Translation and Meaning of: 刑 - kei

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 刑[けい]. It appears in legal, historical contexts and even in discussions about Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japan. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing this term and its impact on society.

Understanding 刑[けい] goes beyond simply knowing its translation. This word carries important nuances, especially in formal texts or news. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to explain every detail clearly, so you can use it with confidence. Let's start with its basic definition and then move on to deeper aspects.

Meaning and usage of 刑[けい]

刑[けい] means "punishment" or "penalty" in Japanese. It is a term often associated with the legal system, appearing in words such as 死刑[しけい] (death penalty) or 刑務所[けいむしょ] (prison). Its use is more formal, being common in official documents, news, and discussions about laws.

Unlike words like 罰[ばつ] (which can also mean punishment, but has a more general tone), 刑[けい] has an institutional character. For example, when talking about judicial sentences, the Japanese prefer this term. This specificity is important for those who want to avoid contextual errors when communicating.

Origin and writing of the kanji 刑

The kanji 刑 is composed of two main elements: the radical 刂(りっとう), which represents a knife or cut, and the part 开, which suggests the idea of "opening" or "separating." This combination symbolizes the imposition of a penalty through a trial. The etymology reflects the ancient concept of punishment as something that "cuts" the offender from society.

Interestingly, this kanji is not one of the most frequent in everyday Japanese. According to the Japanese government's Kanji Database, it appears among the 1500 to 2000 most used. This means that, although it is important in certain contexts, it is not essential for everyday conversations. Even so, it is worth knowing if you are interested in law or Japanese culture.

How to memorize 刑[けい]

An effective way to memorize this term is to associate it with compound words you already know. For example, ing 刑事[けいじ] (detective) or 刑罰[けいばつ] (legal punishment) can help you retain the sound けい. Another tip is to create mental connections with the radical 刂, present in other kanjis related to cuts or decisive actions, such as 判[はん] (judgment).

For those who use apps like Anki, it is worthwhile to include sentences such as 彼は刑に服している (He is serving a sentence). This type of real context helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the proper use of the word. : in Japanese, context is everything, and 刑[けい] is no exception.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 罰 (batsu) - Penalty; punishment;
• 制裁 (seisai) - Sanction; punitive measure;
• 懲罰 (chōbatsu) - Punishment; reprimand, generally applied in more formal or legal contexts;