Translation and Meaning of: 故 - ko

The Japanese word 故[こ] is a term that carries deep meanings and specific uses in the Japanese language. If you are studying the language or simply interested in Japanese culture, understanding the context and nuances of this expression can be essential. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life, as well as curiosities that can help with memorization.

Found in formal texts and more serious conversations, 故[こ] has a significant presence in contexts that involve respect and reflection. Whether to speak about the past or to justify actions, this word provides an interesting insight into how the Japanese deal with certain concepts. Let's unravel all of this below.

Meaning and usage of 故 [こ]

The term 故[こ] can be translated as "reason," "cause," or "motive," but it also takes on a more solemn meaning when used to refer to someone who has passed away, as in "故人" (kojin), which means "deceased." This duality of meanings shows how a single word can encompass distinct concepts depending on the context in which it is used.

In sentences like "故に" (ko ni), it appears as a conjunction meaning "therefore" or "for this reason," indicating a logical conclusion. In more formal or literary contexts, it can be used to justify decisions or explain past events. This versatility makes it a useful word, but it requires attention to avoid misinterpretation.

Origin and writing of the kanji 故

The kanji 故 is composed of the radical 攵 (bokuzukuri), which is associated with actions or strikes, combined with 古 (ko), meaning "ancient" or "old." This combination suggests a connection to past events or ancient causes, reinforcing its use in contexts that involve explanations based on prior facts. The etymology helps to understand why this word is so prevalent in discussions about reasons and consequences.

It is worth noting that, although it is an intermediate level kanji, its reading is relatively simple, with "ko" being the main pronunciation when used in isolation. In compounds, such as "事故" (jiko - accident) or "故意" (koi - intention), it maintains its essence of cause or reason, but with more specific applications in Japanese vocabulary.

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An effective way to remember the meaning of 故[こ] is to associate it with situations where an explanation is needed. For example, think of phrases like "故に、そう決めた" (ko ni, sou kimeta - "Therefore, I decided this way"). This type of construction helps to anchor the practical use of the word in everyday life. Moreover, the kanji itself, with its radical linked to the past, can be a useful visual reminder.

Another interesting aspect is that 故[こ] rarely appears in casual conversations, being more common in written texts or formal speeches. Knowing this can prevent inappropriate uses and help identify when it appears in study materials or news. If you are learning Japanese, it's worth paying attention to this word in articles or official documents.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 過去 (Kako) - Past
• 以前 (Izen) - Before, previously
• 昔 (Mukashi) - In ancient times, old times
• 往時 (Ouji) - Times past, previous eras
• 先代 (Sendai) - Previous generation
• 先人 (Sen'nin) - Ancestors, people from the past
• 先輩 (Senpai) - Superior, someone more experienced
• 先祖 (Senzo) - Ancestors, forebears
• 先生 (Sensei) - teacher, master
• 前任 (Zen'in) - Predecessor, previous occupant
• 前夫 (Zenfu) - Ex-husband
• 前妻 (Zensai) - Ex-wife
• 前世 (Zensei) - Past life, past reincarnation
• 前世の因縁 (Zensei no in'en) - Karmic ties from past lives
• 前世の因果 (Zensei no inga) - Cause and effect of previous life
• 前世の因果応報 (Zensei no inga ouhou) - Return of the karmic of the previous life
• 前世の因縁を断つ (Zensei no in'en o tatsu) - Breaking karmic ties from past lives
• 前世の因果を断つ (Zensei no inga o tatsu) - Break the cause and effect of the previous life
• 前世の因果を解消する (Zensei no inga o kaishou suru) - Resolving the cause and effect of a past life
• 前世の因果を清算する (Zensei no inga o seisan suru) - Liquidate cause and effect of the previous life.
• 前世の因果を返す (Zensei no inga o kaesu) - Return cause and effect of the previous life
• 前世の因果を償う (Zensei no inga o tsugunau) - Compensate for the cause and effect of the previous life.

故

Romaji: ko
Kana: こ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: the end (deceased)

Meaning in English: the late (deceased)

Definition: A person who died.

Example Sentences - (故) ko

See below some example sentences:

この事故の発生は予期せぬものでした。

Kono jiko no hassei wa yokisenu mono deshita

The occurrence of this accident was unexpected.

The occurrence of this accident was unexpected.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 事故 - noun meaning "accident"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 発生 - noun meaning "occurrence" or "appearance"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 予期せぬ - adjective meaning "unexpected" or "unpredictable"
• もの - noun meaning "thing" or "object"
• でした - verb "to be" in the polite past

この機械は故障しています。

Kono kikai wa koshou shiteimasu

This machine is defective.

This machine is broken.

• この - indicates that what follows is something close or related to the speaker
• 機械 - machine
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 故障 - failure, defect
• しています - polite form of the verb "suru" (to do) in continuous form, indicating that the machine is defective

故郷に帰りたい。

Furusato ni kaeritai

I want to go back to my hometown.

I want to go home.

• 故郷 (kokyou) - means "homeland" or "hometown"
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
• 帰りたい (kaeritai) - a verb that means "want to come back"

故郷に帰りたいです。

Kokyō ni kaeritai desu

I want to go back to my hometown.

I want to go home.

• 故郷 (kokyou) - means "homeland" or "hometown"
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 帰りたい (kaeritai) - a verb that means "want to come back"
• です (desu) - a polite w4Y of speaking