処世(しょせい)

しょせい
noun
getting along in the world; social survival
formalsociety
1. getting along in the world; social survival; navigating life in society
The art or skill of living successfully in society, dealing with people, and navigating social situations. Often implies practical wisdom about human relationships.
処世(しょせい)術(じゅつ)を身(み)につける。
To acquire the art of getting along in the world.
彼女(かのじょ)は処世(しょせい)がうまい人(ひと)だ。
She is a person who is good at navigating social life.
父(ちち)はよく処世(しょせい)訓(くん)として「敵(てき)を作(つく)るな」と言(い)っていた。
My father often used to say 'don't make enemies' as his advice for getting along in the world.

Composed of 処(しょ) (deal with, manage) + 世(せい) (the world, society). Most commonly encountered in the compound 処世(しょせい)術(じゅつ) (the art of getting along in the world). The concept emphasizes practical social wisdom — knowing how to deal with people, when to compromise, and how to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Common collocations

  • 処世(しょせい)術(じゅつ): art of worldly wisdom, social skills
  • 処世(しょせい)訓(くん): maxim for living, life advice
  • 処世(しょせい)がうまい: good at social navigation

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 世渡(よわた)り (getting by in life)
Compare: 人付(ひとづ)き合(あ)い (social relations)
Compare: 世故(せこ) (worldly wisdom)
general
Added 2026.4.7 2:31 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
22500/22542_shosei