Translation and Meaning of: 社会 - shakai

The Japanese word 社会 [しゃかい] is essential for anyone who wants to understand not only the language but also the culture and structure of Japan. If you've ever wondered what it means, how to use it, or even what its origin is, this article will explore all of that in a clear and straightforward manner. Here, you will find everything from the basic meaning to curiosities about its use in everyday Japanese life, all based on reliable sources and verified information.

In addition to being a common word in conversations and formal texts, 社会 carries important nuances about how the Japanese view society and their role in it. Whether for Japanese language learners or those curious about the topic, understanding this expression will help to unveil a bit more of the collective thinking of the country. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 社会 [しゃかい]

社会 is a word that can be translated as "society," but its meaning goes beyond that. It refers to the group of people living in a community, with their rules, structures, and interactions. In Japan, this term is often used in contexts involving discussions about work, education, and even individual responsibilities within the group.

An interesting detail is that 社会 does not only refer to the macro sense of "society." It also appears in expressions like 社会人 [しゃかいじん], which means "member of society" or, more colloquially, "a person who is already in the job market." This shows how the term is connected to the idea of active participation in the community, something highly valued in Japanese culture.

Origin and writing of the kanji 社会

The composition of the kanji 社会 is a great starting point to understand its meaning. The first character, 社 [しゃ], is associated with "company" or "shrine," while the second, 会 [かい], means "meeting" or "gathering." Together, they form the idea of an organized group, whether in a religious, corporate, or social context.

It is worth noting that this combination is not exclusive to Japanese. The term originates from classical Chinese but was incorporated into the Japanese vocabulary with a broader meaning. While in Chinese it may have a bias more associated with "associations" or "specific groups," in Japan, 社会 has gained a more comprehensive meaning, representing the entire social structure.

How 社会 is perceived in Japan today

In contemporary Japan, 社会 is a word loaded with cultural significance. It reflects the importance of the collective over the individual, a value deeply rooted in society. When a Japanese person says that someone has "entered society" (社会に出る), they are usually referring to the moment when that person starts working and takes on their responsibilities as an active part of the community.

Additionally, the term often appears in discussions about social issues, such as population aging or changes in the labor market. This shows how 社会 is not just an abstract concept, but something alive and constantly transforming in the daily life of the country. For those studying Japanese, noticing these nuances can make all the difference when it comes to understanding news, articles, or even everyday conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 社交 (shakou) - Social relationship, social interaction.
  • 社会団体 (shakai dantai) - Social organization, a group that works for social causes.
  • 社会的 (shakaiteki) - Regarding society, social aspects.
  • 社会制度 (shakai seido) - Social system, organizational structure of society.
  • 社会科学 (shakai kagaku) - Social sciences, the study of societies and their interactions.
  • 社会福祉 (shakai fukushi) - Social well-being, policies, and practices that promote the health and well-being of society.
  • 社会問題 (shakai mondai) - Social problems, issues that affect society as a whole.

Related words

社会科学

shakaikagaku

Social Sciences

安定

antei

stability; balance

世の中

yononaka

society; the world; the times

封建

houken

feudal

文明

bunmei

civilization; culture

福祉

fukushi

Well-being; well-being.

fuu

seal

同士

doushi

partner; lifemate; comrade

秩序

chitsujyo

order; regularity; system; method

知識

chishiki

knowledge; information

社会

Romaji: shakai
Kana: しゃかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: society; public

Meaning in English: society;public

Definition: A community where people gather and interact with each other.

Quick Access
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- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (社会) shakai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (社会) shakai:

Example Sentences - (社会) shakai

See below some example sentences:

市民は社会の基盤です。

Shimin wa shakai no kiban desu

Citizens are the basis of society.

Citizens are the foundation of society.

  • 市民 - citizens
  • は - Topic particle
  • 社会 - society
  • の - Possession particle
  • 基盤 - base, foundation
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
彼女は社会的な地位を高めるために努力している。

Kanojo wa shakaiteki na chii o takameru tame ni doryoku shite iru

She is trying hard to increase her social standing.

She is working hard to improve her social status.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - She
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 社会的な (shakaitekina) - Social
  • 地位 (chii) - Position
  • を (wo) - Direct object particle
  • 高める (takameru) - increase
  • ために (tameni) - For
  • 努力している (doryoku shiteiru) - You are making an effort.
改悪は社会の悪を増やす。

Kaaku wa shakai no aku o fuyasu

Changes for the worse increase the evil in society.

Deterioration increases the evil of society.

  • 改悪 - means "to worsen" or "to make something bad even worse".
  • は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 社会 - It means "society".
  • の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship.
  • 悪 - means "bad" or "bad thing".
  • を - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 増やす - means "to increase" or "to grow".
文明な社会を目指しましょう。

Bunmei na shakai wo mezashimashou

Let's look for a civil society.

  • 文明な - civilized
  • 社会 - society
  • を - direct object particle
  • 目指しましょう - let's strive to achieve
法学を学ぶことは社会に貢献するために重要です。

Hougaku wo manabu koto wa shakai ni kouken suru tame ni juuyou desu

The apprenticeship law is important to contribute to society.

  • 法学 - study of law
  • 学ぶ - learn
  • こと - thing
  • 社会 - society
  • 貢献 - contribution
  • する - make
  • ために - for
  • 重要 - important
  • です - is
社会人としての責任を果たす。

Shakaijin to shite no sekinin wo hatasu

Take responsibility as a member of society.

  • 社会人 - shakaijin - person of society
  • として - toshite - as, in the capacity of
  • の - Não Possessive particle
  • 責任 - responsibility - responsibility
  • を - wo - direct object particle
  • 果たす - hatasu - fulfill, carry out
秩序を守ることは社会の安定につながる。

Chitsujo wo mamoru koto wa shakai no antei ni tsunagaru

Protecting order leads to social stability.

  • 秩序 (chitsujo) - order, organization
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 守る (mamoru) - protect, maintain
  • こと (koto) - abstract noun, in this case, "the act of"
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 社会 (shakai) - society
  • の (no) - Possession particle
  • 安定 (antei) - stability, security
  • に (ni) - target particle
  • つながる (tsunagaru) - to be connected, to carry
規範を守ることは社会的責任です。

Kihan wo mamoru koto wa shakaiteki sekinin desu

It is a social responsibility to protect the norm.

  • 規範 (kihan) - norm, rule
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 守る (mamoru) - protect, obey
  • こと (koto) - Abstract noun, in this case, "the act of obeying the rules"
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 社会的 (shakaiteki) - Social
  • 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
  • です (desu) - verb "to be", in this case, indicating an affirmation
迷信は現代社会においても存在する。

Meishin wa gendai shakai ni oite mo sonzai suru

Susumbers also exist in modern society.

  • 迷信 (meishin) - superstition
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 現代社会 (gendai shakai) - Modern society
  • においても (ni oite mo) - even in
  • 存在する (sonzai suru) - exist

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

Society