Translation and Meaning of: 報ずる - houzuru

The Japanese word 「報ずる」 (houzuru) is often translated as "to report" or "to inform." This word is composed of two kanji characters: 「報」 and 「ずる」. The first kanji, 「報」 (hou), means "report," "information," or "to announce." This kanji is a combination of the radicals for "word" and "happy," which together can be interpreted as "to announce good news" or "to communicate information." The part 「ずる」 (zuru) is a less commonly used form of the verb "suru," which means "to do." Therefore, 「報ずる」 essentially carries the meaning of "to make a report" or "to perform the act of informing."

The use of 「報ずる」 is typical in more formal and literary contexts. In everyday situations, other conjugated forms of the verb such as 「報告する」 (houkoku suru) are more common. The form 「報ずる」 is frequently seen in newspapers, academic texts, and other places where formality is necessary. It is a linguistic choice that communicates a sense of seriousness and precision, often chosen in contexts where the integrity of information is critical.

The origin of the expression dates back to the period when Japan was modernizing and beginning to develop more structured communication systems. With the introduction of more refined means of communication, such as radio and newspapers, the need for a term that accurately expressed the act of reporting information formally became evident. Thus, 「報ずる」 established itself as part of the formal vocabulary of Japanese, symbolizing the evolution of the act of sharing information in more institutionalized forms and establishing its position in the formal lexicon of the Japanese language.

In addition to its use in formal contexts, the word also appears in other symbolic or qualifying expressions within the Japanese language. For example, 「情報を報ずる」 (jouhou o houzuru) is used when providing specific information, often in the context of media or political decision-making. This act of relaying information highlights the importance of the verb in the communication network of Japanese society, emphasizing its essential function for transparency and exchange of knowledge.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 告げる (tsugeru) - Announce, formally inform something.
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - Transmit information or feelings; it may involve communicating a message.
• 知らせる (shiraseru) - To make known, to inform; emphasizes the act of alerting someone about something.
• 発表する (happyou suru) - Make a formal presentation or announcement of news or results.
• 宣言する (sengen suru) - Declare officially; used in more formal or political contexts.