世界|せかいsekai[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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- nounthe world; society; the universe
- nounsphere; circle; world
- no-adjectiveworld-renowned; world-famous
- noun, Buddhismrealm governed by one Buddha; spaceoriginal meaning
- Synonym地球ちきゅうNeutralThe planet Earth, viewed as a celestial body or in environmental contexts, as in 「地球温暖化」; 「世界」 centers on human society and nations.
- Synonym社会しゃかいNeutralSociety as formed by people, as in 「社会に出る」, with the focus on human relations and institutions.
- SynonymワールドCasualA colloquial loanword used mostly in compounds such as 「ワールドカップ」; it rarely stands alone.
- Related界かいWrittenBasically means a border or dividing line, unlike 「世界」; in formal writing, when written 「界」 it can refer to a sphere or domain.
Default to 「世界」. Use 「地球」 for the planet, 「社会」 for human society, 「ワールド」 mainly in compounds, and 「境」 for boundaries.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only


