Translation and Meaning of: 憲法 - kenpou

The Japanese word 憲法 (けんぽう, kenpō) is a fundamental term for understanding Japan's legal and political structure. If you are studying Japanese or are interested in the country's culture, knowing its meaning, origin, and use is essential. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is perceived in Japan, and some curiosities about its use in everyday life and history.

In addition to being a common word in discussions about laws and rights, 憲法 carries significant cultural weight, especially due to its connection with the Japanese Constitution. Whether for language students or those curious about Japan, understanding this term helps to uncover important aspects of Japanese society. Here at Suki Nihongo, our aim is to provide accurate and useful information for those looking to learn Japanese in a reliable way.

Meaning and importance of 憲法

The word 憲法 (kenpō) literally means "constitution" or "fundamental law". It refers to the set of norms that govern the political organization of a country, defining rights, duties, and the structure of government. In Japan, the term is directly associated with the Constitution of 1947, known for its Article 9, which renounces war as a means of resolving international disputes.

Differently from more everyday words, 憲法 does not appear frequently in informal conversations, but is widely used in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts. Its use reflects the seriousness of the topic, often related to debates about sovereignty, human rights, and political reforms. For those studying Japanese, recognizing this term in news or documents is an important step in understanding more complex discussions.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 憲法 traces back to classical Chinese, where 憲 (ken) means "law" or "norm," while 法 (pō/hō) represents "law" or "method." Together, these kanjis form a compound that emphasizes the idea of a fundamental legislation. It is worth noting that the first kanji, 憲, also appears in words like 憲兵 (kenpei, "military police"), reinforcing its connection to systems of order and regulation.

Interestingly, Japan has had several constitutions throughout its history, but the current one (日本国憲法, Nihonkoku Kenpō) is the only one drafted under foreign occupation after World War II. This historical context means that the word carries not only a legal meaning but also a significant political and cultural weight for the Japanese people.

Uso cultural e atualidade

In contemporary Japan, 憲法 is frequently mentioned in debates about constitutional revisions, especially in discussions about the role of the Self-Defense Forces. Despite being a technical term, its relevance means that it appears in headlines, political speeches, and even educational materials. For students, this means that recognizing it can be useful for both proficiency exams and keeping up with news in Japanese.

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with historical events, such as the promulgation of the Constitution on May 3rd (national holiday in Japan). Another strategy is to practice with real examples, like the phrase 憲法を改正する (kenpō o kaisei suru, "revise the constitution"), common in political discussions. These small details help to solidify not only the vocabulary but also its context of use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 憲章 (Kenchō) - Document that establishes the principles and rules of an organization.
• 憲法書 (Kenpōsho) - Book or text that contains the constitution.
• 憲法文書 (Kenpō bunsho) - Documents related to the constitution.
• 憲法規程 (Kenpō kitei) - Rules or regulations defined by the constitution.
• 憲法条文 (Kenpō jōbun) - Articles or sections of the constitution.
• 憲法上 (Kenpōjō) - Regarding the constitution; according to the constitution.
• 憲法的 (Kenpōteki) - Related to the constitution; concerning the constitution.
• 憲法学 (Kenpōgaku) - Study of the constitution; a discipline related to constitutional law.
• 憲法学者 (Kenpōgakusha) - Researcher or specialist in constitutional law.
• 憲章書 (Kenchōsho) - Official document that contains a letter or agreement.
• 憲章規程 (Kenchōkitei) - Regulations or guidelines established by a charter or agreement.
• 憲章条文 (Kenchōjōbun) - Articles or sections of a letter or agreement.