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.
処世術を身につける。
To acquire the art of getting along in the world.
彼女は処世がうまい人だ。
She is a person who is good at navigating social life.
父はよく処世訓として「敵を作るな」と言っていた。
My father often used to say 'don't make enemies' as his advice for getting along in the world.
Composed of 処 (deal with, manage) + 世 (the world, society). Most commonly encountered in the compound 処世術 (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:
- 処世術: art of worldly wisdom, social skills
- 処世訓: maxim for living, life advice
- 処世がうまい: good at social navigation
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 世渡り: getting by in life — a more everyday term for the same concept
- 社交術: social skills — specifically about interpersonal communication
- 人付き合い: social relations — dealings with other people in general