Translation and Meaning of: 参議院 - sangiin

The Japanese word 参議院 (さんぎいん, sangiin) is a political term that represents one of the chambers of the Japanese parliament. If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japan's culture and politics, understanding the meaning and usage of this expression is essential. In this article, we will explore everything from the translation and origin to the context in which this word is used in everyday Japanese.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 参議院, we will also see how this word is perceived in Japan, its frequency of use, and some tips for memorizing it. If you are looking for reliable information about political terms in Japanese, Suki Nihongo offers a comprehensive dictionary to enhance your studies.

What does 参議院 (さんぎいん) mean?

参議院 (sangiin) is the Japanese word for "House of Councillors", one of the two houses that compose the National Diet of Japan, the country's parliament. While the other house, 衆議院 (しゅうぎいん, shūgiin), represents the House of Representatives, the 参議院 serves as a revising house, with specific legislative functions.

The term is formed by the kanjis 参 (san, which means "to participate" or "to consult"), 議 (gi, "deliberation" or "debate") and 院 (in, "institution" or "house"). Together, these characters convey the idea of a deliberative body where advisors discuss and make political decisions. This structure reflects the Japanese bicameral system, inspired by Western models.

Origin and historical context of the 参議院 (House of Councillors)

The 参議院 (House of Councillors) was established in 1947, after World War II, as part of the new Constitution of Japan. Before that, the country had a different parliamentary system, with the Câmara dos Pares (貴族院, kizokuin) during the Meiji period. The post-war reform aimed to democratize Japanese political institutions, following influences from the British and American systems.

Today, the 参議院 has 248 members elected for six-year terms, with elections held every three years to renew half of the house. Unlike the 衆議院, which can be dissolved, the 参議院 has a more stable character, ensuring continuity in legislative discussions. This structure helps balance political decisions in Japan.

How the word 参議院 is used in Japan?

In Japanese daily life, 参議院 often appears in news, political debates, and discussions about laws. It's common to see the term in headlines such as "O projeto de lei foi aprovado na Câmara dos Conselheiros" (The bill was approved in the House of Councillors). Although it is a technical term, its recurrence in the media means that many Japanese recognize it even without direct involvement in politics.

An interesting fact is that, although it is a formal word, it is not commonly replaced by simpler expressions in everyday life. Unlike political terms from other countries, which may acquire informal nicknames, 参議院 maintains its standard use in virtually all contexts, from casual conversations to official speeches.

Tips for memorizing 参議院 (さんぎいん)

An effective way to reinforce this word is to associate each kanji with its function. 参 refers to participation, 議 to discussions, and 院 to the place where they occur. Another strategy is to create flashcards with real examples, such as "参議院議員" (member of the House of Councillors), to see the term in context.

Additionally, following Japanese news about politics can help reinforce learning. Many outlets, such as NHK, use 参議院 regularly in their coverage, offering authentic examples of how the word is employed. Over time, natural repetition in real materials makes memorization easier.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 参院 (San'in) - Abbreviation for the Senate (Upper House) in Japan.
• 上院 (Jōin) - Generic term for referring to the Upper House in a legislative system, it can also refer to other institutions outside of Japan.
• 参議院議員 (Sangiin Giin) - Member of the Japanese Senate (Upper House).
• 参議院議会 (Sangiin Gikai) - Senate Assembly (Upper House) in Japan.
• 参議院選挙 (Sangiin Senkyo) - Election for the Japanese Senate (Upper House).

参議院

Romaji: sangiin
Kana: さんぎいん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Board of Directors

Meaning in English: House of Councillors

Definition: One of the members of the Diet who exercises legislative power along with the Chamber of Deputies.