Translation and Meaning of: 応急 - oukyuu

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 応急[おうきゅう]. It appears in specific contexts and carries an important meaning for everyday situations. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in Japan, and tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo is an excellent reference.

The meaning and use of 応急

The word 応急[おうきゅう] is formed by two kanji: 応 (response, attendance) and 急 (urgency). Together, they convey the idea of "emergency" or "temporary measure." In Japan, this term is often used in situations that require immediate action, such as in first aid or quick repairs.

A common example is 応急処置[おうきゅうしょち], which means "emergency treatment." This type of expression appears in hospitals, safety manuals, and even in product instructions. The word can also be used in less serious contexts, such as temporary fixes for broken objects.

The origin and writing of 応急

The combination of the kanjis 応 and 急 is not random. The first, 応, comes from the verb 応じる[おうじる], which means "to respond" or "to attend". Meanwhile, 急 refers to something quick or urgent. This union effectively reflects the concept of a temporary solution for an immediate problem.

It is worth noting that 応急 is not an old word, but it is also not considered a neologism. It is present in modern Japanese and is widely understood, although it is not as commonly used as more general terms like 緊急[きんきゅう] (urgency).

Tips for memorizing 応急

An effective way to memorize 応急 is to associate it with practical situations. Think of a temporary bandage or a quick fix – something that solves the issue for now, but is not permanent. This mental image helps to remember the meaning of the word when it appears in texts or conversations.

Another tip is to create flashcards with real examples, such as 応急手当[おうきゅうてあて] (first aid). Repeating these expressions out loud also reinforces memorization, especially if you associate them with everyday scenes.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

緊急 (Kinkyū) - Urgent, emergency
臨時 (Rinji) - Temporary, provisional, usually used in emergency situations.
緊急時 (Kinkyūji) - In an emergency situation
緊急の場合 (Kinkyū no baai) - In case of emergency
即席 (Sokuseki) - Immediate, improvised, typically used to indicate something that is done quickly.
急場しのぎの (Kyūbashinogi no) - Temporary solution, something improvised in a critical moment