Translation and Meaning of: 補償 - hoshou

The Japanese word 「補償」, read as "hoshou", plays an important role in the legal and economic context, referring to the concept of compensation. The word is composed of two kanji characters: 「補」 (ho) and 「償」 (shou). Each kanji adds significant layers to the understanding of this complex term. The first kanji, 「補」, means "supplement" or "to compensate", while 「償」 indicates "to repair" or "compensation". Together, they form the idea of providing restitution or compensation for losses or damages.

In the etymology of 「補償」, the character 「補」 has the main radical "衣" (ころも, koromo), meaning clothing, which originally denotes the act of repairing old clothes. The character 「償」 is built on the radical "人" (ひと, hito), which represents the concept of compensation within the human or personal context. The term is often used in discussions about insurance, legal agreements, and any situation where there is a need to reimburse or compensate someone for a loss or damage suffered.

Although 「補償」 is widely used in economic and legal contexts, it's interesting to note that it also has variations that are part of everyday Japanese vocabulary. For example, in employment matters, where compensation for overtime or dismissal is discussed, the term appears frequently. The concept of hoshou reflects an essentially balanced idea of justice and equity, where losses are compensated in an adequate and proportional manner.

Moreover, the cultural and historical impact of the term is significant. During periods of economic transition in Japan, such as in the post-war era or during the more recent financial crises, the need for 「補償」 became a central theme in legal and economic debates. This not only helped shape the perception of the word but also guided public policies and judicial decisions that affected generations. Therefore, understanding 「補償」 is to understand a small part of the complex historical and cultural tapestry of modern Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 補填 (Hoten) - Refund or compensation.
• 補償金 (Hosho-kin) - Amount paid as compensation.
• 賠償 (Baishou) - Compensation, often in legal contexts.
• 償い (Tsugunai) - Reparation or compensation, often in a moral sense.
• 償う (Tsugunau) - Repair or compensate, mainly used as a verb.
• 補償する (Hosho suru) - Action of compensating or reimbursing.
• 補償額 (Hosho-gaku) - Total amount of compensation to be paid.
• 補償制度 (Hosho seido) - Compensation system established.
• 補償対象 (Hosho taisho) - Object or event that is eligible for compensation.
• 補償範囲 (Hosho han'i) - Scope or breadth of compensation.
• 補償保険 (Hosho hoken) - Compensation insurance.
• 補償措置 (Hosho sochi) - Compensation measures.
• 補償責任 (Hosho sekinin) - Compensation responsibility.
• 補償条件 (Hosho jouken) - Conditions for compensation.
• 補償掛け金 (Hosho kake-kin) - Award paid to obtain compensation.
• 補償掛金 (Hosho kakekin) - Alternative to the above term, similar in meaning.
• 補償掛け率 (Hosho kake-ritsu) - Compensation rate applied.
• 補償掛率 (Hosho kakeritsu) - Alternative to the previous term, with the equivalent meaning.
• 補償掛け算 (Hosho kakezan) - Mathematical operation related to determining compensation.
• 補償掛算 (Hosho kakesan) - Alternative version of the above term.
• 補償掛金額 (Hosho kake-kingaku) - Amount of the compensation prize.
• 補償掛け金 (Hosho kake-kin) - Repeated, therefore omitted.