Translation and Meaning of: 健全 - kenzen

The Japanese word 健全[けんぜん] is a term that carries deep meanings and varied applications in the daily life of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the culture of the country, understanding the true meaning of this expression can open doors to a more authentic comprehension of the local mindset. In this article, we will explore its significance, origin, use in social contexts, and even tips to memorize it effectively.

In addition to being frequently found in discussions about health and well-being, 健全 also appears in debates about ethics, education, and even in Japanese media. Whether in animes, newspapers, or everyday conversations, this word reflects important values for the Japanese. Let's uncover its details clearly and practically.

Meaning and translation of 健全

At its core, 健全 means "healthy," "integral," or "balanced." Unlike other words that are limited to the physical aspect, it also encompasses mental, moral, and social health. For example, when a Japanese person says that a company has a "健全 management," they are referring to transparent and sustainable administration.

The closest translation in English would be "healthy" or "correct," but it is important to note that the term carries a connotation of harmony and functionality. It is not just about the absence of problems, but about a state where everything works as it should, whether it is a body, an organization, or even a value system.

Origin and components of kanji

The writing of 健全 combines two kanjis: 健 (ken), which means "health" or "strength," and 全 (zen), which represents "complete" or "total." Together, they convey the idea of overall health, not just physical but in all aspects. This construction reflects the holistic view that the Japanese have regarding well-being.

It is worth noting that 健 appears in other words related to vigor, such as 健康 (kenkou, "health") and 健やか (sukoyaka, "robust"). Meanwhile, 全 is used in terms like 安全 (anzen, "safety") and 完全 (kanzen, "perfection"). This relationship between the radicals helps to understand why 健全 goes beyond the superficial meaning of "not being sick."

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 健全 is a valued concept in various spheres. Schools promote a "健全 education," emphasizing the balanced development of students. In the media, TV programs or magazines may be classified as "健全 content" when they are considered appropriate for all ages.

Interestingly, the word also appears in unexpected contexts. Some arcade games, for example, have modes called "健全モード" (kenzen mōdo), which limit violence or adult themes. This shows how the term is rooted in the Japanese concern for a harmonious and safe social environment.

Tips for memorizing and using 健全

An effective way to remember 健全 is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of something that works perfectly, like a precise clock or a balanced diet. These images help imprint the sense of "integrity" that the word carries. Another tip is to recall that it starts with the same "ken" as in 健康, another word related to health.

To practice, try using 健全 in simple sentences. For example: "この会社は健全な経営をしている" (kono kaisha wa kenzen na keiei o shiteiru) - "This company has a healthy management." Repeating this type of construction in real contexts will make the term become natural in your Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 健康 (Kenkou) - Health, a state of physical and mental well-being.
• 健やか (Sugoyaka) - Healthy, vital, vigorous.
• 丈夫 (Joubu) - Strong, robust, durable.
• 強壮 (Kyousou) - Vigorous, strong, healthy.
• 健全無欠 (Kenzenmuketsu) - Perfectly healthy, without flaws.
• 完全無欠 (Kanzenmuketsu) - Completely perfect, without flaws, it can refer to health in a broad sense.
• 完全健康 (Kanzenkankou) - Completely healthy, in perfect health.
• 健全な (Kenzenna) - Healthy, in a balanced and positive state.
• 健全的 (Kenzen-teki) - Healthy in a general way, referring to healthy values or conditions.
• 健全なる (Kenzen-naru) - Healthy, to describe a state or quality.
• 健全なり (Kenzen-nari) - It is healthy, a way of affirming a healthy state.
• 健全たる (Kenzen-taru) - What is healthy, used to describe something that has health.
• 健全である (Kenzen de aru) - It is healthy, a health or wellness statement.
• 健全であれ (Kenzen de are) - May it be healthy, a wish for a healthy state.
• 健全であらんことを (Kenzen de aran koto o) - May you continue healthy, emphasizing a wish for future health.
• 健全であらんことを祈る (Kenzen de aran koto o inoru) - I pray that you stay healthy.
• 健全であり (Kenzen de ari) - It is healthy, a statement present about health.
• 健全であろう (Kenzen de arou) - Probably healthy, an assumption about health.

健全

Romaji: kenzen
Kana: けんぜん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: health; solidity; healthy

Meaning in English: health;soundness;wholesome

Definition: It refers to a state where things are normal and there are no problems.

Example Sentences - (健全) kenzen

See below some example sentences:

競争は健全な発展の源である。

Kyousou wa kenzen na hatten no minamoto de aru

Competition is the healthy source of development.

Competition is a source of healthy development.

• 競争 (kyōsō) - competition
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 健全 (kenzen) - healthy, whole
• な (na) - particle that indicates the characteristic of the adjective that follows it
• 発展 (hatten) - development
• の (no) - particle indicating the relationship of possession or attribution
• 源 (gen) - source, origin
• である (dearu) - verb to be, to stay

健全な食生活は健康の秘訣です。

Kenzennna shokuseikatsu wa kenkou no himitsu desu

A healthy diet is the secret to good health.

A healthy diet is the secret of health.

• 健全な (kenzen na) - healthy
• 食生活 (shokuseikatsu) - eating habits
• は (wa) - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 健康 (kenkou) - health
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 秘訣 (hiketsu) - secret
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present