Translation and Meaning of: 募金 - bokin

The word 「募金」 ("bokin") is a Japanese term that refers to the act of collecting donations or funds for a specific cause, usually of a charitable or solidarity nature. This concept is a common practice in Japan, especially in response to natural disasters or at charity events, reflecting the communal culture and prevalent sense of social responsibility in the country. In addition, 「募金」 can involve both organized institutions and personal initiatives, encompassing a wide variety of methods and objectives.

Etimologically, 「募金」 is composed of two kanji characters: 「募」 (bo) and 「金」 (kin). The character 「募」 derives from the verb "tsunoru", which means to recruit or summon, and in this context, refers to the act of calling people to contribute. The kanji 「金」 means money or gold, representing, in this case, the funds or donations raised. Thus, the combination of these characters captures the concept of raising monetary resources collectively.

In practice, the collection of 「募金」 can occur in various ways, adapting to the needs and context. Generally, the campaigns include collection points in strategic locations, such as train stations, commercial areas, cultural events, and even digital platforms in recent times. These efforts are often organized by NGOs, community groups, or even individuals mobilizing social networks to maximize the reach and impact of the collection campaign.

The tradition of 「募金」 in Japan dates back to a strong ethic of mutual support and solidarity, intensified by the geological vulnerability of the archipelago, often targeted by earthquakes and typhoons. Historically, in times of crisis, the collective response through 「募金」 has been crucial for the recovery and assistance to affected communities. Moreover, 「募金」 campaigns often promote values of cooperation and compassion, which are fundamental in Japanese society.

Therefore, understanding the term 「募金」 is to understand an important aspect of social life in Japan, which reflects both the spirit of cooperation inherent in Japanese culture and modern tools for mobilizing resources. The various forms of implementing this practice reflect the adaptability and dynamism of community actions in Japan. This tradition of solidarity helps to reinforce social ties and the transmission of values of mutual support from generation to generation.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 寄付金 (Kifukin) - Donated money, usually in a formal context or for an institution.
• 捐款 (Enkan) - Donation or monetary contribution, often used for specific causes.
• 募金款 (Bokin-kan) - Funds raised through donations, usually in campaigns.
• 募金活動 (Bokin katsudou) - Fundraising activity, such as events to collect donations.
• 募金運動 (Bokin undou) - Fundraising movement, campaigns organized to promote donations.
• 募金キャンペーン (Bokin kyanpeen) - Fundraising campaign, usually with a specific goal.

募金

Romaji: bokin
Kana: ぼきん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: fund raising; fund collection

Meaning in English: fund-raising;collection of funds

Definition: Activities or actions that request donations or contributions.