Translation and Meaning of: 巡査 - jyunsa

The Japanese word 巡査 (じゅんさ) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries specific meanings and uses in the Japanese language and culture. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about police terminology, understanding what this word represents and how it is used in everyday life can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and cultural context, as well as practical tips for memorization.

巡査 is a term that frequently appears in police dramas, news, and even in casual conversations in Japan. Its use is directly linked to the hierarchy and structure of the Japanese police forces, making it a relevant word for those who wish to better understand this aspect of society. Let's uncover its writing in kanji and how it is perceived by native speakers.

Meaning and use of 巡査

In Japanese, 巡査 refers to the lowest rank in the police hierarchy, equivalent to "police officer" or "patrol agent." Unlike terms such as 警官 (けいかん) or 警察官 (けいさつかん), which have a more generic meaning, 巡査 specifies a position within the organization. It is common to see this term in official documents, identification badges, or in situations that require formality.

The everyday use of the word can vary. While in professional contexts it is used with precision, in daily life, Japanese people may choose simpler expressions, such as おまわりさん (omawari-san), which sounds more colloquial and friendly. Still, 巡査 (junsa) maintains its place in formal registers and in the media, especially in reports about police activities.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 巡査 is composed of two kanjis: 巡 (じゅん), which means "to patrol" or "to circulate," and 査 (さ), which relates to "to investigate" or "to inspect." Together, they convey the idea of someone who patrols and checks situations, which aligns perfectly with the function of a basic-level police officer. This combination is not random and reflects the nature of the work performed.

It is worth noting that 巡査 (junsa) is an old term, with roots dating back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan modernized its police system under Western influence. Despite its long history, the word is still widely used today, especially in institutional contexts. Its kanji 査, for example, also appears in words like 検査 (けんさ, "inspection") and 調査 (ちょうさ, "research"), reinforcing its connection to verification activities.

Tips to memorize 巡査

An effective way to memorize 巡査 is to associate its kanjis with mental images. Imagine a police officer (査) patrolling (巡) the streets – this simple visualization helps link the writing to the meaning. Another strategy is to create flashcards with the word and its use in short sentences, such as "巡査が交番で働いている" (The police officer is working at the station). Repeating it aloud also strengthens memorization.

For those who enjoy cultural contexts, watching Japanese police dramas can be a fun way to become familiar with the term. Series like "相棒" (Aibou) or "踊る大捜査線" (Odoru Daisousasen) frequently use 巡査 in dialogues, which helps to understand its tone and application. Remember that consistent exposure to authentic materials accelerates the learning of any new word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 警察官 (Keisatsukan) - Police officer; generic term for police members.
• 警官 (Keikan) - Police; usually refers to police officers on duty.
• 巡回警察 (Junkai Keisatsu) - Patrol police; refers to officers who conduct patrols.
• 巡回警官 (Junkai Keikan) - Patrol officer; focus on officers who patrol specific areas.
• 巡査部長 (Junsa Buchō) - Patrol chief; high-ranking officer in patrol inspections.
• 巡査長 (Junsa Chō) - Senior patrol officer; one level below the patrol chief.
• 巡査部員 (Junsa Buin) - Member of the patrol; refers to police officers who are part of a patrol unit.
• 巡査係 (Junsa Kakari) - Responsible for the patrol; assigned to specific patrol activities.
• 巡査署 (Junsa Sho) - Police patrol station; the station where patrol officers are based.
• 巡査署員 (Junsa Shoin) - Member of the patrol station; police officer who works at a patrol station.
• 巡査課 (Junsa Ka) - Patrol division; specialized section in the supervision of patrols.
• 巡査課員 (Junsa Kaiin) - Member of the patrol division; officer who is part of this division.
• 巡査補 (Junsa Ho) - Patrol helpers; assistants in patrol activities.
• 巡査補佐 (Junsa Hosa) - Patrol assistant; provides specific support to police officers.
• 巡査助手 (Junsa Josho) - Patrol assistant; similar to the helper, focused on general assistance.
• 巡査見習い (Junsa Minarai) - Police patrol trainee; in training to become a police officer.
• 巡査候補生 (Junsa Kōhosei) - Candidate for police officer; in training to be a patrol officer.

巡査

Romaji: jyunsa
Kana: じゅんさ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Police; police officer

Meaning in English: police;policeman

Definition: Police officer.

Example Sentences - (巡査) jyunsa

See below some example sentences:

巡査は警察官の一種です。

Junsa wa keisatsukan no issu desu

Junsa is a type of police officer.

The police are a type of police.

• 巡査 - police officer
• は - Topic particle
• 警察官 - police officer
• の - Possession particle
• 一種 - a type of
• です - is