Translation and Meaning of: 偏見 - henken

The Japanese word 「偏見」 (henken) is composed of two 「漢字」 (kanji). The first, 「偏」 (hen), means "inclination" or "partiality". This character is often used to describe something that is not balanced or fair. The second kanji, 「見」 (ken), refers to "view" or "opinion". Together, these two parts form the idea of a skewed view or a biased opinion, which is precisely the definition of "prejudice" or "partiality".

The concept of 「偏見」 (henken) is closely linked to the way perceptions and opinions are formed without a fair analysis or a solid factual basis. This often results in judgments and attitudes based on stereotypes or misinformation. The term is widely used in modern society to describe not only interpersonal prejudices but also those systemic ones that affect entire groups of people.

Although the origin of the word is purely linguistic, its application transcends words and involves cultural and social attitudes. The use of 「偏見」 (henken) in everyday conversations in Japan can vary, ranging from discussions about social and cultural trends to academic contexts, where it is used to analyze power structures and social injustices. Recognizing the presence of 「偏見」 is a crucial step towards fostering a deeper and more balanced understanding of complex situations.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 偏見 (henken) - Prejudice, an opinion formed without sufficient knowledge; a wrong judgment about something.
• 偏狭 (henkyou) - Prejudice emphasizes a narrow or limited view, a lack of openness to new ideas.
• 偏執 (henjitsu) - Obstinate refers to a belief or attitude that is held in an irrational manner.
• 偏見する (henken suru) - Acting with prejudice, judging or treating someone unfairly based on preconceived opinions.
• 先入観 (seniukan) - Prejudice, an idea or opinion formed beforehand that influences the perception of something or someone, similar to prejudice but with a focus on prior expectation.