Translation and Meaning of: 情報 - jyouhou

The Japanese word 情報[じょうほう] is essential for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in conversations, news, and even in animes, representing a fundamental concept in modern society. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life, as well as interesting facts that help understand its significance in the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 情報

情報[じょうほう] can be translated as "information" or "data." The term encompasses everything from news and reports to technical knowledge and statistics. Unlike Portuguese, where "informação" can be more generic, in Japanese it carries the nuance of something organized and useful.

An interesting detail is that 情報 is not limited to texts or numbers. In Japan, it can also refer to military intelligence, practical tips, or even gossip, depending on the context. This flexibility allows the word to be used in both formal and informal situations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The kanjis that form 情報 have revealing meanings. 情[じょう] refers to "emotion" or "situation", while 報[ほう] means "to report" or "to repay". Together, they suggest the idea of conveying knowledge about a state or fact. This combination reflects well the role of information: to communicate something relevant.

It is worth noting that 情報 is a word of Chinese origin (kango), but its use was consolidated in Japan during the Meiji period, when the country modernized its technical terminology. Before that, the Japanese used more descriptive terms for similar concepts.

Everyday and cultural use

In Japan, 情報 is so common that it appears on station signs (like 情報案内[じょうほうあんない] for "information desk"), in TV programs (情報番組[じょうほうばんぐみ], informational programs), and even in public notices. Companies use 情報共有[じょうほうきょうゆう] for internal "information sharing."

Culturally, the emphasis on precision in 情報 reflects the importance that Japanese society places on organization and reliability. It is no coincidence that the term appears in serious contexts, such as 情報漏洩[じょうほうろうえい] (data leak), a sensitive topic in the country.

Tips for memorizing

An effective way to remember 情報 is to associate the kanji 情 with "context" and 報 with "communicate". Phrases like 情報を集める[じょうほうをあつめる] ("to collect information") help internalize its use. Another tip is to remember that 報 appears in words like 報告[ほうこく] (report), reinforcing the idea of transmitting something.

Curiosity: in some games and animes, such as "Ghost in the Shell," 情報戦[じょうほうせん] ("information warfare") illustrates how the term permeates even fiction. This shows its relevance across multiple layers of Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 情報 (Jouhou) - Information
• データ (Deeta) - Data, often referring to grounded or numerical information
• 情報量 (Jouhouryou) - Amount of information
• 情報源 (Jouhougen) - Source of information
• 情報提供 (Jouhouteikyou) - Provision of information
• 情報収集 (Jouhoushuuushuu) - Information gathering
• 情報伝達 (Jouhoudentatsu) - Transmission of information
• 情報処理 (Jouhoushori) - Information processing
• 情報分析 (Jouhoubunseki) - Information analysis
• 情報漏えい (Jouhourouei) - Information leak

情報

Romaji: jyouhou
Kana: じょうほう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: information; intelligence (military)

Meaning in English: information;(military) intelligence

Definition: Collect, organize, and communicate data and facts.

Example Sentences - (情報) jyouhou

See below some example sentences:

この本は私にとって重宝な情報源です。

Kono hon wa watashi ni totte chōhō na jōhōgen desu

This book is a valuable source of information for me.

This book is a helpful resource for me.

• この本 - This book
• は - Topic particle
• 私にとって - for me
• 重宝な - valuable
• 情報源 - source of information
• です - Verb to be/estar

タイムリーな情報を手に入れた。

Taimurī na jōhō o te ni ireta

I have timely information.

• タイムリー - means "opportune" or "at the right time."
• な - a particle that indicates adjectives.
• 情報 - means "information".
• を - a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 手に入れた - a verb that means "obtain" or "acquire".

メディアは情報を伝える重要な役割を果たしています。

Mēdia wa jōhō o tsutaeru jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

The media plays an important role in communicating information.

• メディア (Media) - media
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 情報 (jouhou) - information
• を (wo) - object particle
• 伝える (tsutaeru) - transmit
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を (wo) - object particle
• 果たしています (hatashiteimasu) - perform, fulfill

個人情報を守ることは大切です。

Kojin joho wo mamoru koto wa taisetsu desu

Protecting personal information is important.

It is important to protect personal information.

• 個人情報 - Personal information
• を - object particle
• 守る - protect
• こと - abstract noun, in this case, "action of protecting"
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

内部には機密情報が含まれています。

Naibu ni wa kimitsu jōhō ga fukumarete imasu

There is confidential information contained inside.

Internal contains confidential information.

• 内部 (nai-bu) - means "internal" or "within"
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates location or direction
• は (wa) - a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 機密情報 (kimitsu joho) - means "confidential information"
• が (ga) - a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 含まれています (fukumarete imasu) - means "is included" or "is contained"

役立つ情報を提供します。

Yakudatsu jōhō o teikyō shimasu

I will provide useful information.

Provides useful information.

• 役立つ - useful, beneficial
• 情報 - information
• を - direct object particle
• 提供 - provide
• します - Verb "to do" in the present

的確な情報を入手した。

Tokaku na jōhō o nyūshu shita

I have accurate information.

• 的確な - I need, exact
• 情報 - Information
• を - Direct object particle
• 入手した - Obtained, acquired

私はその詳しい情報を持っていません。

Watashi wa sono kuwashii jōhō o motte imasen

I have no detailed information about it.

I don't have this detailed information.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• その (sono) - demonstrative pronoun meaning "that" or "those"
• 詳しい (kuwashii) - Adjective that means "detailed" or "thorough"
• 情報 (jouhou) - noun meaning "information" or "data"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 持っていません (motteimasen) - Verb that means "do not have" or "do not possess", conjugated in the negative and polite form.

該当する情報がありません。

Gaitō suru jōhō ga arimasen

There is no corresponding information.

Nothing matched.

• 該当する - word meaning "pertinent" or "applicable"
• 情報 - a word that means "information"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ありません - verb meaning "not to exist" or "not to be"

軍事に関する情報を収集する必要があります。

Gunji ni kansuru jōhō o shūshū suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

It is necessary to collect information related to the military issue.

You need to collect information about military.

• 軍事 - Military
• に関する - related with
• 情報 - information
• を収集する - COLLECT
• 必要があります - Is required