Translation and Meaning of: 暴力 - bouryoku

Etymology and Composition

The word 「暴力」 (bouryoku) is composed of two kanji: 「暴」 and 「力」。 The kanji 「暴」 means "violence" or "aggression" and is associated with the ideas of disorder and excessive force. The radical 「日」 (sun) within this kanji suggests an image of something that explodes with the power of the sun, symbolizing intensity and fervor. The kanji 「力」 refers to "strength" or "power" and is often used in contexts related to physical energy or the ability to accomplish something. Together, these kanji form the expression for "violence," emphasizing the idea of applying force in a destructive or aggressive manner.

Definition and Context of Use

"暴力" is widely used to describe acts of physical aggression, abuse, and violent behaviors in general. It encompasses everything from minor conflicts to large confrontations and wars. The word is common in the contexts of social and political discussions, especially when talking about human rights, domestic violence, and public safety. The term is employed not only in physical contexts but also in situations involving psychological and emotional coercion, showing the broad application of the word.

Origin and Evolution

The word 「暴力」 has deep roots in Japanese history. Japanese culture, throughout the ages, has always had an internal struggle between the ideals of peace and the reality of conflict, reflecting this in the language and expressions used. The concept of violence is something debated in various Japanese philosophies that seek ways to mitigate conflict in favor of social and personal harmony. Culturally, the term gained an even more charged meaning in the post-war period, when Japan rethought its military and social stance following the events of World War II.

Variations and Related Expressions

In modern Japanese, there are several expressions derived from 「暴力」 that help specify the type of violence referred to. Some of them include:

• "家庭内暴力" (kateinai bouryoku) - domestic violence
• "暴力団" (bouryokudan) - violent gangs or criminal organizations
• "「性暴力」 (seibouryoku) - sexual violence"

These variations demonstrate how the notion of violence is divided into different domains, each with its own dynamics and specific challenges.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 乱暴 (Ranbō) - Rude or violent behavior, disrespect for social norms.
• 強引 (Gōin) - To force something or someone aggressively, without considering the feelings of others.
• 暴行 (Bōkō) - Act of physical violence, aggression.
• 暴虐 (Bōgyaku) - Cruelty, violent oppression, inhuman treatment.
• 暴言 (Bōgen) - Violent or aggressive words, insults, offenses.

暴力

Romaji: bouryoku
Kana: ぼうりょく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: violence

Meaning in English: violence

Definition: Acts that harm or destroy people or properties.

Example Sentences - (暴力) bouryoku

See below some example sentences:

ギャングは暴力行為をする人たちの集まりです。

Gyangu wa boryoku koui wo suru hitotachi no atsumari desu

Gang is a group of people who commit acts of violence.

Gang is a gathering of people who play violence.

• ギャング - gang
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 暴力行為 - violent acts
• を - article indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - to do
• 人たち - pessoas
• の - particle possession indicating
• 集まり - coleta
• です - copula indicando que a frase é uma afirmação

暴力は決して正当化されるべきではありません。

Bouryoku wa kesshite seitouka sareru beki de wa arimasen

A violência nunca deve ser justificada.

Violence should never be justified.

• 暴力 - violence
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 正当化 - justification, legitimation
• される - passive form of the verb "to do"
• べき - it should
• ではありません - formal denial of the polite form of "being"