Translation and Meaning of: 賢明 - kenmei

The Japanese word 賢明[けんめい] carries a deep meaning and is often used to describe practical wisdom and discernment. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japan, as well as tips for memorizing it and using it correctly. Whether you are learning Japanese or just curious about the culture of the country, understanding 賢明 can enrich your vocabulary and your understanding of Japanese values.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 賢明 is defined as "wise" or "prudent," but its use goes beyond the simple translation. It appears in contexts that value intelligent decision-making and careful reflection. Let's uncover its kanji, analyze its frequency in everyday Japanese, and discover how it connects with philosophy and society in Japan.

Meaning and origin of 賢明

The word 賢明 is composed of two kanji: 賢 (ken), which means "wise" or "intelligent", and 明 (mei), which can be translated as "clear" or "lucid". Together, they form a term that describes someone who acts with wisdom and discernment, avoiding impulsive decisions. This combination reflects an ideal valued in Japanese culture, where prudence and reflection are often praised.

Although there are no exact records of when 賢明 began to be used in modern Japanese, its kanji structure suggests an influence from classical Chinese. The kanji 賢, for example, appears in ancient texts associated with wise advisors, while 明 refers to clarity of thought. This duality between knowledge and lucidity helps explain why the word is still relevant today.

Everyday and cultural use of 賢明 (kenmei)

In Japan, 賢明 is not a word used casually in everyday conversations. It appears more frequently in formal speeches, opinion articles, and contexts where practical wisdom is highlighted. For example, one might say that a government decision was 賢明 when it is based on careful analysis and proven results.

Culturally, 賢明 is linked to the concept of "meue" (目上), which refers to respecting those with more experience. In companies and schools, actions considered 賢明 are often associated with older individuals or those in leadership positions. However, young people can also be praised for demonstrating this quality, especially in situations that require maturity.

Tips for memorizing and using 賢明

An effective way to memorize 賢明 is to associate its kanjis with mental images. The character 賢 has the radical 貝 (shell), which used to represent value, while 明 combines the radicals for "sun" and "moon," symbolizing clarity. Thinking of "someone who values clarity" can help cement the meaning.

To practice the use of 賢明, try to incorporate it into sentences that involve advice or evaluations. For example: "その判断は賢明だった" (sono handan wa kenmei datta) means "That decision was wise." Avoid using it in overly informal contexts, as it would sound artificial. Observing its usage in news and discussions also helps to understand its more serious and reflective tone.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

賢明 (Kenmei) - Wise, intelligent; generally associated with prudent decisions.
賢い (Kashikoi) - Intelligent, shrewd; often used to describe people who have good judgment.
精明 (Seimei) - Insightful, skillful; implies a sharp understanding and ability to discern situations.
利口 (Rikou) - Cunning, intelligent, clever; suggests a practical cleverness in everyday situations.
賢達 (Kentatsu) - Intellect and wisdom; usually used to describe people with deep knowledge and exceptional judgment skills.
賢明な (Kenmei na) - To be wise or intelligent; adjectival form of 賢明.
賢明である (Kenmei de aru) - To be wise; an expression that indicates the state of being wise.
賢明に行動する (Kenmei ni koudou suru) - Open oneself to act wisely; it emphasizes the importance of actions based on wisdom.
賢明に考える (Kenmei ni kangaeru) - Think wisely; it reflects the importance of careful consideration.
賢明に判断する (Kenmei ni handan suru) - Make wise judgments; it refers to making prudent decisions.
賢明に決断する (Kenmei ni ketsudan suru) - Make wise decisions; similar to the previous one, emphasizing the choice.
賢明であろう (Kenmei de arou) - It should be wise; it expresses an expectation or assumption about acting wisely.
賢明であるけべき (Kenmei de aru beki) - It should be wise; it implies a standard or recommendation of wisdom.
賢明に行動することが大切 (Kenmei ni koudou suru koto ga taisetsu) - It is important to act wisely; it emphasizes the importance of wise action.