Translation and Meaning of: 物議 - butsugi

The Japanese word 「物議」 (butsugi) is composed of two kanji characters: 「物」 and 「議」. In the kanji 「物」 (butsu), we find the literal meaning of "thing" or "object". This character is often associated with nouns that indicate concrete or tangible things. On the other hand, the kanji 「議」 (gi) carries the sense of "discussion", "debate", or "opinion". This kanji is widely used in contexts related to conversations, debates, or deliberations. Together, they form the idea of a discussion or debate about a subject.

「物議」 is used to describe a situation that provokes controversy, discussion, and heated debate among people. It is often employed in contexts involving sensitive or controversial topics that divide opinions and generate intense conversations in society. The combination of the meanings of the kanjis perfectly reflects this characteristic: a "thing" that is being "discussed" intensely.

This expression has its roots in historical contexts of Japan, where public discussion and debate were common practices in bars and squares in ancient times. 「物議」 has evolved to incorporate modernity, encoming everything from debates in digital media to political and social discussions on online platforms. The usage of the word has never lost its central value of representing the heat of debate and the impact that certain topics can have on public opinion.

Furthermore, several words in Japanese use the kanji 「議」 to convey concepts related to discussion and deliberation, such as 「会議」 (kaigi), which means "conference" or "meeting," and 「議論」 (giron), which means "discussion" or "argument." All these share the idea of exchanging opinions, which is central to Japanese communicative culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 論議 (Rongi) - Discussion or debate
• 論争 (Ronsou) - Controversy or dispute
• 論点 (Ronten) - Discussion point or argument
• 論点設定 (Ronten settei) - Establishment of discussion points
• 論点提示 (Ronten teiji) - Presentation of discussion points
• 論題 (Rondai) - Discussion topic or theme
• 議論 (Giron) - Argumentation or debate
• 議論の焦点 (Giron no shouten) - Focus of the discussion
• 議論の核心 (Giron no kachin) - Core of the discussion
• 議論の中心 (Giron no chuushin) - Center of discussion