Translation and Meaning of: 創立 - souritsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 創立 (そうりつ, sōritsu). This expression is often used in formal and historical contexts, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what 創立 represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and what its cultural and linguistic particularities are. If you want to better understand this word and how to apply it in sentences, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 創立 (そうりつ)

創立 is a term that means "foundation" or "establishment" and is often used to refer to the creation of organizations, companies, schools, or institutions. Unlike words like 設立 (せつりつ, setsuritsu), which can also mean "foundation," 創立 carries a more solemn and historical tone. For example, when a university celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is common to see the expression 創立100周年 (そうりつ100しゅうねん, sōritsu 100-shūnen), which means "100th anniversary of foundation."

Moreover, 創立 is more commonly used in written and formal contexts, such as official documents, commemorative plaques, or speeches. If you are reading an article about the history of a Japanese company, you are likely to come across this word. However, in everyday conversations, Japanese people may choose simpler , like 始まり (はじまり, hajimari), which means "beginning."

Origin and composition of the kanjis of 創立

The word 創立 is composed of two kanji: 創 (そう, sō), which means "to create" or "to initiate," and 立 (りつ, ritsu), which can be translated as "to raise" or "to establish." Together, they form the idea of "founding something with solidity." The kanji 創 also appears in other words related to creation, such as 創作 (そうさく, sōsaku, "creative work") and 創設 (そうせつ, sōsetsu, "establishment").

It's important to note that 創立 is not an ancient word, but its use refers to a more formal . It is not so common in informal conversations, but it is essential for those who need to read historical documents, news about companies, or academic texts. If you are learning Japanese for business or research, it is worth memorizing.

Tips for memorizing 創立 and avoiding confusions

An effective way to fixate 創立 is to associate it with specific contexts, such as anniversaries of companies or institutions. If you have seen any video or news about the founding of a Japanese brand, like Sony or Toyota, it's likely that this word has appeared. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as "この大学は1920年に創立されました" (This university was founded in 1920).

It's important not to confuse 創立 with similar words, such as 設立 (せつりつ, setsuritsu), which also means "foundation" but is more commonly used in legal or bureaucratic contexts. While 創立 has a more historical and commemorative tone, 設立 is more neutral and technical. Knowing this difference can prevent mistakes in formal texts or specific conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 設立 (Setsuritsu) - Establishment of an organization or institution.
• 創設 (Sousetsu) - Foundation of something new, often associated with the creation of institutions or organizations.
• 創造 (Souzou) - Creation in a broader sense, referring to the production of something original or innovative.
• 創始 (Soushi) - Beginning or origin of something, it usually refers to the act of founding or establishing a new entity.
• 創業 (Sougyou) - Establishment of a business or venture, emphasizing the entrepreneurial aspect of creation.