Translation and Meaning of: 化粧 - keshou
The Japanese word 化粧[けしょう] is essential for anyone looking to understand the daily life and culture of Japan. It is directly linked to the world of beauty and personal care, but it also carries deeper meanings. In this article, we will explore its significance, origin, usage in sentences, and even curiosities that help to memorize it. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese view makeup or how this word appears in daily life, keep reading!
Meaning and Translation of 化粧
Makeup [けしょう] is often translated as "makeup," but its meaning goes beyond that. While in the West, makeup is more associated with cosmetic products, in Japan, 化粧 can also refer to the act of getting ready, taking care of one’s appearance, or even the preparation of objects to make them more beautiful. For example, in traditional goods stores, you might hear phrases like "この器に化粧を施す" (to apply a finish to this vase).
It is worth noting that 化粧 is not limited to just the face. In broader contexts, the word can be used to describe the ornamentation of temples, the painting of ceramics, or even the preparation of food to make it more appealing. This versatility makes it an important word in both everyday vocabulary and more formal situations.
Origin and Kanji of 化粧
The composition of the kanjis in 化粧 reveals much about its meaning. The first kanji, 化 (ka), means "transformation" or "change," while 粧 (shou) is related to "ornament" or "beautification." Together, they form the idea of transforming something through beauty. This combination reflects well the Japanese concept that makeup is not just aesthetic, but a form of expression and care.
Historically, the use of 化粧 dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the Japanese aristocracy already valued beauty rituals. Paintings and texts from that time show that both men and women used products to lighten their skin and enhance features. Over time, the word became established in the language, maintaining its essence while gaining new usages as society evolved.
Cultural Use and Curiosities
In Japan, 化粧 (keshou) is not just a matter of vanity, but also of respect. In many companies, employees are expected to be well-groomed, and makeup is part of this social code. There is even a term, 社会人化粧 (shakaijin keshou), which refers to appropriate makeup for the professional environment. This shows how the word is embedded in different aspects of life.
An interesting fact is that 化粧 also appears in expressions like 化粧直し (keshou-naoshi), which means "touching up makeup." This term is used both literally and metaphorically, as when someone wants to "improve" something that has already been done. Another example is 化粧箱 (keshou-bako), which refers to decorative boxes used for gifting. These uses show how the word transcends the beauty world and enters daily life in unexpected ways.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 化妝 (Kesho) - makeup
- メイク (Meiku) - Makeup (more Western term)
- コスメ (Kosume) - Cosmetics
- 装う (Yadonau) - Dress, adorn oneself
- 扮する (Bansuru) - Pretend, embody (usually in fantasies)
- 着飾る (Kikasaru) - Dressing elegantly, adorning oneself
- 装飾する (Soshoku suru) - Decorating, embellishing
- 美化する (Bika suru) - Beautify, make more beautiful
- 仮装する (Kasou suru) - Fantasize, disguise
- 変装する (Hensou suru) - Change appearance, camouflage oneself
- ふんわりする (Funwari suru) - Be light, smooth (in relation to appearance)
- ふわふわする (Fuwafuwa suru) - Be soft, fluffy (similar to texture)
- ふんわりとした (Funwari to shita) - With a light and soft appearance
- ふわふわとした (Fuwafuwa to shita) - With a soft and fluffy texture
Romaji: keshou
Kana: けしょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: makeup (cosmetic)
Meaning in English: make-up (cosmetic)
Definition: Makeup: Decorate the skin and face with makeup and cosmetics.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (化粧) keshou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (化粧) keshou:
Example Sentences - (化粧) keshou
See below some example sentences:
Watashi wa mainichi keshou o shimasu
I do makeup every day.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
- 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
- 化粧 (keshou) - "Makeup" - noun that means "maquiagem"
- を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "makeup"
- します (shimasu) - verb that means "to do"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
