Translation and Meaning of: 健康 - kenkou

The Japanese word 健康[けんこう] is essential for anyone wishing to understand more about well-being in Japan. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, reflecting deep cultural values. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, everyday usage, and how it is perceived in Japanese society. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the topic, you will discover valuable information here.

健康 [けんこう] is often used in contexts involving physical and mental health, but it also appears in everyday expressions and phrases. In addition to explaining its meaning, we will cover tips to memorize this word and how it is applied in different situations. Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary, provides details that help to better understand its actual usage.

Meaning and use of 健康 [けんこう]

The most common translation of 健康[けんこう] is "health," but its meaning encomes both physical and mental aspects. In Japan, maintaining 健康 is considered a priority, influencing everything from dietary habits to exercise practices. Companies promote wellness programs, and even animes and dramas often address the topic.

An interesting feature is that 健康 is not limited to individuals. It can be used to describe the health of animals, plants, and even systems, such as a country's "economic health." This versatility allows the word to appear in various contexts, from medical consultations to news reports.

Origin and writing of 健康

The word 健康 is composed of two kanji: 健 (ken), which means "health" or "strength," and 康 (kou), which conveys the idea of "peace" or "well-being." Together, they form a balanced concept, reflecting the importance of harmony between body and mind in Japanese culture. This combination is not random, but rather a representation of traditional values.

It is worth noting that 健康 is a word of Chinese origin, incorporated into Japanese centuries ago. Despite this, its use in Japan has gained its own nuances over time. For example, while in Chinese it may carry a more formal tone, in Japanese it is common in everyday conversations, such as when asking "お元気ですか？" (How is your health?).

Tips for memorizing and using 健康

An effective way to reinforce 健康[けんこう] is to associate it with practical situations. Phrases like "健康に気をつけて" (Take care of your health) or "健康診断" (medical check-up) are real usage examples. Repeating these expressions out loud helps to internalize not just the word, but also its correct application.

Another tip is to observe how 健康 appears in animes, dramas, or even on product packaging in Japan. Many foods highlight "健康に良い" (good for health) as a benefit. This constant exposure makes memorization easier and shows the relevance of the word in everyday Japanese life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 健全 (Kenzen) - Healthy, solid.
• 健やか (Sukoyaka) - Healthy, vigorous, especially related to growth and development.
• 良好 (Ryōkō) - Good, in good condition, but not necessarily healthy.
• 健康的 (Kenkōteki) - Healthy, in a way that promotes health.
• 健康な (Kenkōna) - Healthy, generally used to describe the state of being healthy.
• 健康状態 (Kenkō jōtai) - Health status, physical condition.
• 健康状況 (Kenkō jōkyō) - Health situation, health conditions.
• 健康状態良好 (Kenkō jōtai ryōkō) - Health status in good condition.
• 健康である (Kenkō de aru) - Be healthy.
• 健康であること (Kenkō de aru koto) - The fact of being healthy.
• 健康に生きる (Kenkō ni ikiru) - Live a healthy life.
• 健康を保つ (Kenkō o tamotsu) - Maintain health.
• 健康を維持する (Kenkō o iji suru) - Maintain health status.
• 健康を害する (Kenkō o gaisuru) - Harm health, damage health.
• 健康に気をつける (Kenkō ni ki o tsukeru) - Take care of your health.
• 健康管理 (Kenkō kanri) - Health management, health istration.
• 健康増進 (Kenkō zōshin) - Health promotion, activities to improve health.