Translation and Meaning of: 平和 - heiwa

The word 「平和」 (heiwa) is composed of two kanji: 「平」 (hei) and 「和」 (wa). The etymology of the word dates back to ancient times, where each individual character carries its own meaning. 「平」 can be translated as 'flat', 'equal', or 'peaceful', while 「和」 often means 'harmony', 'peace', or 'Japaneseness', capturing the essence of something gentle and balanced. Together, these characters form the concept of 'peace' or 'tranquility'.

The expression 「平和」 often refers to the absence of war or conflict, but also encompasses the idea of harmony and balance in social and internal relationships. In a cultural context, the word is fundamental, especially in a country that values social order and collective harmony. The roots of these concepts can be seen in Japan's own history, where the idea of living in peace with others and with oneself is central.

In modern Japan, 「平和」 is not just a word, but a core around which many social aspects are built. After the devastation of World War II, for example, the concept of 「平和」 became especially important in Japanese society, being reflected in the pacifist policies and attitudes the country adopted. This concept continues to exert a significant influence, promoting an environment of cooperation and understanding.

Variations and Contemporary Use

• 「平和主義」 (heiwa shugi) - Pacifism; a central principle in Japanese policies after World War II.
• 「平和条約」 (heiwa jōyaku) - Peace treaty; commonly used in diplomatic and historical contexts.
• 「平和の象徴」 (heiwa no shōchō) - Symbol of peace; often represented by images such as the dove or the olive branch.

Thus, 「平和」 is not just a state, but an ideal that many nations and individuals aspire to. In a world where conflicts still exist, the lessons and culture behind this Japanese word offer a rich perspective on the importance of global peace and harmony. In short, it continues to resonate deeply with many, inspiring movements and philosophies around the world.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 和平 (Wahō) - Peace among nations.
• 平穏 (Heion) - Tranquility, calmness.
• 平静 (Heisei) - Calm, serenity in emotional state.
• 平安 (Heian) - Peace and security in a state of life, harmony.
• 安寧 (An'nei) - State of peace and tranquility.
• 安泰 (Antai) - Stability and security in difficult times.
• 安堵 (Ando) - Feeling of relief and security.
• 安らぎ (Yasuragi) - Feeling of peace and comfort.
• 安息 (Ansoku) - Rest, pause, especially in a spiritual sense.

平和

Romaji: heiwa
Kana: へいわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: peace; harmony

Meaning in English: peace;harmony

Definition: A stable state without conflict or war.

Example Sentences - (平和) heiwa

See below some example sentences:

平和は大切なものです。

Heiwa wa taisetsu na mono desu

Peace is something important.

Peace is important.

• 平和 (heiwa) - peace
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - particle that indicates adjectivation
• もの (mono) - thing, object
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

共和国は平和で繁栄することができます。

Kyōwakoku wa heiwa de han'ei suru koto ga dekimasu

The republic can thrive in peace.

The Republic can thrive in peace.

• 共和国 - Republic
• は - Topic particle
• 平和 - Peace
• で - connecting particle
• 繁栄 - Prosperity
• する - Verb "to do"
• こと - Abstract noun
• が - Subject particle
• できます - Verb "to be able to" in the polite form

争いは平和を生み出さない。

Arasoi wa heiwa o umidasanai

The struggle does not produce peace.

The struggle does not produce peace.

• 争い (arasoi) - dispute, conflict
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 平和 (heiwa) - peace
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 生み出さない (umidasanai) - does not produce, does not generate

争いは平和を生むことはない。

Arasoi wa heiwa o umu koto wa nai

The dispute does not bring peace.

Struggle does not create peace.

• 争い - means "conflict" or "dispute".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 平和 - means "peace".
• を - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 生む - means "to generate" or "to produce".
• こと - Noun meaning "thing" or "fact".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• ない - negation in Japanese, which means "does not exist" or "is not possible".

国連は世界平和と安全を促進するための重要な組織です。

Kokuren wa sekai heiwa to anzen o sokushin suru tame no juuyou na soshiki desu

The United Nations is an important organization for promoting world peace and security.

• 国連 (Kokuren) - 国際連合 (こくさいれんごう)
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 世界 (sekai) - world
• 平和 (heiwa) - peace
• と (to) - grammatical particle that connects words or phrases with the same meaning
• 安全 (anzen) - security
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 促進する (sokushin suru) - promote, encourage
• ための (tame no) - expression indicating the purpose of something
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 組織 (soshiki) - organization
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

抗争は平和的な解決が望ましい。

Kousou wa heiwateki na kaiketsu ga nozomashii

The convention is desirable for a peaceful solution.

• 抗争 (kousou) - Conflict, dispute
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 平和的な (heiwa-teki na) - peaceful, quiet
• 解決 (kaiketsu) - resolution, solution
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 望ましい (nozomashii) - desirable, preferable

私の理想は世界平和です。

Watashi no risou wa sekai heiwa desu

My ideal is world peace.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 理想 - noun that means "ideal" or "dream".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 世界 - Noun that means "world".
• 平和 - The noun that means "peace".
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating the assertion of the sentence.

私の願いは世界平和です。

Watashi no negai wa sekai heiwa desu

My desire is for world peace.

My desire is world peace.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 願い - noun meaning "desire"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 世界 - noun that means "world"
• 平和 - noun meaning "peace"
• です - verb to be in the polite form