Translation and Meaning of: 公害 - kougai

The Japanese word 公害 [こうがい] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries deep and relevant meanings for society. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in the daily life of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your cultural and linguistic knowledge.

In addition to uncovering the translation of 公害, let's analyze its historical context and how it relates to environmental and social issues in Japan. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese perceive this word or how to memorize it effectively, keep reading to discover valuable and practical information.

Meaning and translation of 公害

Kōgai [こうがい] is composed of two kanji: 公 (public) and 害 (harm, damage). Together, they form the word that means "pollution" or "public nuisance," especially related to environmental impacts caused by industrialization. In English, the most common translation is "pollution" or "public nuisance," depending on the context.

It is worth highlighting that 公害 is not limited to air or water pollution. The term can also encompass issues such as noise pollution, soil contamination, and other negative effects of human activity on the environment. This scope makes the word frequently used in discussions about sustainability and public policies in Japan.

Origin and Historical Context

The use of 公害 gained traction in Japan during the period of rapid economic growth after World War II, known as the "Japanese Economic Miracle." At that time, accelerated industrialization brought severe environmental issues, such as Minamata disease and air pollution in Yokkaichi, which became significant events in the country's history.

These historical events transformed 公害 into a key term for debates about development versus quality of life. To this day, the term evokes memories of that period and serves as a warning about the dangers of neglecting the environmental impact of industrial progress. This historical weight makes 公害 more than just a simple word - it is a concept rooted in the Japanese collective consciousness.

How to memorize and use 公害

To memorize 公害, an effective tip is to break down the kanjis: think of "harm (害) that affects the public (公)." This simple association helps to cement both the meaning and the writing. Another strategy is to relate the word to mental images of widely publicized environmental problems, creating a visual connection with the concept.

In everyday use, 公害 often appears in news about the environment, political debates, and even in conversations about quality of life. Phrases like "公害問題" (pollution problems) or "公害防止" (pollution prevention) are common in both formal and informal contexts. Mastering this term can be especially useful for those studying Japanese with a focus on social or environmental issues.

Cultural and contemporary usage

In modern Japan, 公害 continues to be a relevant term, although its usage has evolved. While in the 1960s and 1970s it was primarily associated with acute industrial crises, today it appears more in discussions about less visible pollution, such as microplastics or CO2 emissions. This change reflects how environmental concerns have transformed over the decades.

Culturally, 公害 represents more than just a technical problem - it symbolizes the complex relationship between progress and preservation. In Japanese media such as documentaries or dramas, the word often arises to provoke reflection on collective responsibility. This cultural aspect makes 公害 a rich term for those who want to understand not only the language but also Japanese society.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 環境汚染 (Kankyou osen) - Environmental pollution
• 環境破壊 (Kankyou hakai) - Destruction of the environment
• 環境悪化 (Kankyou akka) - Environmental degradation

公害

Romaji: kougai
Kana: こうがい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: public nuisance; pollution

Meaning in English: public nuisance;pollution

Definition: Substances and energy associated with industry and daily life activities that have a negative impact on the global environment and the human body.

Example Sentences - (公害) kougai

See below some example sentences:

公害は環境に悪影響を与えます。

Kougai wa kankyou ni aku eikyou wo ataemasu

Environmental pollution has a negative impact on the environment.

Pollution has a negative effect on the environment.

• 公害 (kougai) - pollution
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 環境 (kankyou) - environment
• に (ni) - target particle
• 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect
• を (wo) - object particle
• 与えます (ataemasu) - cause, have an impact