Translation and Meaning of: 環境 - kankyou

The Japanese word 環境[かんきょう] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning goes beyond simple translation, encoming environmental, social, and even technological concepts. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that can help with memorization. If you are looking to better understand 環境[かんきょう], you have come to the right place.

The meaning and translation of 環境 is "environment".

環境[かんきょう] is commonly translated as "environment" or "environmental". However, its usage encomes both natural and social contexts. For example, it can refer to the ecosystem of a forest or the work environment in a company. This duality makes the word extremely versatile in modern Japanese.

It is worth noting that 環境 is not limited to just the physical aspect. It also describes conditions or circumstances that influence something, such as "educational environment" (教育環境) or "digital environment" (デジタル環境). This breadth makes the term indispensable in everyday conversations and in more technical discussions.

The origin and writing of 環境

The word 環境 is composed of two kanjis: 環 (kan), which means "ring" or "cycle," and 境 (kyō), which can be translated as "border" or "limit." Together, they form the idea of a "delimited cycle," which makes sense when we think about ecosystems or social systems that operate within certain parameters.

According to the Kangorin dictionary, the term gained popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent modernization and began to discuss environmental and urban issues. Since then, 環境 has become a key word in debates about sustainability and development.

How 環境 is used in Japan today

In contemporary Japan, 環境 frequently appears in news, public policies, and even ments. Companies highlight their efforts to improve the "work environment" (職場環境), while the government promotes campaigns such as "sustainable environment" (持続可能な環境). Ecological awareness has further elevated the relevance of this term.

An interesting fact is that 環境 is also used in technological contexts. Phrases like "system configuration" (システム環境) are common in electronics and software manuals. This shows how the Japanese language adapts traditional to modern realities.

Tips for memorizing 環境

An effective way to memorize 環境 is to associate the kanjis that compose it with mental images. For example, 環 (ring) can evoke the cycle of nature, while 境 (boundary) refers to the limits of an ecosystem. This visual decomposition helps to understand and retain the meaning.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as "環境を守る" (protect the environment) or "仕事の環境が良い" (the work environment is good). Repeating these expressions in real contexts reinforces learning in a natural way.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 環境 (kankyou) - Environment
• あらまし (aramashi) - Summary
• かんきょう (kankyou) - Ambience (repeated)
• きょうきょく (kyoukyoku) - Supreme, utmost
• きょうちょう (kyouchou) - Emphasis, highlight
• げんきょう (genkyou) - Current status
• しょうがい (shougai) - Difficulty, obstacle
• たいき (taiki) - atmosphere
• ちょうせい (chousei) - Adjustment, regulation
• どうき (douki) - Movement, motivation
• ぶんか (bunka) - Culture
• べんり (benri) - convenient
• みどり (midori) - green
• ようちえん (youchien) - kindergarten
• りんごう (ringou) - cooperation
• 環境保護 (kankyou hogo) - Protection of the environment
• 環境問題 (kankyou mondai) - Environmental issues
• 環境整備 (kankyou seibi) - Environment maintenance
• 環境改善 (kankyou kaizen) - Environmental improvement