Translation and Meaning of: 政策 - seisaku

The Japanese word 政策[せいさく] is essential for anyone looking to understand discussions about government, economy, and society in Japan. If you have read news in Japanese or watched political debates, you have probably encountered this term. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in daily Japanese life, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a common word in newspapers and official speeches, 政策[せいさく] reflects important aspects of Japanese culture and social organization. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding its practical use can enrich your vocabulary and your understanding of the country.

The meaning and origin of 政策[せいさく]

The word 政策[せいさく] means "policy" in the sense of government measures, plans, or strategies adopted by a government or organization. It is composed of two kanji: 政 (sei), which refers to "government" or "administration," and 策 (saku), which can mean "plan" or "strategy." Together, they form a term that describes deliberate actions to achieve public objectives.

The use of 政策 dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent modernization and adopted Western political terminologies. Before that, similar concepts were expressed in other ways, but with the country's opening to the world, the word gained the meaning it has today. It is widely used in formal and academic contexts, being essential for discussions about legislation and public administration.

How 政策[せいさく] is used in Japan today

In contemporary Japan, 政策 is frequently used in political debates, news reports, and official documents. For example, when a party proposes new laws or a minister announces economic measures, this word appears to describe such initiatives. It is also common in discussions about education, health, and the environment, demonstrating its versatility.

An interesting aspect is that, although it is a formal term, it is not restricted to political speeches. Companies and NGOs also use 政策 to refer to their own institutional strategies. This shows how the word is embedded in everyday language, even in less governmental contexts.

Tips for memorizing 政策 [せいさく]

An effective way to reinforce this word is to associate the kanjis that compose it with concrete examples. The kanji 政 appears in other words related to government, such as 政治[せいじ] (politics) and 行政[ぎょうせい] (public administration). On the other hand, 策 can be found in terms like 対策[たいさく] (countermeasure) and 計画[けいかく] (plan), reinforcing the idea of strategy.

Another tip is to practice with real news. Japanese news sites, like NHK or Asahi Shimbun, often use 政策 in headlines and reports. By reading these texts, you not only memorize the word but also better understand its use in real contexts. This immersion facilitates the retention and natural learning of vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 施策 (Shisaku) - Measure or action taken to achieve a specific goal.
• 方針 (Hōshin) - Guideline or policy that directs decision-making.
• 政治方針 (Seiji Hōshin) - Political guidelines that guide the government's actions.
• 政治政策 (Seiji Seisaku) - Specific policies formulated by the government on social or economic issues.
• 政治施策 (Seiji Shisaku) - Specific political actions or measures implemented by the government.

政策

Romaji: seisaku
Kana: せいさく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: policy measures; policy

Meaning in English: political measures;policy

Definition: Policies and measures that countries and organizations should take.

Example Sentences - (政策) seisaku

See below some example sentences:

この政策は物議を醸している。

Kono seisaku wa butsugi wo nameru shite iru

This policy is causing controversy.

This policy is controversial.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 政策 - noun "politics"
• は - Topic particle
• 物議 - noun "controversy"
• を - direct object particle
• 醸している - verb "to cause, to produce" conjugated in the present progressive tense

外相は日本の外交政策を担当します。

Gaisou wa Nihon no gaikou seisaku wo tantou shimasu

The foreign minister is responsible for Japanese foreign policy.

• 外相 - Minister of Foreign Affairs
• は - Topic marking particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possessive particle
• 外交政策 - Foreign policy
• を - Direct object particle
• 担当します - Responsible for

政策は国の未来を決める重要な要素です。

Seisaku wa kuni no mirai o kimeru juuyou na youso desu

Politics is an important element that decides the country's future.

Politics is an important factor in determining the country's future.

• 政策 (seisaku) - Policy
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - Country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 未来 (mirai) - Future
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 決める (kimeru) - Decide
• 重要な (juuyou na) - Important
• 要素 (yousou) - Element
• です (desu) - polite way of being