Translation and Meaning of: 停電 - teiden

If you have already studied Japanese or had contact with Japanese culture, you have probably come across the word 停電 (ていでん). But what does it mean exactly? And how is it used in the daily lives of the Japanese? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as practical tips for memorizing it. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, this content will help you better understand this common expression in the Japanese vocabulary.

The meaning and origin of 停電

The word 停電 (ていでん) is composed of two kanji: 停, which means "stop" or "interrupt," and 電, which refers to "electricity." Together, they form the term that describes a "blackout" or "interruption in the supply of electric power." This expression is often used in news, public notices, and everyday conversations when there are failures in the electrical system.

The use of 停電 dates back to the modernization period of Japan, when electrical infrastructure began to expand in the country. With the increase in dependence on electricity, terms like this gained relevance in the Japanese vocabulary. Today, it is widely recognized and used in different situations, from small blackouts to major outages caused by natural disasters.

How and when to use 停電 in everyday Japanese

In Japan, 停電 is a term that appears quite frequently, especially in regions prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which can damage the power grid. It shows up in weather alerts, communications from power companies, and even in informal conversations. For example, if someone says "昨夜は停電だった" (there was a blackout last night), they are referring to an interruption in the power supply.

It's worth noting that 停電 is not used to describe very brief power outages, like those that last only a few seconds. In such cases, Japanese people might use expressions like "瞬停" (shunten), which indicates a momentary failure. Knowing these nuances helps avoid confusion and use the term correctly in different contexts.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing 停電

An effective way to remember the meaning of 停電 is to associate the radicals of the kanji that compose it. The first kanji, 停, appears in words like 停止 (ていし), which means "stop" or "suspension." The second, 電, is part of terms like 電気 (でんき), which means "electricity." This breakdown makes memorization easier and helps in understanding other related words.

Additionally, 停電 is a term that gained even more visibility after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, when large blackouts affected Japan. This event reinforced the importance of the word in the national vocabulary, showing how it is connected to critical situations. For Japanese learners, knowing terms like this is essential for communicating during emergencies and understanding local news.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 停電 (Teiden) - Power outage
• 電力不足 (Denryoku fusoku) - Electricity shortage
• 電力喪失 (Denryoku sōshitsu) - Loss of electric energy capacity
• 電力欠乏 (Denryoku kebubō) - electricity supply insufficiency

停電

Romaji: teiden
Kana: ていでん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Electricity Failure

Meaning in English: failure of electricity

Definition: Power outage.

Example Sentences - (停電) teiden

See below some example sentences:

停電が起こった。

Teiden ga okotta

There was a blackout.

A power outage occurred.

• 停電 (teiden) - It means "lack of electricity."
• が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった (okotta) - verb that means "occurred"