The Meaning of ikasu [生かす] In Japanese

生かす
いかす
Romaji: ikasu N4

What does 生かす mean?

Translation and Meaning

keep alive, utilize, bring to life, make use of

Definition

What does 生かす mean? It means to keep alive or to make the most of something. In use, it denotes sustaining life or applying a resource, skill, or opportunity effectively to produce a desired result.

Type

Verb (transitive) (動詞, 他動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • keep alive or sustain life
  • make use of a resource, skill, or experience effectively
  • bring something to life or revitalize it
  • capitalize on an advantage or opportunity

Etymology

生 ikasu combines 生 (life) with a postfix reading かす to form a verb that conveys enabling life or applying vitality.

Composition

  • 生 — life, living
  • かす — kana suffix indicating causing or bringing about; attaches to 生 to form the transitive verb

Usage

Used across registers with wide applicability; common collocations include 命を生かす, 経験を生かす, 資源を生かす.
💡 Tips
Think of a life on switch: 生 denotes life; adding かす turns life into action—to keep it going or to make use of it.

Variations

  • 活かす, ikasu, to utilize
  • 活用する, katsuyō suru, to leverage, to apply actively
  • 利用する, riyō suru, to use
生かす