Translation and Meaning of: 保健 - hoken

The word 「保健」 (hoken) in Japanese refers to health care, health preservation, or preventive measures related to physical and mental well-being. This word is widely used in the context of health systems, insurance, and medical services. 「保健」 is composed of two kanji: 「保」 (ho), which means to protect, preserve, or guarantee, and 「健」 (ken), which denotes health or well-being.

Exploring etymology, the kanji 「保」 is often associated with the idea of protection and safeguarding. This ideogram combines the radicals of person and tree, symbolizing protection and preservation, while 「健」 combines the radicals of person and robust health, conveying the meaning of vigor and well-being. Thus, the combination of the two characters expresses the idea of health protection.

Historically, the term 「保健」 gained relevance in Japan during the Meiji period, when the government began to implement a more structured public health system. This included preventive measures and the provision of accessible medical services to the population. In this context, the word 「保健」 began to take on a central role in the daily lives of citizens, becoming synonymous with programs and policies aimed at health care.

Application and Variations

• 「健康保険」 (kenkou hoken): health insurance, representing the financial and istrative side of the term.
• 「保健所」 (hokensho): health center, referring to facilities where preventive and health services are provided.
• 「学校保健」 (gakkou hoken): school health, a set of practices designed to protect and promote the well-being of students.

In general, the word 「保健」 plays a crucial role in Japanese society, reflecting the cultural commitment to the promotion and protection of health. Today, in addition to its use in public policies and insurance programs, it is incorporated into educational services to ensure that the population has access to the information and resources necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 健康 (Kenkou) - health
• 衛生 (Eisei) - Hygiene, Public health
• 医療 (Iryou) - Medical care
• 健全 (Kenzen) - Healthy, Sound
• 健康管理 (Kenkou Kanri) - Health management
• 保健医療 (Hoken Iryou) - Preventive medical care
• 保健衛生 (Hoken Eisei) - Preventive public health
• 保健所 (Hokensho) - Public Health Institute
• 保健室 (Hokenshitsu) - Health room (in schools)
• 保健師 (Hokenshi) - Specialized nurse in public health
• 保健センター (Hoken Sentaa) - Health center
• 保健省 (Hokenshou) - Ministry of Health
• 保健省庁 (Hokenshouchou) - Government organization related to health
• 保健省庁医療局 (Hokenshouchou Iryoukyoku) - Department of Medical Care of the Ministry
• 保健省庁衛生局 (Hokenshouchou Eiseikyoku) - Department of hygiene of the ministry
• 保健省庁保健局 (Hokenshouchou Hokenkyoku) - Department of Health of the Ministry
• 保健省庁医政局 (Hokenshouchou Iseikyoku) - Department of medical policy
• 保健省庁医務局 (Hokenshouchou Imukyoku) - Medical Services Department
• 保健省庁医療政策局 (Hokenshouchou Iryou Seisaku Kyoku) - Department of Health Policies
• 保健省庁医療経済局 (Hokenshouchou Iryou Keizai Kyoku) - Economic Department of Medical Care
• 保健省庁医療安全局 (Hokenshouchou Iryou Anzen Kyoku) - Department of Security in Medical Care