Translation and Meaning of: 棄権 - kiken

The Japanese word 棄権[きけん] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances in both language and Japanese culture. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about specific , understanding the meaning, usage, and context of this expression can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore what 棄権 means, how it is written, and in which situations it is most commonly encountered.

Furthermore, we will see how this word is perceived in Japan, from its formal use to possible cultural associations. If you have come across 棄権 in texts, news, or conversations, this guide will help clarify doubts and provide relevant information for students and enthusiasts of the language.

Meaning and translation of 棄権

棄権 [きけん] is a term that means "abandonment" or "renunciation of a right." It is often used in formal contexts, such as in elections, sports competitions, or situations where someone decides to give up something to which they had a right. For example, when a candidate does not show up to vote or an athlete withdraws from a race, one can say that they 棄権した (kiken shita – "renounced").

The closest translation in Portuguese would be "abstention" or "withdrawal," depending on the context. However, it is important to note that 棄権 has a more formal tone and is less used in everyday conversations. Its usage is more related to documents, news, and institutional situations, which reinforces its technical nature.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 棄権 is composed of two kanji: 棄 (ki), which means "to discard" or "to abandon," and 権 (ken), which refers to "right" or "power." Together, they form the idea of "waiving a right." This combination makes sense and helps to understand why the term is used in legal and istrative contexts.

It is worth noting that 権 also appears in other words related to rights, such as 人権 (jinken – "human rights") and 権利 (kenri – "legal rights"). This illustrates how the kanji is connected to concepts of authority and prerogatives, reinforcing the meaning of 棄権 as a deliberate action of relinquishing something that, theoretically, belonged to the person.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 棄権 is a word associated with specific situations, such as political elections or sports competitions. In voting, for example, the rate of 棄権 (abstention) is a figure frequently discussed in the media, as it reflects the population's engagement with democracy. This constant use in news reports makes the term recognizable, even if it is not part of everyday vocabulary.

Additionally, in sports events, such as judo or baseball, it is common for athletes to declare 棄権 due to injuries or other reasons. In these cases, the word has a more practical connotation, indicating that the person will not be able to continue in the competition. This aspect reinforces the idea that 棄権 is related to formal and public decisions, rather than casual withdrawals.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to the meaning of 棄権 is to associate it with situations where someone waives a right. Think of concrete examples, such as an election where many people do not vote or a tournament where a competitor withdraws. This contextualization helps to firmly establish the term in your memory.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 権 (ken), present in words like 権利 (rights) and 権力 (power). Recognizing this connection makes it easier to understand that 棄権 is related to an action involving formal rights. Over time, the correct usage of the word becomes more natural, especially in texts or discussions about institutional topics.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 不参 (Fusan) - Not participate (usually used in formal contexts)
• 投票をしない (Tōhyō o shinai) - Do not vote (referring to the act of voting)
• 参加しない (Sankashinai) - Not participating (more general and can apply to various contexts)
• 選挙権を放棄する (Senkyoken o hōki suru) - Waiving the right to vote