Translation and Meaning of: 捕吏 - hori

The Japanese word for "police officer" or "law officer" is written as 捕吏, and read as 「ほり」 (hori) in hiragana. This term is composed of two kanji: 捕 (ho) and 吏 (ri). The presence of these characters not only exemplifies the function but also gives a historical and social sense to the word.

Etymologically, the first kanji, 「捕」, means "to capture" or "to seize", depicting the central function of these professionals, which is to maintain order and make arrests. This kanji has the radical 扌, which is associated with actions done with the hands, indicating the physical act of capturing. The second kanji, 「吏」, represents "official" or "employee", deriving from an ancient notation of institutional responsibility and tax collection. This kanji encapsulates the idea of a public servant involved in the administration and enforcement of the law.

The origin of the function of 捕吏 dates back to ancient administrative systems, where law enforcement was a function directly associated with government power. In feudal Japan, there were members of society specifically responsible for enforcing the law, known by various titles throughout the eras, but the essence of capture and service has remained. The modernization of Japan brought a reformation of legal systems, but the essence of these functions can be traced from ancient times to the current terminology used to describe police officers.

The term 捕吏 is not just a definition of a profession, but carries with it a legacy of complex social structure and public order. Over time and with the evolution of social norms, the figure of 捕吏 has adapted and continues to be a vital part of public security and harmony, demonstrating the resilience and adaptation of the Japanese language in reflecting the nuances of civilization and the social order it protects.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 取締り (Torishimari) - Control, oversight (usually in legal contexts)
• 取り締まり (Tori-shimari) - Acts of inspection or control (especially by authorities)
• 取り調べ (Tori-shirabe) - Interrogation (usually in criminal investigations)
• 取調べ (Tori-shirabe) - Interrogation; alternative term used in legal contexts
• 捜査 (Sousa) - Investigation (general, in police or judicial contexts)
• 捜索 (Sousaku) - Search; look for (usually for lost people or things)
• 捜査員 (Sousain) - Investigator; member of a research team
• 捜査官 (Sousakan) - Investigation officer; title used for official investigators
• 捜査係 (Sousa-kakari) - Investigation team or group responsible for the investigation
• 捜査班 (Sousa-han) - Investigation unit; specific team that works on a case
• 捜査組織 (Sousa-soshiki) - Investigation organization; structure responsible for investigations
• 捜査部 (Sousa-bu) - Investigation department; a section of a police force dedicated to investigations
• 捜査部隊 (Sousa-butai) - Special investigation force; specialized team in investigations
• 捜査力 (Sousa-ryoku) - Investigative power; skill and ability to investigate
• 捜査能力 (Sousa-nouryoku) - Investigative capacity; potential and skills in investigations
• 捜査技術 (Sousa-gijutsu) - Investigation techniques; methods used in investigations
• 捜査手段 (Sousa-shudan) - Means of investigation; methods and tools used for investigation
• 捜査方法 (Sousa-houhou) - Investigation modalities; different approaches used during investigations
• 捜査方針 (Sousa-houshin) - Investigation policy; guidelines that guide an investigation
• 捜査方策 (Sousa-housaku) - Investigation strategies; specific plans followed during an investigation.
• 捜査方向 (Sousa-houkou) - Investigation direction; specific focus of an investigation
• 捜査範囲 (Sousa-han'i) - Scope of the investigation; geographical or thematic area covered by the investigation.
• 捜査対象 (Sousa-taishou) - Object of the investigation; what is being specifically investigated
• 捜査対象者 (Sousa-taishousha) - Target individual of the investigation; person about whom the investigation is being carried out.

捕吏

Romaji: hori
Kana: ほり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: police

Meaning in English: constable

Definition: It refers to the position or job of capturing and interrogating criminals.