Translation and Meaning of: 報告 - houkoku

Etymology and Composition

The Japanese word 「報告」 (houkoku) is composed of two kanji: 「報」 and 「告」。 The first kanji, 「報」, has the meaning of "inform" or "reward," and is made up of the radicals 「言」 (word) and 「帰」 (return). The second kanji, 「告」, means "announce" or "inform," and is formed by the radicals 「口」 (mouth) and 「牛」 (cow), suggesting the idea of communicating something important. Together, both kanji form the concept of "report" or "report of important information."

Definition and Usage

The expression 「報告」 (houkoku) is widely used in formal and business contexts to refer to "report" or "to inform." The term is often found in work environments, where progress reports or results are a common practice. Additionally, 「報告」 can also be used in social contexts to indicate the action of reporting or communicating something important to someone.

Regarding its variations, we found derived terms such as 「報告書」 (houkokusho), which means "report document," and 「報告者」 (houkokusha), referring to the "reporting person" or "informant." These variations demonstrate the flexibility and breadth of the original word in different contexts.

Origin and Evolution

Historically, the practice of reporting or informing dates back to ancient times in Japan, where messengers and written documents were essential for communication between clans and government authorities. With the evolution of the Japanese language and the influence of Chinese ideograms, the kanji 「報」 and 「告」 were incorporated, preserving the essence of conveying important information. This historical concept continues to be significant in modern society, reflecting in organizational communication and the exchange of crucial information.

Thus, 「報告」 (houkoku) is not just a word, but a cultural reflection of the importance of effective and precise communication, both in the professional and personal spheres. In an era where information is fundamental, understanding and using this term correctly can be crucial for successful interactions in Japan and in formal contexts globally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 報告書 (Hōkokusho) - Written report
• レポート (Repōto) - Report (usually in an academic context)
• リポート (Ripōto) - Report (more informal use)
• 告知 (Kokuchi) - Announcement, notification
• 通知 (Tsuuchi) - Notification, official notice
• 申告 (Shinkoku) - Declaration, report (usually in a fiscal context)
• 届け出 (Tokeide) - Formal report, official communication
• 報いる (Mukuin) - Reward, reciprocate
• 報じる (Hōjiru) - Report, notify
• 伝える (Tsutaeru) - Transmit, communicate
• 伝達する (Dentatsu suru) - Transmit, pass on information
• 通報する (Tsūhō suru) - Inform (usually to the police or authority)
• 知らせる (Shiraseru) - To inform, to notify
• 報道する (Hōdō suru) - Report (news)
• 報告する (Hōkoku suru) - Report, present a report
• 申し出る (Mōshideru) - offer, propose
• 申し上げる (Mōshiageru) - Say (formal)
• 申し述べる (Mōshinoberu) - Express, declare (formal)
• 申し込む (Mōshikomu) - Subscribe, request
• 申し付ける (Mōshitsukeru) - Instruct, order (formal)
• 申し伝える (Mōshitsutaeru) - Transmit a message, communicate
• 申し立てる (Mōshitateiru) - Present a claim, allege

報告

Romaji: houkoku
Kana: ほうこく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: report; information

Meaning in English: report;information

Definition: To convey a fact or event in writing or orally.

Example Sentences - (報告) houkoku

See below some example sentences:

報告書を提出してください。

Houkoku sho wo teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send the report.

Send a report.

• 報告書 - Report
• を - direct object particle
• 提出 - submit, present
• してください - Please, make.

決算報告書を提出する必要があります。

Kessan houkokusho wo teishutsu suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to submit a financial balance report.

You need to send the financial statement report.

• 決算報告書 - financial balance report
• を - object particle
• 提出する - present, deliver
• 必要があります - Is required

特派員は海外からの報告をする。

Tokuhain wa kaigai kara no hōkoku o suru

Report from foreign correspondents.

• 特派員 - special correspondent
• は - Topic particle
• 海外 - foreign
• から - particle that indicates origin
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 報告 - report, information
• を - direct object particle
• する - to do, to accomplish