
Get in touch to start your lessons! We’ll support your mission by finding the right teacher, the right pace, and a plan that fits your goals.
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