Translation and Meaning of: 禁止 - kinshi

The Japanese word 禁止[きんし] is one of those that you've probably seen on signs, warnings, or even in animes and mangas. Its main meaning is "prohibition" or "forbiddance," but there is much more behind this term than meets the eye. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to its everyday and cultural use, which is essential for anyone studying Japanese.

If you've ever wondered how to memorize きんし or why it appears so often in formal contexts, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide accurate and useful information for your learning, so get ready to discover curiosities and tips that go beyond the dictionary.

Meaning and writing of 禁止

The term 禁止 is composed of two kanji: 禁 (kin), which conveys the idea of "prohibit" or "restriction," and 止 (shi), which means "stop" or "cease." Together, they form a word that conveys the notion of something that should not be done, whether by rules, laws, or social norms. This combination is not random – it reflects the very essence of the concept of prohibition in the Japanese language.

In writing, it is important to pay attention to the strokes of each kanji, especially 禁, which has 13 strokes and the radical 示 (which indicates a connection with the divine or ceremonies). On the other hand, 止 is simpler, with only 4 strokes. This difference in complexity can be a challenge for beginners, but also an opportunity to practice Japanese calligraphy.

Everyday and cultural use

In Japan, 禁止 is a ubiquitous word in daily life. You find it on "no entry" signs (立ち入り禁止), "no photography" warnings (写真禁止), or even on product packaging with alerts like "consumption by minors prohibited." This frequency of usage reveals a lot about Japanese society and its value for order and respect for rules.

Culturally, the concept behind きんし goes beyond simple prohibition. It is linked to the notion of social harmony (和, wa) and the care taken not to cause inconvenience to others (迷惑, meiwaku). When a Japanese person sees a sign with 禁止, there is usually an implicit understanding that this restriction exists for the collective good, not just as an arbitrary imposition.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 禁止 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of the red signs with a crossed circle that you see in train stations or parks – they almost always contain this word. Creating flashcards with images of these contexts can help reinforce both the meaning and the kanjis.

When using きんし in sentences, remember that it typically appears in the format [action] + 禁止. "Smoking prohibited" would be 喫煙禁止 (kitsuen kinshi), for example. This pattern is consistent and makes it easier to construct various useful expressions. For students, mastering this structure can open doors to understanding many signs and regulations in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

禁忌 (kinki) - Taboo, something that is strictly prohibited for religious or social reasons.
禁令 (kinrei) - Prohibition decree; a formal order that prohibits something.
禁止令 (kinshirei) - Prohibition order; similar to a decree, but more specific in relation to particular actions.
禁止する (kinshi suru) - Prohibit; the action of making something illegal or inadmissible.
禁じる (kinjiru) - Prohibit; similar to "禁止する", but can be used in more varied contexts.