Translation and Meaning of: 看護 - kango

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 看護[かんご]. It appears in specific contexts and carries an important meaning in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some tips for memorizing it. If you want to better understand Japanese vocabulary, this is a great starting point.

The meaning and origin of 看護

The word 看護[かんご] means "nursing" or "medical care" in Japanese. It is composed of two kanji: 看 (kan), which can be translated as "to observe" or "to care," and 護 (go), which means "to protect." Together, these characters form a term that represents the action of taking care of someone's health, whether in hospitals, clinics, or even at home.

The use of 看護 dates back to the period when Japanese medicine began to take on a more professional structure. While like 医者 (doctor) were already common, 看護 emerged to specifically designate the work of assisting and accompanying patients. Today, it is an essential word in the vocabulary related to health in Japan.

How 看護 is used in everyday Japanese

In Japan, 看護 is often associated with professions such as nurses and caregivers. You can find it in hospitals, nursing schools, and even in job ments. For example, the expression 看護師 (kangoshi) means "nurse" and is widely used in the job market.

In addition to the professional context, the word also appears in more informal situations. If someone is taking care of a sick family member, they might say that they are doing 看護. This usage reinforces the idea that the term is not limited to the hospital environment but also encomes personal and emotional care.

Tips for memorizing 看護 and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 看護 is to associate its kanji with the meaning. The character 看 (kan) appears in words like 看板 (kanban, sign), which also involves "observation." Meanwhile, 護 (go) is used in like 保護 (hogo, protection). This connection helps to reinforce the sense of "to care and protect."

An interesting fact is that in Japan, Nurse's Day (看護の日) is celebrated on May 12. This date emphasizes the importance of the profession and health care, showing how the word 看護 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. If you want to expand your vocabulary, it's worth including this term in your studies.