Translation and Meaning of: 福祉 - fukushi

The Japanese word 「福祉」 (fukushi) is a combination of the characters 「福」 and 「祉」. The kanji 「福」 (fuku) translates to "happiness" or "luck," while 「祉」 (shi) means "well-being." Together, these characters form the idea of "social welfare" or "social assistance." The term is widely used in the context of protecting and caring for the needs of individuals within a society.

"福祉" has its roots in the fundamental need to ensure that each member of a society has access to basic resources for a dignified life. This idea encomes various areas, such as health, education, and safety, with the aim of creating a network that can assist individuals in vulnerable situations. Furthermore, the implementation of "福祉" policies is a reflection of social values that emphasize solidarity and justice.

Aspects and Variations of the Use of 「福祉」

• "福祉制度" (fukushi seido): Refers to the social welfare systems implemented by governments to citizens.
• 「福祉施設」 (fukushi shisetsu): Refers to welfare institutions, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
• "福祉社会" (fukushi shakai): Refers to a "welfare society," where the well-being of citizens is a central priority.

Historically, the idea of social welfare, although present in various cultures, gained new meaning in Japan after World War II. Rebuilding its society and economy, Japan emphasized the importance of social assistance, incorporating it as a central part of its government policies. The evolution of the concept of 「福祉」 since then reflects social, economic, and political changes, demonstrating the growing importance of social protection in the modern world.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 社会福祉 (Shakai Fukushi) - Social welfare; a set of social services to the population.
• 福利厚生 (Fukuri Kousei) - Social benefits; advantages offered by companies to their employees, focusing on quality of life.
• 福祉事業 (Fukushi Jigyou) - Social assistance enterprises; initiatives aimed at helping and ing the community.
• 社会保障 (Shakai Hoshou) - Social security; a system that guarantees protection to individuals through social insurance and pensions.