Translation and Meaning of: 革新 - kakushin

The Japanese word 革新[かくしん] (kakushin) is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and practical applications in daily life. If you are looking to understand its meaning, translation, or how it is used in Japan, this article will explore all of that clearly and directly. Additionally, we will delve into its origin, frequency of use, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

The meaning and translation of 革新[かくしん]

革新[かくしん] (kakushin) can be translated as "innovation" or "reform." The term is composed of the kanji 革 (kawa), which means "leather" but also carries the idea of "radical change," and 新 (shin), which represents "new." Together, they form a powerful concept related to transformation and renewal.

In the business context, 革新 is often used to describe technological innovations or organizational changes. Japanese companies like Toyota and Sony are known for adopting 革新 practices to remain competitive. In everyday life, the word may appear in discussions about education, politics, or even personal projects.

The origin and history of the term

The etymology of 革新 dates back to classical Chinese, where the kanji were already combined with a similar meaning. In Japan, the term gained prominence during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the country underwent rapid social and technological transformations. It was during this time that 革新 began to be associated with progressive change and modernization.

Interestingly, the kanji 革 also appears in words like 革命 (kakumei - revolution), highlighting its connection with deep transformations. Meanwhile, 新 is an extremely common character, found in like 新しい (atarashii - new) and 新聞 (shinbun - newspaper). This combination helps to understand why 革新 carries such a strong connotation of renewal.

How to memorize and use 革新[かくしん]

An effective way to memorize 革新 is to associate its visual components with the meaning. Imagine "peeling (革) something old to reveal something new (新)" - this mental image can help solidify the concept. Another tip is to practice with real sentences, such as "この会社は技術の革新で有名です" (Kono kaisha wa gijutsu no kakushin de yuumei desu - This company is famous for technological innovations).

According to the National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics, 革新 appears moderately often in formal texts, being less common in casual conversations. This does not mean it is a rare word, but rather that it is more present in professional, academic, or journalistic contexts. For Japanese learners, it is worth learning, especially if they are interested in business or technology.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 改革 (Kaikaku) - Reform, significant change in a system.
• 新化 (Shinka) - New transformation, development in a new direction.
• 刷新 (Sasshin) - Renewal, update of something existing.
• 革命 (Kakumei) - Revolution, a radical and rapid change in a system.
• 革新的な (Kakushinteki na) - Innovative, bringing significant innovations.
• 革新性のある (Kakushinsei no aru) - With innovative features, quality of bringing new things.