Translation and Meaning of: 選挙 - senkyo

The Japanese word 選挙 (せんきょ, senkyo) is an essential term for anyone looking to understand Japanese politics and society. Its main meaning is "election," but it carries cultural and historical nuances that deserve exploration. In this article, we will unravel everything from the composition of the kanji to the everyday use of this word, including curiosities and tips for memorizing it. If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, this guide from Suki Nihongo will help clarify your questions.

Meaning and composition of 選挙

The word 選挙 is made up of two kanji: 選 (sen), which means "to select" or "to choose," and 挙 (kyo), which can be translated as "to raise" or "to conduct." Together, they create the concept of "election" – a process of collective choice. This combination is not random; it reflects the idea that an election is, literally, the act of raising (or highlighting) a choice made by society.

It is important to note that 選挙 is used specifically for political elections, such as municipal, state, or national ones. It does not apply, for example, to informal voting among friends. This detail is crucial to avoid confusion with like 投票 (とうひょう, tōhyō), which means "voting" in a broader sense.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, elections are significant events, but voter turnout is not always high. The word 選挙 frequently appears in news reports, especially during election periods, when candidates run intense campaigns – often using loudspeakers on cars throughout the streets. This traditional method may surprise foreigners, but it is an intrinsic part of the Japanese democratic process.

Interestingly, Japan has one of the lowest minimum voting ages in the world: 18 years old. This change (reduced from 20 years in 2016) sparked public discussions and temporarily increased the use of the term 選挙 in the media. For Japanese language students, following these news articles can be a great way to see the word in real context.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fixate on 選挙 is to associate its kanjis with practical situations. For example, 選 appears in words like 選択 (せんたく, sentaku – "choice"), while 挙 emerges in 挙式 (きょしき, kyoshiki – "wedding ceremony"). Noticing these patterns helps to understand not only the meaning but also the logic behind Japanese writing.

Avoid confusing 選挙 with similar . While 選挙 refers to the electoral process itself, 当選 (とうせん, tōsen) means "to be elected," and 立候補 (りっこうほ, rikkōho) is used for "to run for office." Mastering these differences is crucial for anyone who wants to speak about politics in Japanese accurately.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 投票 (Tōhyō) - Voting, the act of voting in an election.
• 公選 (Kōsen) - Public choice refers to elections held for public offices.
• 選択 (Sentaku) - Selection, the act of choosing between several options.
• 選出 (Senshutsu) - Appointment, the act of selecting someone for a specific position.
• 選考 (Senko) - Selection exam, selection process based on specific criteria.
• 選任 (Sen'nin) - Appointment, the act of designating someone for a position or task.
• 選定 (Sentai) - Definition of selection, the process of determining options to be chosen.
• 選別 (Senbetsu) - Classification, the act of separating or distinguishing between options.