Translation and Meaning of: 維持 - iji

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of "maintenance" or "preservation" in their daily lives, the answer lies in the kanji 維持 [いじ]. This word is essential for talking about sustaining something in the same state, whether it be an object, a relationship, or even a cultural tradition. In this article, we will explore everything from the etymology to the practical use of this expression, including tips for memorization and even interesting facts that make learning more engaging. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find examples of ready-made sentences to include in Anki and enhance your studies with spaced repetition.

In addition to its basic meaning, 維持 carries important nuances in the Japanese context, especially in discussions about technology, ecology, and even equipment maintenance. Is there any relation between the radicals of this kanji and its current meaning? And how do the Japanese use this word in everyday situations? Let's uncover all this below, with real examples and even a foolproof trick to never forget how to write 維持 correctly.

The origin and composition of the kanji 維持

The kanji 維持 is formed by two characters: 維 and 持. The first, 維, originally represented the idea of "tying" or "holding firmly," composed of the radical for "silk" (糸) combined with a phonetic element. On the other hand, 持, which alone means "to hold" or "to maintain," features the radical for "hand" (扌), clearly indicating its connection to the action of actively preserving something. Together, these kanjis create a perfect mental image of something being carefully sustained.

It's interesting to note that, although 維持 is often translated as "maintenance," its meaning goes beyond the physical aspect. In Japanese culture, the concept of 維持 is deeply connected to the notion of continuity and meticulous care - fundamental values in a society that cherishes harmony and longevity. It's no surprise that this word frequently appears in equipment manuals, service contracts, and even in speeches about environmental preservation.

Everyday use and common contexts

In the Japanese workplace, 維持 is an omnipresent word. From meetings about "quality maintenance" (品質維持) to discussions about "preservation of business relationships" (取引関係の維持), this term appears in various professional contexts. A quick Google search reveals that many searches related to 維持 involve combinations like "maintenance costs" (維持費) or "equipment maintenance" (設備維持), showing its significance in the corporate world.

But the usage is not limited to the business world. At home, Japanese people talk about 家屋維持 (house maintenance) or 健康維持 (health maintenance). On social media, it's common to see posts about 体重維持 (weight maintenance) or 美肌維持 (preservation of beautiful skin). This versatility makes 維持 one of those words that, once learned, starts to be noticed everywhere - like when you buy a new car and begin to see the same models everywhere.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To never forget how to write 維持, try this mental association: imagine someone holding (持) a silk thread (維) with extreme care not to let it unravel. This image precisely captures the essence of the word - to keep something precious in its original state. Another tip is to that 維 appears in words like 繊維 (fiber), reinforcing the idea of something that needs to be preserved intact.

An interesting linguistic curiosity: although 維持 is usually read as いじ (iji), in special combinations it can appear with other readings. For example, in 維持費 (iji-hi) for "maintenance costs" or 維持管理 (iji-kanri) for "maintenance management." These combinations are so common that it's worth memorizing them as unique blocks - your future self, during a conversation in Japanese, will surely thank you.