Language/Japanese/Culture/Basic-Political-Vocabulary
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| ◀️ Art and Literature Terminology — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Social Issues and Controversies ▶️ |
In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of political vocabulary in Japanese. Understanding political terminology is crucial, not only for grasping the language but also for engaging with the culture and societal structures of Japan. Politics shapes many aspects of life, and being able to discuss it in Japanese opens doors to deeper conversations and insights into the country.
We’ll break down essential vocabulary, phrases, and concepts that are fundamental to understanding Japan's political landscape. This lesson will provide you with a solid foundation to navigate discussions about government, political parties, and civic responsibilities.
To guide our exploration, we will structure the lesson as follows:
- Introduction to Basic Political Vocabulary
- Key Political Concepts and Institutions
- Important Political Terms and Expressions
- Exercises to Practice Your Knowledge
Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Basic Political Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Understanding the political vocabulary is key to discussing and engaging with Japanese society. Much like in English, political terms in Japanese help us articulate our thoughts, make sense of governmental structures, and engage in civic discussions.
In this lesson, we will cover:
- Basic political terms
- Key institutions and their functions
- Important expressions used in political discussions
Key Political Concepts and Institutions[edit | edit source]
Let’s start by exploring some of the basic political concepts and institutions in Japan. Here are some essential terms to familiarize yourself with:
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 政府 (せいふ) | seifu | Government |
| 国会 (こっかい) | kokkai | National Diet (Parliament) |
| 立法 (りっぽう) | rippou | Legislation |
| 行政 (ぎょうせい) | gyousei | Administration |
| 司法 (しほう) | shihou | Judiciary |
| 大臣 (だいじん) | daijin | Minister |
| 政党 (せいとう) | seitou | Political Party |
| 選挙 (せんきょ) | senkyo | Election |
| 投票 (とうひょう) | touhyou | Vote |
| 有権者 (ゆうけんしゃ) | yuukensha | Voter |
| 政策 (せいさく) | seisaku | Policy |
| 法律 (ほうりつ) | houritsu | Law |
| 憲法 (けんぽう) | kenpou | Constitution |
| 地方自治 (ちほうじち) | chihou jichi | Local Autonomy |
| 市長 (しちょう) | shichou | Mayor |
| 議会 (ぎかい) | gikai | Council |
| 公務員 (こうむいん) | koumuin | Public Servant |
| 政治 (せいじ) | seiji | Politics |
| 政権 (せいけん) | seiken | Administration/Regime |
| 選挙権 (せんきょけん) | senkyoken | Right to Vote |
| 民主主義 (みんしゅしゅぎ) | minshu shugi | Democracy |
These terms are foundational and will help you understand the workings of the political system in Japan.
Important Political Terms and Expressions[edit | edit source]
Next, let’s look at some expressions that are commonly used in political contexts. These phrases will not only help you in discussions but also in understanding news articles and conversations related to politics.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 政治家になる (せいじかになる) | seijika ni naru | To become a politician |
| 政治に参加する (せいじにさんかする) | seiji ni sanka suru | To participate in politics |
| 選挙に立候補する (せんきょにりっこうほする) | senkyo ni rikkouho suru | To run for election |
| 政策を策定する (せいさくをさくていする) | seisaku wo sakutei suru | To formulate a policy |
| 投票する (とうひょうする) | touhyou suru | To vote |
| 反対する (はんたいする) | hantai suru | To oppose |
| 賛成する (さんせいする) | sansei suru | To agree |
| 法律を制定する (ほうりつをせいていする) | houritsu wo seitei suru | To enact a law |
| 意見を述べる (いけんをのべる) | iken wo noberu | To express an opinion |
| 情報を提供する (じょうほうをていきょうする) | jouhou wo teikyou suru | To provide information |
These expressions will provide you with the tools necessary to engage in discussions about politics, whether in a casual conversation or in a more formal setting.
Exercises to Practice Your Knowledge[edit | edit source]
Now, let’s put your new vocabulary to the test! Here are some exercises to help reinforce what you’ve learned.
Exercise 1: Vocabulary Recall[edit | edit source]
Match the Japanese term with its English meaning.
1. 政府
2. 選挙
3. 政策
4. 公務員
5. 地方自治
Choices:
- a) Local Autonomy
- b) Government
- c) Public Servant
- d) Election
- e) Policy
Answers:
1. b) Government
2. d) Election
3. e) Policy
4. c) Public Servant
5. a) Local Autonomy
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]
Complete the sentences using the appropriate political vocabulary.
1. The _____ (選挙) will be held next month.
2. The _____ (政府) announced a new _____ (政策) to improve education.
3. Every citizen has the right to _____ (投票).
4. A _____ (大臣) is responsible for managing a specific area of the government.
5. It is important to engage in _____ (政治) to influence change.
Answers:
1. 選挙 (election)
2. 政府 (government), 政策 (policy)
3. 投票 (vote)
4. 大臣 (minister)
5. 政治 (politics)
Exercise 3: Sentence Creation[edit | edit source]
Using the vocabulary list, create sentences that reflect your understanding of the terms.
Example:
- 私は来月の選挙に投票します。(I will vote in the election next month.)
Answers will vary, but encourage creativity!
Exercise 4: Translation Practice[edit | edit source]
Translate the following sentences into Japanese.
1. I want to become a politician.
2. Local autonomy is important for communities.
3. The law was enacted to protect citizens' rights.
Answers:
1. 私は政治家になりたいです。
2. 地方自治はコミュニティにとって重要です。
3. 法律は市民の権利を守るために制定されました。
Exercise 5: Role-Playing[edit | edit source]
Pair up with a partner and role-play a political debate using the vocabulary learned. One person can take the role of a politician while the other can be a voter asking questions.
Encourage the use of vocabulary from the lesson!
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations on completing this lesson on basic political vocabulary in Japanese! You’ve taken a significant step towards not only expanding your vocabulary but also understanding the essential structures of Japanese society. As you continue your journey in learning Japanese, remember that language is a reflection of culture, and engaging in discussions about politics will deepen your connection to Japan.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to navigate conversations about politics with confidence!
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Hikikomori, A Japanese Culture-Bound Syndrome of Social ...
- Japanese Culture - Core Concepts — Cultural Atlas
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention
- Why Learn Japanese
- Traditional and Modern Science and Technology
- Contemporary Spiritual Movements
- Shinto and Buddhism
- Educational System and Vocabulary
- Introduction to Japanese Geography
- Zen and Samurai Culture
- Brief History of Japan
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