Translation and Meaning of: 投票 - touhyou

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 投票 (とうひょう). It appears in formal contexts, news, and even in everyday conversations in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japanese culture. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it and understanding its role in real situations.

Meaning and usage of 投票

The word 投票 means "vote" or "voting". It is composed of the kanjis 投 (to throw) and 票 (ballot), forming the idea of "casting a vote". In Japan, it is often used in elections, opinion polls, and even in internal voting within companies or schools.

A common example is the expression 投票に行く (とうひょうにいく), which means "to go vote." This phrase has a formal tone, but it also appears in informal contexts when discussing politics or collective decisions. Its usage reflects the importance of democratic participation in Japanese society.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The origin of 投票 dates back to the modern electoral system of Japan, influenced by Western models during the Meiji period. The kanji 投 has the radical 扌(てへん), related to manual actions, while 票 contains the radical 示(しめすへん), associated with display or demonstration. Together, they convey the idea of expressing a choice through a vote.

It is worth noting that 票 also appears in other related words, such as 開票 (かいひょう - vote counting) and 得票 (とくひょう - votes obtained). This family of terms demonstrates how the concept of voting is rooted in the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 投票 is to associate it with real situations, such as elections or polls. Practicing with phrases like 投票用紙 (とうひょうようし - ballot) or 投票率 (とうひょうりつ - voter turnout) helps to understand its usage in different contexts.

Another tip is to observe how the word appears in Japanese news, especially during election periods. Many news portals use 投票 in headlines, which makes it easier to recognize and naturally assimilate the term.