Translation and Meaning of: 法案 - houan

The word 「法案」 (houan) in the Japanese language is composed of two kanji: 「法」 and 「案」. The first kanji, 「法」, is read as "hou" and can be translated as "law" or "rule". This kanji is also found in other words related to law and justice, such as 「法律」 (houritsu), which means "legislation". The second kanji, 「案」, is read as "an" and means "project" or "scheme". When these characters combine, they form the word 「法案」, which is generally translated as "bill" or "legislative proposal".

The etymology of 「法案」 is deeply rooted in the history of the Japanese legislative system. The kanji 「法」 originates from a combination of two radicals that symbolize a "water" symbol and "to walk," suggesting the concept of keeping something unchanged. On the other hand, 「案」 features the radical of "wood" and "table," suggesting an idea of plans or schemes laid out on a flat surface. Together, they form an expression that encapsulates the idea of a systematically planned or proposed law.

In the context of government and politics, "法案" typically refers to formal documents that are proposed for discussion and approval in legislative bodies, such as the National Diet of Japan. Upon being introduced, a "法案" undergoes a rigorous process of scrutiny and discussion before being approved and coming into effect as law. This process includes multiple stages, such as review committees and parliamentary debates, where the effectiveness and necessity of the proposal are carefully evaluated.

In the international context, the term 「法案」 is analogous to the term "bill" in English, which is an essential component of the legislative process in many countries. Although 「法案」 generally denotes a formalized proposal, the word can also be used in more informal contexts to describe any idea or plan that requires structure and regulation. With increasing globalization and cultural exchange, understanding concepts like 「法案」 becomes crucial for navigating the complex legal and political interactions worldwide.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 法律案 (houritsuan) - Draft law
• 法律草案 (houritsusaan) - Draft of a bill
• 法案草稿 (houansoukaku) - Draft bill