Translation and Meaning of: 介抱 - kaihou

The Japanese word 介抱 [かいほう] may not be the most common in everyday vocabulary, but it carries an important and specific meaning. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your knowledge about culture and communication in Japan. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 介抱, as well as tips for memorizing it and curiosities about its cultural context.

Meaning and translation of 介抱

介抱[かいほう] is a noun that means "care," "assistance," or "aid," especially in situations involving helping someone in a state of fragility, such as the sick, elderly, or injured. The closest translation in English would be "caring for someone" or "providing assistance," but with a more formal and dedicated tone.

Unlike words like 世話[せわ], which also means "care" but in a more general context, 介抱 is used when there is a more immediate and physical need. For example, helping someone who has fallen or is unwell. This nuance is important for those who want to use the term correctly in conversations or texts.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 介抱 is composed of two kanjis: 介 (kai), which can mean "intermediate" or "to assist," and 抱 (hou), which carries the sense of "to embrace" or "to hold." Together, they form the idea of "holding someone to assist them," which clearly reflects the meaning of the word.

It is worth noting that 介抱 is not an ancient term, but it is also not extremely common in modern Japanese. It appears more in formal, literary contexts or in specific care situations, such as in hospitals or in descriptions of first aid. Its use in everyday language is less frequent than words like 助ける[たすける] (to help) or 看病[かんびょう] (to care for a patient).

How to memorize and use 介抱

An effective way to memorize 介抱 is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine someone helping an elderly person to stand up or a nurse caring for a patient. These images reinforce the meaning of the term and help distinguish it from similar words.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "彼は怪我人を介抱した" (He cared for the injured person). Repeating the term in real contexts makes assimilation easier. Additionally, noting the kanji and their individual meanings (介 and 抱) can help to better understand the construction of the word.

Cultural usages and curiosities

In Japan, the idea of taking care of others is deeply connected to values such as respect and collective responsibility. 介抱 reflects this mentality, especially in situations where the well-being of others is a priority. It is no wonder that the term appears in first aid manuals and in discussions about elderly care.

Although it is not a word used frequently in casual conversations, 介抱 has its place in more serious or literary contexts. If you are reading a book or watching a Japanese drama that involves emergency situations, you may encounter this term. Stay alert!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 介抱 (Kaihō) - Take care of someone, usually in cases of illness or weakness.
• 介抱する (Kaihō suru) - To perform the act of taking care of someone.
• 介抱をする (Kaihō wo suru) - To perform the act of caring.
• 介抱すること (Kaihō suru koto) - The act of caring for someone.
• 介抱をすること (Kaihō wo suru koto) - The act of providing care.
• 介抱者 (Kaihōsha) - The person who takes care.
• 介抱する人 (Kaihō suru hito) - The person who performs the act of caring.
• 介抱をする人 (Kaihō wo suru hito) - The person who provides care.
• 看護 (Kango) - Professional health care; nursing.
• 看病 (Kanbyō) - Care for a patient, usually in a context of illness.
• 看取り (Mitoru) - Caring for someone until the moment of death; palliative care.
• 世話 (Sewa) - Care and general assistance to someone.
• 世話をする (Sewa wo suru) - To perform the act of caring and helping.
• 世話人 (Sewanin) - The person who provides assistance and care.
• 世話する人 (Sewa suru hito) - The person who provides care and assistance.
• 看護する人 (Kango suru hito) - The person who takes care of nursing.
• 看病する人 (Kanbyō suru hito) - The person who takes care of a patient.
• 看取りする人 (Mitoru suru hito) - The person who cares until the moment of death.
• 世話する人 (Sewa suru hito) - The person who helps and takes care.
• 世話をする人 (Sewa wo suru hito) - The person who provides care and assistance.
• 介護 (Kaigo) - Long-term care, often for the elderly or people with disabilities.
• 介護する (Kaigo suru) - Perform the act of long-term care.
• 介護をする (Kaigo wo suru) - Provide long-term care.
• 介護すること (Kaigo suru koto) - The act of long-term care.
• 介護をすること (Kaigo wo suru koto) - The act of providing long-term care.
• 介護者 (Kaigosha) - The person who takes care in the context of long-term care.
• 介護する人 (Kaigo suru hito) - The person who provides long-term care.
• 介護をする人 (Kaigo wo suru hito) - The person who provides long-term care.

介抱

Romaji: kaihou
Kana: かいほう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: nursing; to care

Meaning in English: nursing;looking after

Definition: To help, support, and care for the sick and injured.

Example Sentences - (介抱) kaihou

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女を介抱した。

Watashi wa kanojo wo kaihō shita

I hugged her.

I took it to her.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "girlfriend" or "her"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 介抱した - verb meaning "to look after" or "to assist", conjugated in the past tense