Translation and Meaning of: 飢饉 - kikin

The Japanese word 飢饉[ききん] (kikin) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries significant historical and cultural weight. If you are looking for its meaning, origin, or how to use it in real contexts, this article will explore all of that clearly and directly. Here, we will understand not only the literal translation but also how this word is perceived in Japan, its frequency in the language, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a useful term for Japanese learners, 飢饉 has deep ties to the country's history, especially during times of scarcity. If you've ever watched period dramas or read historical mangas, you may have come across this word. Let's unravel its kanji, context of use, and even how it appears in Japanese media. All of this without complications, so you can truly learn.

Meaning and origin of 飢饉

飢饉 is composed of two kanji: 飢 (ki), meaning "hunger," and 饉 (kin), which also refers to food scarcity. Together, they form a word that describes a period of extreme hunger or widespread scarcity, often caused by natural disasters or poor harvests. It is not just about a temporary lack of food, but a prolonged crisis affecting entire communities.

The use of this word dates back to ancient periods of Japan, especially during the Edo era, when the country faced several major famines. Events such as the Tenmei Great Famine (1782-1788) and the Tenpō Famine (1833-1837) are often associated with the term 飢饉 in history books. Therefore, it carries a serious connotation and is more commonly used in historical contexts or descriptions of severe crises.

Uso moderno e contexto cultural

Nowadays, 飢饉 is not a common word in the daily life of the Japanese, as the country has not faced hunger crises for decades. However, it still appears in discussions about history, agricultural economy, or even in news about regions of the world experiencing food shortages. Its everyday use is rare, but when it does appear, it is usually associated with a tone of seriousness or warning.

In pop culture, 飢饉 can appear in mangas, animes, or dramas that depict historical periods. For example, in works like "Ooku: The Inner Chambers" or "Golden Kamuy," the term is mentioned when describing the hardships faced by characters in times of crisis. If you are a fan of this type of content, recognizing this word can enhance your understanding of the narrative.

Tips for memorizing 飢饉

An effective way to memorize 飢饉 is to associate its kanjis with mental images. The first character, 飢, contains the radical 食 (food) combined with 几 (which resembles an empty table). Meanwhile, 饉 has the radical 食 again, reinforcing the idea of a lack of food. Visualizing these elements can help that the word is related to extreme hunger.

Another tip is to create flashcards with example sentences, like "その村は飢饉で苦しんだ" (The village suffered from famine). Practicing the writing of kanjis also consolidates learning, as both contain complex strokes that require attention. If you use apps like Anki or WaniKani, including 飢饉 in your decks can be a good strategy for reviewing it regularly.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 飢え (uesu) - Hunger, the state of being hungry.
• 飢餓 (kiga) - Extreme hunger, usually associated with food shortages.
• 飢きん (kikin) - Hunger or food scarcity in a region, often used in contexts of disaster or crisis.