Translation and Meaning of: 掲示 - keiji

The Japanese word 掲示 (けいじ, keiji) is a common term in daily life in Japan, especially in public and institutional settings. If you have visited the country or studied Japanese, you have probably come across it in notices, information boards, or even in apps. But what exactly does 掲示 mean and how is it used in the Japanese language? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as interesting facts about its cultural use.

Meaning and usage of 掲示

掲示 is a noun that means "notice," "announcement," or "public communication." It is often used to refer to information displayed in visible locations, such as school bulletin boards, train stations, or company boards. The word carries a sense of formal dissemination, often related to rules, guidelines, or important news.

A classic example is the term 掲示板 (けいじばん, keijiban), which means "bulletin board." This type of structure is common in various places, from universities to commercial establishments. The word also appears in digital contexts, such as online forums, where 掲示板 refers to a space for public postings.

Origin and composition of kanji

The writing of 掲示 consists of two kanjis: 掲 (kei) and 示 (ji). The first, 掲, means "to display" or "to show," while 示 represents "to indicate" or "to demonstrate." Together, they convey the idea of "displaying information publicly." This combination effectively reflects the purpose of the word, which is related to visual and accessible communication.

It is worth noting that 示 is a fundamental kanji in Japanese, appearing in other words such as 表示 (ひょうじ, hyōji – "display") and 指示 (しじ, shiji – "instruction"). This relationship helps to understand how 掲示 fits into a larger group of related to the transmission of information.

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, the culture of organized communication makes 掲示 a very common word in daily life. Schools, companies, and government agencies rely heavily on written notices to convey information, making this term essential for those who wish to integrate into the local environment.

Furthermore, the word is often used in formal contexts but also appears in everyday situations, such as in store notices or condominium announcements. Its use is so widespread that even foreigners with a basic knowledge of Japanese quickly recognize it on signs and documents.

Tips for memorizing 掲示

An effective way to 掲示 is to associate it with practical situations. For example, when seeing a bulletin board, visualize the word 掲示板 and repeat it aloud. Another strategy is to create flashcards with example sentences, such as "駅の掲示を見る" (えきのけいじをみる, "to look at the station notice").

In addition, ing the composition of kanjis can be helpful. For example, 掲 has the radical for "hand" (扌), imagine someone putting up a notice on a board. Similarly, 示, which resembles an altar, can be associated with the idea of "showing something important." These visual connections make long-term memorization easier.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 告示 (Kokuji) - Announcement or official notification, usually from an authority.
• ポスター (Posutā) - Poster, used to promote events or specific information.
• 看板 (Kanban) - Sign or signage, often used to indicate information in a specific location.
• 広告 (Kōkoku) - Advertising, used to promote products or services commercially.
• アナウンスメント (Anaunsumento) - Announcement, usually used in formal contexts or events to inform the public.