Translation and Meaning of: 設立 - setsuritsu

The Japanese word 設立 (せつりつ, setsuritsu) is a term that frequently appears in formal and business contexts, but its meaning goes beyond the simple act of "founding" or "establishing." In this article, we will explore the use of this word in everyday Japanese, its origin, translation, and how it is culturally perceived. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding 設立 can be useful for expanding your vocabulary and better comprehending legal texts, news, or official documents.

In addition to explaining the basic meaning, we'll discuss how this word is used in different situations, from starting businesses to forming non-profit organizations. We'll also look at some tips for memorizing its kanji and avoiding confusion with similar terms. If you have used Suki Nihongo to look up Japanese words, you know that our dictionary aims to provide clear and precise explanations – and that is what we will do here with 設立.

The meaning and use of 設立 in modern Japanese

In its essence, 設立 means "establishment," "foundation," or "creation," being frequently used to refer to the formation of companies, institutions, or associations. Unlike words like 創立 (そうりつ, souritsu), which can also mean "foundation" but with a more historic or commemorative tone, 設立 is more neutral and technical. Therefore, it is common to see it in legal documents, contracts, and news about the opening of new businesses.

A practical example is the expression 会社を設立する (kaisha o setsuritsu suru), which means "to establish a company". This type of construction frequently appears in administrative manuals and articles about entrepreneurship in Japan. It's worth noting that, although it's a formal term, it is not exclusive to bureaucratic contexts – it can even show up in everyday conversations when someone discusses the creation of a new club or organization.

The origin and composition of the kanji 設立

The word 設立 is composed of two kanjis: 設 (setsu, "establish") and 立 (ritsu, "stand up" or "erect"). Together, they convey the idea of "putting something up" in a figurative sense, meaning giving existence to an entity. The first kanji, 設, appears in other words such as 設定 (settei, "configuration") and 設計 (sekkei, "design"), always with the notion of preparing or structuring something.

The kanji 立 is one of the most versatile in Japanese, present in terms such as 立つ (tatsu, "to stand"), 成立 (seiritsu, "conclusion") and 独立 (dokuritsu, "independence"). This combination of characters reinforces the sense of something that was planned (設) and then realized (立). A tip for memorizing this word is to associate the radicals with a mental image of someone raising (立) the foundations of a building (設).

Establishment in Japanese culture and society

In Japan, where business openings and the formalization of groups follow well-defined rules, 設立 is a word that carries considerable weight. It not only describes a bureaucratic act but also reflects values such as planning and solidity. Japanese companies often celebrate anniversaries of 設立 (foundation date) as important milestones, showing how the term is connected to corporate identity.

Interestingly, although it is a word of Chinese origin (like many legal terms in Japanese), 設立 has been fully assimilated into the language and does not sound like a foreignism. Unlike loaned terms from English, such as スタートアップ (sutātoappu, "startup"), it retains a more traditional character. This makes it especially relevant in official documents and formal speeches, where the use of vocabulary rooted in Japanese or Chinese is preferred.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

創立 (Sōritsu) - Foundation, establishment of an organization or institution.
創設 (Sōsetsu) - Creation or establishment, focusing on institutions.
立ち上げ (Tachiage) - Start or launch of a project or business.
立案 (Ritsuan) - Development of plans or proposals.
立設 (Rissetsu) - Establishment or installation, usually in a technical or physical context.