Fiveable
Fiveable

Mono no Aware

Definition

Mono no aware is a Japanese term that refers to the bittersweet awareness of the impermanence and transient nature of life. It captures the feeling of appreciating beauty while also acknowledging its fleeting existence.

Related terms

Wabi-sabi: This term refers to finding beauty in imperfection and embracing the natural cycle of growth, decay, and renewal.

Sakura: Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, symbolizing both beauty and transience.

Tsundoku: Tsundoku describes the habit of buying books but not reading them, highlighting our desire to hold onto things even if we don't fully experience or appreciate them.

"Mono no Aware" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP Japanese - 5.2 Global Challenges

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.