Translation and Meaning of: 議会 - gikai

The Japanese word 議会[ぎかい] is essential for anyone wanting to understand Japan's politics and social organization. If you have ever wondered what it means, how to use it, or even how to memorize it, this article will help you. Here, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even some cultural curiosities that make this word so interesting. Whether for studies or simple curiosity, Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary, brings you everything you need to know about 議会.

Meaning and translation of 議会: Assembly

議会 [ぎかい] is a Japanese word that means "assembly" or "parliament." It is used to refer to legislative bodies in both national and local contexts. In Japan, the National Diet (国会, kokkai) is the main example of 議会, but the word can also be applied to municipal or state assemblies.

In translations to Portuguese, 議会 is often rendered as "chamber," "congress," or "deliberative assembly." However, it is important to remember that its use goes beyond the legislative context and can appear in business or organizational contexts when there is a group responsible for collective decisions.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 議会 is composed of two kanji: 議 (gi), which means "deliberation" or "discussion," and 会 (kai), which represents "meeting" or "gathering." Together, they form the concept of a space where people come together to debate and make decisions. This structure is common in Japanese political terms, such as 会議 (kaigi, "meeting") and 国会 (kokkai, "national diet").

The kanji 議 has its origin in ancient China, where it was used in governmental debate contexts. On the other hand, 会 refers to the idea of people gathering, an element present in many words related to social meetings. This combination well reflects the function of a 議会 as a place for discussion and collective decision-making.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 議会 is a term frequently used in news, political debates, and official documents. It carries an institutional weight, being associated with democratic processes and decision-making. Unlike more informal words for "meeting," such as ミーティング (mītingu), 議会 has a formal and bureaucratic tone.

Culturally, the word is connected to the idea of consensus and deliberation, important values in Japanese society. Although Japan's political system has Western influences, the way discussions occur within a 議家 often reflects local traditions of respect for hierarchy and the pursuit of harmony in decisions.