Translation and Meaning of: 見解 - kenkai

The Japanese word 見解 (けんかい) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language. If you've ever wondered about its exact meaning, how to use it in formal contexts, or even its historical origin, this article will clarify those doubts. We will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to everyday situations in which this expression appears, always based on reliable sources such as the Jisho dictionary and academic references.

While many people associate 見解 solely with the idea of "opinion," its use goes beyond that in Japan. It often appears in professional discussions, academic texts, and even in debates about Japanese culture. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide detailed explanations that help you understand not only the translation but also the real context behind the words.

Meaning and composition of 見解

"見解" is formed by two kanjis: 見 (which means "to see" or "perspective") and 解 ("understanding" or "solution"). Together, they convey the idea of a well-founded view, an opinion based on analysis. Unlike more informal words like 意見 (いけん), which also means "opinion," 見解 carries a more technical and reflective tone.

In dictionaries like Kenkyusha's New Japanese-English Dictionary, the definition appears as "point of view" or "interpretation." However, the term is more commonly used when there is a judgment underlying it, not just a personal preference. For example, a specialist giving their 見解 on economics would carry more weight than a casual opinion.

Everyday use and cultural context

In the Japanese corporate environment, 見解 is often used in reports and strategic meetings. Its use indicates that the person is not merely expressing a random thought, but rather a considered conclusion. This reflects an important cultural aspect: in Japan, unsolicited opinions are less common than in the West, so when someone uses 見解, there is usually a clear purpose behind it.

Newspapers like Asahi Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun use this word in analytical articles, especially when citing experts. A politician saying "私の見解は..." ("My interpretation is...") sounds much more professional than opting for colloquial terms. It is worth noting that, although not rare, 見解 is also not one of the most frequent words in daily life - it appears more in specific contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fixate on 見解 is to associate its kanjis with the idea of "seeing the solution." The radical 見 appears in other words related to vision, such as 見方 (みかた, "way of seeing"), while 解 is the same as 理解 (りかい, "understanding"). This visual connection helps to remember that it is an analytical opinion.

Avoid using 見解 in informal situations - exchanging thoughts with friends about a movie, for example, wouldn't require such a level of formality. It's also important not to confuse it with 見地 (けんち), which refers more to a geographical or literal "point of view." To practice, try creating sentences like "その問題についての見解を聞かせてください" ("Please share your analysis on this issue").

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 見方 (mikata) - Perspective or point of view
• 見識 (kenshiki) - Knowledge or understanding, especially in a specific area
• 見解き (kenkai) - Interpretation or explanation of a subject
• 見解法 (kenkai-hō) - Method of interpretation or analysis
• 見識法 (kenshiki-hō) - Method of acquiring knowledge or understanding

見解

Romaji: kenkai
Kana: けんかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: opinion; point of view

Meaning in English: opinion;point of view

Definition: Express an opinion or way of thinking.

Example Sentences - (見解) kenkai

See below some example sentences:

私の見解は異なります。

Watashi no kenkai wa kotonari masu

My vision is different.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "de" in English
• 見解 - noun that means "opinion" or "point of view"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" in Portuguese
• 異なります - Verb that means "to be different" or "to disagree", conjugated in a polite form