Translation and Meaning of: 司法 - shihou

The Japanese word 司法[しほう] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand the legal system of Japan or study the Japanese language in formal contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorization and cultural curiosities. If you are learning Japanese or have an interest in Japanese law, this content will help you better understand this expression.

司法 is a compound word made up of two kanji: 司 (ister) and 法 (law). Together, they form a fundamental concept in the Japanese legal system. Here, you will discover how this word is used in different contexts, from official documents to everyday discussions about justice. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, offers detailed explanations for those who want to delve deeper into the topic.

Meaning and use of 司法 in Japan

司法 is translated as "judiciary" or "judicial power" and refers to the system of courts responsible for the interpretation and application of laws in Japan. Unlike the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary has the role of ensuring that laws are enforced fairly. This term frequently appears in news, political debates, and educational materials.

In everyday life, Japanese people use 司法 in formal contexts, such as in discussions about judicial reforms or when talking about legal processes. For example, the phrase "司法の独立" (しほうのどくりつ) means "independence of the judiciary," a fundamental principle in Japanese law. Although it is not a word used daily in informal conversations, understanding it is crucial for those studying law or politics in Japan.

Origin and composition of the kanjis 司法

The word 司法 is formed by the kanjis 司 (shi), which means "to ister" or "to control," and 法 (hou), which means "law" or "rule." The kanji 司 appears in other words related to istration, such as 司令 (しれい, command) and 司会 (しかい, ). Meanwhile, the kanji 法 is widely used in legal , such as 法律 (ほうりつ, legislation) and 法学 (ほうがく, legal science).

This combination reflects the function of the judiciary: to ister the law. The origin of the term dates back to the Meiji period, when Japan modernized its legal system with Western influences. Before that, the concept of an independent judiciary did not exist in the same way. Today, 司法 is a central pillar of Japanese democracy, ensuring that laws are applied without political interference.

How to memorize and use 司法 correctly

An effective way to memorize 司法 is to associate its kanjis with familiar images or concepts. For example, think of 司 as an "" holding a book of laws (法). Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like "司法制度" (しほうせいど, judicial system) to practice usage in context. Repeating the reading aloud also helps to fix the pronunciation "shihou".

It is important to note that 司法 should not be confused with like 行政 (ぎょうせい, public istration) or 立法 (りっぽう, legislative). While 司法 specifically refers to the judiciary, the other pertain to the other branches of government. Using the word correctly demonstrates advanced knowledge of the language and the Japanese political system.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 裁判 (Saiban) - Trial, judicial process
• 法廷 (Houtei) - Courtroom, the place where trials take place
• 法律 (Houritsu) - Law, set of regulatory norms
• 司法制度 (Shihou Seido) - Judicial system, structure of the judiciary
• 法務 (Houmu) - Legal matters, legal services