Translation and Meaning of: 資本 - shihon

The Japanese word 資本 [しほん] is an essential term for those studying economics, business, or even Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "capital," in the financial sense, but it can also be used in broader contexts. In this article, we will explore its origin, everyday use, and how it relates to Japanese society. If you have ever wondered how this word is applied in daily life or how to memorize it more easily, keep reading!

Meaning and Origin of 資本 [しほん]

Capital [しほん] is composed of two kanji: 資 (shi), which means "resources" or "assets," and 本 (hon), which can be translated as "origin" or "basis." Together, they form the idea of "capital" in the economic sense, referring to financial resources or goods that support a company or project. This word was incorporated into modern Japanese during the Meiji period, when Japan underwent intense economic and industrial reforms.

Interestingly, the kanji 資 appears in other words related to resources, such as 資金 (shikin, "funds") and 資産 (shisan, "property"). Meanwhile, 本 is one of the most versatile kanjis in the Japanese language, appearing in terms like 本物 (honmono, "the real thing") and 本日 (honjitsu, "today"). This combination reinforces the idea of something fundamental for economic development.

Everyday Lies and Cultural Context

In Japan, 資本 [しほん] is frequently used in discussions about business, investments, and economy. Companies refer to "capital social" (資本金, shihonkin) when talking about the initial money invested in a business. In broader contexts, the word can appear in expressions like 資本主義 (shihonshugi, "capitalism"), a key term for understanding the country's economic structure.

Although it is a technical term, 資本 [しほん] also appears in everyday discussions, especially in news about the stock market or government policies. If you watch Japanese dramas about the corporate world, such as "Hanzawa Naoki," you have probably heard this word being used in dialogues about finance and business strategies.

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

An effective way to remember 資本 [しほん] is to associate it with its meaning in Portuguese: "capital". Think of the kanji 資 as "resources" and 本 as "base", forming the idea of "base of financial resources". This logic helps connect the writing to the meaning, making memorization easier.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "この会社の資本は十分ですか？" (Kono kaisha no shihon wa jūbun desu ka?, "Is the capital of this company sufficient?"). Using the word in real contexts, even mentally, helps to fix it in your active vocabulary. If you are studying Japanese for business, it is worth noting expressions like 資本市場 (shihon shijō, "capital market") to expand your knowledge.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

資金 (shikin) - Financial resources; available capital for investment.
資源 (shigen) - Resources; materials or sources that can be used.
資産 (shisan) - Assets; items that have economic value.
資料 (shiryō) - Materials; documents or information used for reference or study.
資格 (shikaku) - Qualification; credentials or skills required for a particular activity or profession.