Translation and Meaning of: 創刊 - soukan

The Japanese word 創刊 (そうかん, sōkan) is a term that sparks curiosity both for its kanji writing and for its specific usage. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how to apply it in real contexts, this article will explore all of that clearly and directly. Let's dive into the details of this expression, from its composition to practical examples that help reinforce its usage.

Meaning and use of 創刊

創刊 is a compound word made up of the kanjis 創 (creation, foundation) and 刊 (publication, edition). Together, they convey the meaning of "launching a publication," such as the first issue of a magazine, newspaper, or even a literary collection. It is a term frequently used in the editorial and academic world, marking the beginning of something that will be published periodically.

An interesting detail is that 創刊 does not apply to just any type of publication. It is strongly associated with printed or digital materials that have a defined periodicity. For example, saying "この雑誌は去年創刊された" (This magazine was launched last year) sounds natural, but using the word for a single book would be incorrect.

Origin and Cultural Context

The origin of 創刊 dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the Japanese press began to expand. The kanji 刊 gained popularity during this time, associated with large-scale printing, while 創 reinforced the idea of something pioneering. Together, they capture the essence of an editorial milestone.

In Japan, the term carries significant cultural weight. The launch of a new magazine or newspaper is often celebrated with events or special editions. Companies and universities use 創刊 to highlight the importance of their institutional publications, reinforcing their identity and tradition.

Tips for memorizing and avoiding mistakes

An effective way to memorize 創刊 is to associate the kanji 刊 with other words related to publication, such as 発刊 (publication release) or 週刊 (weekly publication). This creates a mental network that facilitates the retrieval of the meaning when needed.

A common mistake among students is to confuse 創刊 with 創設 (foundation of an institution). Remember: if it doesn't involve something printed or digital with periodicity, it probably isn't 創刊. Observing announcements from magazines or Japanese editorial websites can help internalize this specific context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 創立 (sōritsu) - Establishment, foundation of an organization or institution.
• 設立 (setsuritsu) - Establishment, generally related to the formal creation of an institution or company, highlighting the legal aspect.
• 開始 (kaishi) - Start, beginning of activities or events.
• 初版 (shobon) - First edition refers to the initial release of a publication.

創刊

Romaji: soukan
Kana: そうかん
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Launch (for example, newspaper); first edition

Meaning in English: launching (e.g. newspaper);first issue

Definition: The first publication of a magazine, newspaper, etc.

Example Sentences - (創刊) soukan

See below some example sentences:

この雑誌は創刊から人気がある。

Kono zasshi wa soukan kara ninki ga aru

This magazine has been popular since its launch.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 雑誌 - noun meaning "magazine"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this magazine"
• 創刊 - noun meaning "release" or "first edition"
• から - particle that indicates the starting point, in this case, "since"
• 人気 - noun meaning "popularity"
• が - subject particle that indicates that "popularity" is the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"