Translation and Meaning of: 情 - jyou

The Japanese word 情[じょう] is a term rich in meaning and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. If you are studying Japanese or are simply interested in the language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to a broader understanding of Japanese emotions and values. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday uses, and even how it appears in expressions and cultural contexts.

In addition to uncovering what 情[じょう] means, let's explore how it is perceived in Japan, its frequency in daily life, and tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese express feelings such as compassion, affection, or even a sense of duty, this word is a key element in deciphering these nuances.

The meaning and origin of 情[じょう]

At the heart of the word 情[じょう] is the idea of emotion, feeling, or even compassion. It can be translated in various ways, depending on the context: "emotion," "affection," "pity," or even "situation." The kanji 情 is composed of 忄(a radical that represents the heart or mind) and 青 (which originally meant "blue," but here conveys the idea of clarity or purity). Together, they convey the notion of pure feelings or emotional states.

Historically, this term has roots in classical Chinese, but in Japan, it has gained its own nuances over the centuries. While in Chinese the character can have a broader and more neutral meaning, in Japanese, it often carries a connotation of empathy and human connection. This subtle difference is important for those who want to use the word naturally.

How 情[じょう] is used in daily life

In daily life, the Japanese use 情[じょう] in various common expressions. One of the best-known is 人情[にんじょう], which refers to human compassion or natural kindness among people. Another example is 情熱[じょうねつ], which means "passion" or "burning enthusiasm." These combinations show how the term can vary in meaning depending on the words that accompany it.

It is worth noting that 情[じょう] also appears in more formal or literary contexts, often carrying a deeper tone than simpler words for "feeling." In novels or speeches, for example, it may be chosen to convey a more intense or complex emotion. On the other hand, in casual conversations, Japanese people may opt for more direct terms unless they want to give special weight to what they are saying.

The cultural importance of 情[じょう]

In Japan, the concept behind 情[じょう] goes beyond a simple dictionary definition. It is linked to important social values, such as the idea of mutual duty and emotional connection between people. In many works of Japanese art and literature, this term appears as a central theme, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the nature of emotions.

An interesting curiosity is how 情[じょう] contrasts with Western concepts of emotion. While in the West emotions are often seen as something individual, in Japan there is a greater emphasis on how feelings connect people. This is reflected in the use of the word in contexts that emphasize social harmony and mutual understanding. For students of Japanese, noticing these nuances can make all the difference when it comes to understanding dialogues in movies, dramas, or even in real conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 感情 (kanjō) - Emotion, feeling, generally refers to intense emotional responses.
• 情緒 (jōcho) - Emotional state, the emotional quality of an experience.
• 心情 (shinjō) - Feelings or state of mind refer to internal or personal emotions.
• 情感 (jōkan) - Feelings and emotions, emphasis on how emotions are expressed.
• 情趣 (jōshu) - Sense or taste of something, often associated with aesthetic appreciation.
• 情操 (jōsō) - Emotions and character, the cultivation of noble or worthy feelings.
• 情報 (jōhō) - Information, knowledge; can refer to data or news.
• 情熱 (jōnetsu) - Passion, strong enthusiasm or fervor for something.
• 情け (nasake) - Compassion, kindness; it refers to a feeling of empathy for others.
• 情け深い (nasakebukai) - Kind, full of compassion; a person who shows great empathy.
• 情け無い (nasakenai) - Deplorable, sad; it may denote disappointment regarding oneself or others.
• 情け容赦 (nasakeyōsha) - Indulgent, understanding; refers to showing mercy or forgiveness.
• 情けをかける (nasake o kakeru) - Show compassion or kindness; help someone in need.
• 情けを求める (nasake o motomeru) - To seek compassion or help; the desire to be understood or aided.
• 情けを施す (nasake o hodokosu) - Show compassion; offer help and care to someone.
• 情けを通す (nasake o toosu) - To pass on compassion; it implies interacting with understanding and empathy.
• 情けを持って (nasake o motte) - Having compassion; being aware of the need for empathy in actions.
• 情けを感じる (nasake o kanjiru) - To feel compassion; to have an emotional reaction of empathy for others.
• 情けを欠く (nasake o kaku) - Lack of compassion; absence of empathy or concern for others.
• 情けを取る (nasake o toru) - Seeking compassion; it may denote taking advantage of someone's kindness.
• 情けを取り戻す (nasake o torimodosu) - Recover compassion; rediscover the ability to have empathy.
• 情けを知る (nasake o shiru) - To know compassion; to understand the importance of empathy in relationships.

情

Romaji: jyou
Kana: じょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: feelings; emotion; passion

Meaning in English: feelings;emotion;passion

Definition: How the heart and human feelings move and feel.

Example Sentences - (情) jyou

See below some example sentences:

内部には機密情報が含まれています。

Naibu ni wa kimitsu jōhō ga fukumarete imasu

There is confidential information contained inside.

Internal contains confidential information.

• 内部 (nai-bu) - means "internal" or "within"
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates location or direction
• は (wa) - a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 機密情報 (kimitsu joho) - means "confidential information"
• が (ga) - a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 含まれています (fukumarete imasu) - means "is included" or "is contained"

実情を把握する必要があります。

Jitsujou wo haaku suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to understand the real situation.

It is necessary to understand the real situation.

• 実情 - real situation
• を - object particle
• 把握する - understand
• 必要 - need
• が - subject particle
• あります - verb "exist" in polite form

役立つ情報を提供します。

Yakudatsu jōhō o teikyō shimasu

I will provide useful information.

Provides useful information.

• 役立つ - useful, beneficial
• 情報 - information
• を - direct object particle
• 提供 - provide
• します - Verb "to do" in the present

彼は友情を絶った。

Kare wa yūjō o tatta

He cut the friendship.

He lost his friendship.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 友情 - Japanese noun meaning "friendship"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 絶った - Japanese past tense verb meaning "ended" or "broke"

彼女の表情はとても穏やかだ。

Kanojo no hyōjō wa totemo odayaka da

Your expression is very calm.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she/girlfriend
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 表情 (hyoujou) - Expressão facial
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 穏やか (odayaka) - calm/serene
• だ (da) - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女はとても情け深い人です。

Kanojo wa totemo nasakebukai hito desu

She is a very compassionate person.

She is a very sad person.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 情け深い (nasakebukai) - compassionate
• 人 (hito) - person
• です (desu) - Ser/estar (linking verb)

彼女は自分の感情を制することができる。

Kanojo wa jibun no kanjou o seisuru koto ga dekiru

She can control her emotions.

She can control her emotions.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 感情 (kanjou) - emotion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 制する (seisuru) - to control
• ことができる (koto ga dekiru) - Be able to

愛情は人生の最高の贈り物です。

Aijou wa jinsei no saikou no okurimono desu

Love is the best gift in life.

• 愛情 (aijou) - love
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 最高 (saikou) - better, maximum
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 贈り物 (okurimono) - gift, gift of offer
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

的確な情報を入手した。

Tokaku na jōhō o nyūshu shita

I have accurate information.

• 的確な - I need, exact
• 情報 - Information
• を - Direct object particle
• 入手した - Obtained, acquired

私はその詳しい情報を持っていません。

Watashi wa sono kuwashii jōhō o motte imasen

I have no detailed information about it.

I don't have this detailed information.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• その (sono) - demonstrative pronoun meaning "that" or "those"
• 詳しい (kuwashii) - Adjective that means "detailed" or "thorough"
• 情報 (jouhou) - noun meaning "information" or "data"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 持っていません (motteimasen) - Verb that means "do not have" or "do not possess", conjugated in the negative and polite form.