Translation and Meaning of: 出産 - shussan

The Japanese word 出産[しゅっさん] is a fundamental term for those who wish to understand important aspects of life and culture in Japan. Its meaning goes beyond simple translation, involving social, medical, and even emotional contexts. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that can help students and curious minds remember it better. If you are looking for accurate information about 出産, you are in the right place – Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, offers details that go beyond the basics.

Meaning and use of 出産

出産[しゅっさん] means "childbirth" or "birth" in Japanese, specifically referring to the act of giving birth. Unlike words like 誕生[たんじょう] (which also means "birth" but in a broader sense), 出産 is directly related to the physical process of childbirth. It is a common term in medical contexts, family conversations, and even in official documents.

In everyday life, the Japanese use this word to talk about family planning, personal experiences, or even in the news. For example, it is common to see expressions like 出産予定日 (expected date of delivery) on hospital forms. Its usage is more formal than colloquial, but it frequently appears in discussions about health and family.

Origin and writing of kanjis

The composition of 出産 is formed by two kanjis: 出 (to exit) and 産 (to produce, to generate). Together, they literally convey the idea of "bringing something into the world." This combination is not random – it reflects a common linguistic thought in Japanese, where kanjis come together to create more specific meanings.

It is worth noting that the kanji 産 also appears in other related words, such as 生産 (industrial production) or 特産物 (regional product). This connection helps to understand how the Japanese language constructs terms from shared radicals. For those studying Japanese, recognizing these patterns can be a great way to memorize vocabulary.

Cultural and Social Context

In Japan, 出産 is not just a medical term – it carries significant emotional and cultural weight. Traditionally, childbirth was seen as an important family event, with specific rituals before and after the birth. Today, although many of these customs have modernized, the word still evokes a sense of celebration and continuity.

Interestingly, Japan has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, which means discussions about 出産 frequently arise in public debates. Government policies and news reports on the topic use this word to address demographic challenges, demonstrating how a simple term can reflect complex social issues.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

出産 (shussan) - Birth; the act of giving birth.
分娩 (bunben) - Birth; the process of giving birth, focusing on the division of labor time.
産科 (sanka) - Obstetrics; branch of medicine that deals with childbirth and related care.
産婦人科 (sanfu jinka) - Gynecology and obstetrics; a specialty that combines women's health care with childbirth.