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.

Quick Access
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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:

この取引は公正であることが保証されています。

Kono torihiki wa kōsei de aru koto ga hoshō sarete imasu

This transaction is guaranteed as fair.

この (kono) - this, these
取引 (torihiki) - Transação, negociação
は (wa) - Topic particle
公正 (kousei) - justice, equity
である (dearu) - to be
こと (koto) - Thing, fact
が (ga) - subject particle
保証 (hoshou) - warranty, assurance
されています (sareteimasu) - to be done, to be being done

この公園には美しい噴水があります。

Kono kōen ni wa utsukushii funsui ga arimasu

In this park there is a beautiful fountain.

There is a beautiful fountain in this park.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
公園 - noun that means "park"
に - particle indicating the location of something, in this case "at"
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this park"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
噴水 - noun meaning "spring" or "fountain"
が - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the source"
あります - verb meaning "to exist" or "to be present"

この法廷は公正である。

Kono houtei wa kousei de aru

This court is fair.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
法廷 - noun meaning "court" or "courtroom"
は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this court"
公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
である - verb that indicates the polite and formal form of "to be" or "to stay"

この公演はとても素晴らしいです。

Kono kouen wa totemo subarashii desu

This presentation is very wonderful.

This performance is very wonderful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
公演 - noun meaning "presentation" or "performance"
は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this presentation"
とても - adverb meaning "very"
素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the simple present

この判決は公正であると信じています。

Kono hanketsu wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this decision is fair.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
判決 - Noun that means "verdict" or "sentence"
は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
である - verb to be in its formal form
と - particle that indicates direct quotation
信じています - verb that means "believe" or "trust" in a polite and present form

この情報はまだ公表されていません。

Kono jōhō wa mada kōhyō sarete imasen

This information has not yet been publicly released.

This information has not yet been released.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
情報 - noun meaning "information"
は - topic particle that indicates that the information is the subject of the sentence
まだ - adverb meaning "yet"
公表 - noun that means "public disclosure"
されていません - negative form of the verb "する" (to do) in the passive and polite form, indicating that public disclosure has not yet been made