Translation and Meaning of: 公 - ooyake

The Japanese word 公[おおやけ] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and varied uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are looking to better understand its meaning, origin, or how it is applied in sentences, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore everything from etymology to practical examples, all so that you can master this vocabulary naturally. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and useful explanations for students and curious learners of the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 公[おおやけ]

The term 公[おおやけ] can be translated as "public" or "official," but its meaning goes beyond a simple equivalence. It is often used to refer to issues that involve the collective, as in "public matters" (公の事) or "common interest." This word also appears in formal contexts, indicating something recognized or authorized by an institution.

It's worth noting that おおやけ is not limited to just government or administration. In some cases, it can be used to describe situations where there is transparency or visibility, such as in "to make public" (公にする). This semantic flexibility makes it a valuable word for those who wish to express themselves accurately in Japanese.

Origin and use of the kanji 公

The kanji 公 has an interesting history. Originally, it represented the idea of "justice" or "impartiality" in ancient China, composed of the radicals 八 (which symbolizes division) and 厶 (which refers to the private). Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the concept of "public," reflecting a notion of balance between the individual and the collective.

In Japan, this character has been incorporated into both legal terms and everyday life. For example, in words like 公園 (kouen – public park) or 公式 (koushiki – official), it can be seen how it maintains its essence linked to the common sphere. The pronunciation おおやけ, in turn, is a kun’yomi reading, more associated with everyday use than with Sino-Japanese combinations.

How to memorize and use 公[おおやけ]

An effective tip to memorize this word is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of places or actions that involve the public, such as a city hall (市役所) or an official ceremony. Repeating phrases like "これは公の場です" (This is a public place) also helps internalize its correct usage.

Another strategy is to observe the kanji 公 in frequent compositions. By learning vocabulary such as 公開 (koukai – disclosure) or 公民 (koumin – citizen), you reinforce not only the meaning but also the writing. Constant exposure to these terms, whether in texts or conversations, will make おおやけ increasingly familiar.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

官 (Kan) - Public servant; officer
政府 (Seifu) - Government
当局 (Toukyoku) - Authorities; competent authority
公的 (Kouteki) - Official; public
公共 (Koukyou) - Public; related to society
公立 (Kouritsu) - Public institutions; maintained by the government
公式 (Koushiki) - Official; formal
公開 (Koukai) - Promotion; public exhibition
公正 (Kousei) - Just; impartial
公衆 (Koushuu) - Public; society
公益 (Koueki) - Public interest; collective benefit
公務 (Koumu) - Public service; official duties
公用 (Kouyou) - Public use; intended for the community
公立学校 (Kouritsugakkou) - Public school; educational institution maintained by the government

Related words

主人公

shujinkou

protagonist; main character; Hero (INE) (from a story); householder

公平

kouhei

equity; impartiality; justice

公募

koubo

public appeal; public contribution

公務

koumu

Official business; public affairs

公用

kouyou

government business; public use; public spending

公立

kouritsu

public institution)

公認

kounin

official recognition; authorization; license; accreditation

公表

kouhyou

official announcement; proclamation

公然

kouzen

open (eg secret); public; official

公団

koudan

public corporation

公

Romaji: ooyake
Kana: おおやけ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: official; public; formal; open; governmental

Meaning in English: O kanji 公 (kou) significa "público" ou "oficial". Este kanji é composto pelos radicais 八(oito ou dividir) e 厶(privado ou pessoal), sugerindo algo que é compartilhado ou acessível a todos. A origem deste kanji está nas práticas de governança antigas, onde os assuntos públicos eram separados dos interesses privados. No Japão, 公 é usado para descrever entidades governamentais, espaços públicos e conceitos de justiça e equidade.

Definition: Public: Owned by the general public.

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How to Write in Japanese - (公) ooyake

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (公) ooyake:

Example Sentences - (公) ooyake

See below some example sentences:

公募で新しい人材を募集します。

Koubo de atarashii jintai wo boshuu shimasu

We are recruiting new talent through a public offering.

We are looking for new human resources for an open call for participants.

公募 - means "public summons".
で - is a particle that indicates the means or method used to carry out the action.
新しい - means "new" or "recent".
人材 - means "personnel" or "human resources".
を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
募集します - means "to recruit" or "to seek out".

開放された公園でピクニックを楽しんだ。

Kaifō sareta kōen de pikunikku o tanoshinda

We enjoyed a picnic in the park that was opened to the public.

I enjoyed the picnic in the open park.

開放された - open, available
公園 - park
で - in
ピクニック - picnic
を - Direct object particle
楽しんだ - took advantage, enjoyed

この文書は公開されています。

Kono bunsho wa kōkai sareteimasu

This document is publicly available.

This document has been published.

この文書 - indicates that it is a specific document
は - topic particle, indicating that what follows is the subject of the sentence
公開されています - verb meaning "to be publicly available", in the present tense and passive form

配分は公平であるべきだ。

Haibun wa kouhei de aru beki da

The distribution must be fair.

配分 (haibun) - distribution
は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
公平 (kouhei) - justice, equity
である (dearu) - to be
べき (beki) - should, duty
だ (da) - to be

酔っ払いは公共の場で騒ぐべきではありません。

Yopparai wa kōkyō no ba de sawagu beki de wa arimasen

Drunks should not make noise in public places.

Drunk should not make noise in public.

酔っ払い - It means "drunk" in Japanese.
は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the "drunkard".
公共の場 - It means "public space" in Japanese.
で - Location particle in Japanese, indicating that the action takes place in "public space".
騒ぐ - It means "make noise" in Japanese.
べきではありません - Expression in Japanese that indicates a prohibition or a negative obligation, in this case, it means "must not do".

司法は公正であるべきだ。

Shihou wa kousei de aru beki da

Justice must be impartial.

The judiciary must be fair.

司法 (shihou) - judicial system
は (wa) - Topic particle
公正 (kousei) - justice, impartiality
である (dearu) - to be
べき (beki) - should, duty
だ (da) - to be

分配は公平でなければなりません。

Bunpai wa kōhei de nakereba narimasen

The distribution must be fair.

分配 (bunpai) - distribution
は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
公平 (kouhei) - fair, equitable
で (de) - particle that indicates the means or the way in which something is done
なければなりません (nakereba narimasen) - expression indicating an obligation or need to do something

公害は環境に悪影響を与えます。

Kougai wa kankyou ni aku eikyou wo ataemasu

Environmental pollution has a negative impact on the environment.

Pollution has a negative effect on the environment.