生業(なりわい)

なりわい
noun
livelihood, occupation, means of living
formalwrittenwork
1. livelihood, occupation, means of living
The work or trade by which a person earns their living. Carries a nuance of traditional or long-established work, often implying a humble or hands-on occupation rather than a corporate job.
農業(のうぎょう)を生業(なりわい)としている。
I make my living through farming.
漁師(りょうし)を生業(なりわい)とする家庭(かてい)で育(そだ)った。
I grew up in a household that made its living from fishing.
先祖(せんぞ)代々(だいだい)、この土地(とち)で米作(こめづく)りを生業(なりわい)としてきた。
For generations, our ancestors have made their living growing rice on this land.

Usage

Used with を～とする (to make something one's livelihood). This word has a somewhat literary or dignified tone and often implies traditional, manual, or artisanal work rather than modern office jobs. It is frequently used in contexts about rural life, traditional crafts, and historical occupations.

Related words

Common patterns

  • ～を生業(なりわい)とする: to make ~ one's livelihood
  • ～を生業(なりわい)にする: to make ~ one's livelihood (slightly more casual)

Common collocations

Related Words

Synonym: 生計(せいけい) (livelihood)
Related: 職業(しょくぎょう) (occupation)
Related: 仕事(しごと) (work, job)
Compare: 本業(ほんぎょう) (main occupation, primary business)
general
Added 2026.2.25 22:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13500/13523_nariwai