諦観(ていかん)

ていかん
noun
resignation
formalliterarycognitionemotion
1. resignation
acceptance of circumstances; calm resignation; a detached perspective that comes from accepting reality
諦観(ていかん)の境地(きょうち)に達(たっ)する。
To reach a state of serene resignation.
彼(かれ)は諦観(ていかん)をもって人生(じんせい)を見(み)ている。
He views life with calm acceptance.
年(とし)を重(かさ)ねるにつれて諦観(ていかん)の念(ねん)が生(う)まれてきた。
As I've grown older, a sense of serene acceptance has emerged.

Usage

  • Not passive defeat, but rather enlightened acceptance
  • Suggests understanding the nature of things and letting go of attachment
  • Can be positive (wisdom) or negative (giving up), depending on context

Etymology

In Buddhist usage 諦(てい) means "truth" (as in the Four Noble Truths), and 諦観(ていかん) first meant seeing the truth of things clearly. The modern sense of calm resignation draws on the native verb 諦(あきら)める.

Common collocations

Related words

  • 諦(あきら)め: Giving up, resignation (more everyday)
  • 達観(たっかん): Philosophical detachment (similar, more positive)
  • 観念(かんねん): Acceptance, concept (broader meaning)

Forms

  • 諦観(ていかん)する is possible but rare; often used as a noun

Register

Formal to literary; at home in essays and criticism.

Related Words

Synonym: 諦(あきら)め (giving up (everyday))
Related: 観念(かんねん) (Acceptance, concept)
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Added 2026.1.21 20:33 · Revised 2026.10.12 4:54
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