Translation and Meaning of: 版 - han

The Japanese word 「版」 (han) is often used to refer to the idea of an "edition" or "version" of something. In the Japanese language, this expression carries the connotation of something that has been recreated or modified from an original form. It is a term widely used in the context of publications, such as books, magazines, and even software, indicating a new edition or update of the material.

In the etymology of the kanji 「版」, we can identify two separate parts: the radical 「片」 (kataburi), which means "fragment" or "side," and the radical 「反」 (han/honn), which implies "against" or "anti." Together, they form the idea of something that has been "printed" or "produced in a mold," capturing the essence of reproduction or duplication.

The origin of this kanji dates back to the times when woodblock printing was a popular technique in East Asia. During this period, the term 「版」 was also associated with the manufacturing of the "plates" used for printing and reproducing texts and images. Variations of the term, such as 「初版」 (shohan, "first edition") and 「改版」 (kaihan, "revised edition"), maintain this connection with production and copying, representing new versions of an already existing work.

Cultural and Modern Use

In the modern context, 「版」 is used in various ways to describe different versions of cultural products, from books to digital technologies. This includes expressions like 「新版本」 (shinpanbon, "new edition") typically used for books and academic publications, as well as 「最新版」 (saishinban, "latest edition"), often applied to software and technology releases. This versatile usage demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the term in contemporary society, reflecting the evolution of media and technology.

Beyond its practical application, the use of 「版」 in the Japanese language also reflects how Japanese culture values continuity and innovation. Each version, or 「版」, represents a new iteration of something that is already familiar but has been improved or adapted to new needs. It is an expression that captures the fusion between tradition and modernity, a characteristic so present in various aspects of Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 版 (han) - Edition, version (usually used in publications)
• バージョン (bājon) - Version (used in software and technology contexts)
• バージョンアップ (bājon appu) - Version update (refers to the act of updating to a new version)
• バージョニング (bājoningu) - Versioning (the practice of managing different versions of a document or software)

版

Romaji: han
Kana: はん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: edição

Meaning in English: edition

Definition: Woodcuts and metal plates used for printing books, prints, etc., or their printed materials.

Example Sentences - (版) han

See below some example sentences:

版画は美しい芸術形式です。

Hanga wa utsukushii geijutsu keishiki desu

Engraving is a beautiful art form.

Printing is a beautiful art form.

• 版画 - gravura
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - bonito, belo
• 芸術 - art
• 形式 - shape, format
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

改訂版の書籍を買いました。

Kaitei

I bought a book.

I bought a revised book.

• 改訂版 - revised edition
• の - Possession particle
• 書籍 - book
• を - direct object particle
• 買いました - I bought

初版が出ました。

Shohan ga demashita

The first edition was released.

The first edition was released.

• 初版 - primeira edição
• が - subject particle
• 出ました - was released

この本の版は最新版です。

Kono hon no han wa saishinban desu

The version of this book is the latest version.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• の - partícula que indica posse ou relação entre duas palavras
• 版 - noun that means "edition" or "version"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 最新版 - compound noun that means "latest version"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and affirmative form

この本は絶版になってしまった。

Kono hon wa zetuban ni natte shimatta

This book is out of circulation.

This book is exhausted.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 絶版 - out of stock
• に - particle indicating action or state in a given place or time
• なってしまった - verb "なる" in the past form and with the particle "しまう" which indicates a completed action or an unwanted result

私の著書が出版されました。

Watashi no chosho ga shuppan sare mashita

My book was published.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 著書 - noun meaning "literary work" or "book written by the author himself".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 出版 - verb meaning "to publish" or "to edit a book".
• されました - passive form of the verb "suru" which indicates that the action was carried out by another person or entity. In this case, the sentence means "My book has been published".