Translation and Meaning of: 政治 - seiji

The Japanese word 政治[せいじ] is one of those that frequently appears in news, debates, and even in everyday conversations in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the culture of the country, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can be essential. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is perceived by the Japanese, and some contexts in which you might encounter it.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 政治, we will discuss its writing in kanji, cultural curiosities, and even tips to memorize it more easily. Whether for those who want to expand their vocabulary or simply understand Japan better, this guide will provide useful and accurate information.

What does 政治[せいじ] mean?

Seiji (政治) is translated into English as "politics," but its meaning goes beyond the partisan or governmental sense we usually associate with the word. In Japan, it encompasses everything from public administration to discussions on social organization and collective decision-making. It is a broad term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

It is worth noting that, unlike some Western languages where "politics" can have a negative connotation in certain contexts, 政治 in Japanese tends to be more neutral. Of course, depending on the conversation, it can carry criticism or praise, but generally, it is a word used objectively.

The origin and writing of 政治

The kanji 政治 is composed of two characters: 政 (sei), which refers to government or administration, and 治 (ji), which means control or order. Together, they convey the idea of "governing with order," reflecting the concept of politics as a form of social organization. This combination is not random and has roots in classical Chinese, from which many kanjis were adapted.

An interesting fact is that the first kanji, 政, also appears in words like 政府[せいふ] (government) and 行政[ぎょうせい] (public administration). The second one, 治, is found in terms like 治療[ちりょう] (medical treatment) and 治安[ちあん] (public order). This relationship between the ideograms helps to better understand the meaning behind 政治.

How and when to use 政治 in everyday life

In Japan, 政治 is a common word in discussions about elections, laws, and public policies. It can appear in newspapers, speeches, or even in bar conversations, depending on the context. A simple sentence like "日本の政治は複雑です" (Japanese politics is complex) already shows how the term is applied in everyday life.

However, it's important to remember that, just like in other countries, discussing politics can be a sensitive topic. Many Japanese people avoid heated discussions on the subject, especially in workplaces or with less familiar individuals. If you're learning Japanese, it's worth paying attention to how the topic is approached before diving into deeper debates.

Tips for memorizing 政治

An effective way to memorize the word 政治 is to associate it with real contexts. Watching Japanese news or reading articles on the topic can help, as the term appears frequently. Another tip is to create flashcards with the kanji and its meaning, using practical examples to reinforce memorization.

In addition, remembering the composition of the kanji (政 + 治) can make learning easier. If you already know other words that use these characters, it becomes easier to connect the meanings and gradually expand your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• せいじ (seiji) - Policy
• 政治学 (seijigaku) - political science
• 政治家 (seijika) - Politician (person who engages in politics)
• 政治力 (seijiryoku) - Political power
• 政治的 (seijiteki) - Political (related to politics)
• 政治家族 (seijikazoku) - Political family (family involved in politics)
• 政治体制 (seijitaisei) - Political system
• 政治改革 (seijikaikaku) - Political reform
• 政治思想 (seijishisou) - Political thought

政治

Romaji: seiji
Kana: せいじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: policy; government

Meaning in English: politics;government

Definition: Organizing society by maintaining order throughout society through the exercise of public power.

Example Sentences - (政治) seiji

See below some example sentences:

政治は国家の発展にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Seiji wa kokka no hatten ni totte juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu

Politics plays an important role in the country's development.

Politics plays an important role in the development of the nation.

• 政治 (seiji) - politics
• 国家 (kokka) - Estado, nação
• 発展 (hatten) - development
• にとって (ni totte) - for, in relation to
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たしています (wo hatashite imasu) - performs

国会は重要な政治的機関です。

Kokkai wa juuyou na seijiteki kikan desu

Parliament is an important political institution.

Diet is an important political organization.

• 国会 - parliament
• は - Topic particle
• 重要な - important
• 政治的 - political
• 機関 - institution
• です - is

大臣は政治家の中でも重要な役割を果たしています。

Daijin wa seijika no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Ministers play an important role among politicians.

The minister plays an important role among politicians.

• 大臣 - minister
• は - Topic particle
• 政治家 - political
• の - Possessive particle
• 中でも - Especially among
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - role/function
• を - Direct object particle
• 果たしています - performs (present progressive)

議事堂は政治の中心地です。

Gijidou wa seiji no chuushinchi desu

The Parliament hall is the center of politics.

• 議事堂 - means "legislative chamber" or "seat of government".
• は - topic marker particle, indicating that what follows is the subject of the sentence.
• 政治 - means "politics".
• の - possessive particle, indicating that what follows is the possessed object.
• 中心地 - means "center" or "nucleus".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.