Translation and Meaning of: 看護婦 - kangofu

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japan's culture, you may have come across the word 看護婦[かんごふ]. But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word in everyday Japanese. In addition, we will see how it is perceived in the language and some tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to learn more like this, Suki Nihongo is a great option.

Meaning and Translation of 看護婦

The word 看護婦[かんごふ] refers to a "nurse" in the professional context. It is composed of three kanji: 看 (which means "to care" or "to observe"), 護 ("to protect"), and 婦 ("woman"). Together, these characters convey the idea of a woman who cares for and protects the health of others.

Although the term is still recognized, its usage has declined in recent years. This is because, in 2002, the Japanese government amended the legislation to include male nurses, replacing 看護婦 with 看護師 [かんごし], a gender-neutral term. Even so, you can still find 看護婦 in older materials or in specific contexts.

Origin and Evolution of the Term

The word 看護婦 has roots in the Meiji period (1868-1912), when modern nursing was introduced in Japan. At that time, the profession was predominantly female, which justifies the use of the kanji 婦 ("woman"). The term reflects the social structure of the era, where certain occupations were rigidly divided by gender.

With social changes and increased male participation in the healthcare field, the term 看護師 has been adopted to be more inclusive. This transition illustrates how the Japanese language adapts to cultural transformations, maintaining the essence of the word while updating its usage.

How to Memorize 看護婦

An effective way to memorize 看護婦 is to break the word down into its component kanjis. The first, 看, appears in words like 看板[かんばん] ("sign" or "board"), which also involves observation. 護 is used in 保護[ほご] ("protection"), reinforcing the idea of care. Lastly, 婦 is common in like 主婦[しゅふ] ("housewife").

Another tip is to associate the word with mental images. Imagine a nurse (婦) taking care of (看) and protecting (護) a patient. This visualization technique helps to cement the meaning more naturally, especially for those who are just starting to learn Japanese.