Translation and Meaning of: 白状 - hakujyou

The Japanese word 白状[はくじょう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and use in everyday life can be quite useful. In this article, we will unravel what this expression represents, how it originated, and in what contexts it appears in the Japanese language.

In addition to explaining the translation of 白状, we will also see how it is perceived culturally in Japan. Is it a common word? Are there situations where its use may sound more formal or even dramatic? These are some of the questions we will answer below, always based on reliable sources and real examples.

Meaning and translation of 白状

白状[はくじょう] is a term that means "confession" or "admission of the truth". It is composed of the kanjis 白 (white, clear) and 状 (state, condition), suggesting the idea of "making something clear" or "revealing the truth". This word is often used in contexts where someone admits a mistake, a crime, or even feelings that were hidden.

Although it can be translated as "confession," 白状 carries a more direct and sometimes dramatic tone. While words like 認める (mitomeru) also mean "to admit," 白状 is more specific to situations where a person reveals something that was hidden, often under pressure or regret. Its use is more common in legal, police, or even television drama contexts.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 白状 dates back to the Edo period when the term began to be used in legal records and interrogations. The kanji 白, which means "white" or "clear," was associated with purity and transparency, while 状 represented a state or condition. Together, they came to symbolize the act of bringing the truth to light, especially in formal situations.

In modern Japan, 白状 is a word that still carries a certain emotional weight. It frequently appears in news about crimes, investigative series, and even in more serious conversations. Unlike more neutral terms, such as 告白 (kokuhaku, "romantic confession"), 白状 tends to be used when there is an element of guilt or consequence involved. Therefore, it is not an expression heard in casual everyday conversations.

How to memorize and use correctly

An effective way to memorize 白状 is to associate its kanjis with the meaning. Imagine that 白 (white) represents "to clarify" or "to reveal," while 状 (state) indicates the situation being confessed. Together, they form the idea of "making clear what was hidden." This visual association can help to fix the term in memory.

Regarding its usage, it is important to remember that 白状 is not a word for everyday situations. It appears more in serious contexts, such as in news ("The suspect made a 白状 during the interrogation") or in dramatic narratives. If you are learning Japanese, it is worth noting it down to understand more formal texts or dialogues, but it is not a term you would use in informal conversations with friends.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 自白 (jihaku) - Self-confession, when a person admits something about themselves.
• 告白 (kokuhaku) - Confession, usually in the context of romantic feelings or the revelation of something important.
• 供述 (kyōjutsu) - Testimony or statement, often used in legal or official contexts.
• 告解 (kokkai) - Confession, especially in a religious or spiritual context, such as confession of sins.

白状

Romaji: hakujyou
Kana: はくじょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: confession

Meaning in English: confession

Definition: admit sin or transgression.