Translation and Meaning of: 局 - kyoku

The Japanese word 局[きょく] is a versatile term that is frequently used in everyday life in Japan. Its meaning can vary depending on the context, but it is generally associated with ideas such as "department," "office," or even "specific situation." In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and most common uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you are learning Japanese, you may have encountered 局 in different situations, whether in the names of establishments like 郵便局[ゆうびんきょく] (post office) or in expressions like 局面[きょくめん] (critical situation). Understanding how this word functions can help not only with vocabulary but also with understanding Japanese culture. Let's dive into this topic in a clear and practical way.

Meaning and common uses of 局[きょく]

The kanji 局 has a broad application in Japanese, often indicating a place or organizational division. One of the most well-known examples is 郵便局[ゆうびんきょく], which means "post office." Another frequent usage is in 放送局[ほうそうきょく], a term that refers to a TV or radio station. These examples show how the word is connected to spaces that perform specific functions.

Furthermore, 局 can appear in more abstract contexts. In the expression 局面[きょくめん], for example, it refers to a "decisive moment" or "critical situation," as in a game of chess or in important negotiations. This flexibility makes the word essential for both everyday conversations and more formal discussions.

Origin and composition of the kanji 局

The kanji 局 is composed of the radical 尸 (which represents something bent or folded) and the component 句 (phrase or expression). Originally, in ancient China, this character was associated with small and closed spaces, like work cabinets. Over time, its meaning expanded to include institutions and departments, reflecting the idea of a place where specific tasks are carried out.

In Japan, kanji was incorporated with this same notion of division or specialized section. The pronunciation きょく (kyoku) is one of the most common readings, but it's worth ing that, in some cases, such as in 局所[きょくしょ] (specific local), the term maintains its connection to the idea of a defined space. This consistency helps to understand why the word appears in so many different contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using 局 correctly

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 局 is to associate it with places you already know. Think of 郵便局 (post office) or テレビ局 (TV station) as concrete examples. Repeating these words in everyday sentences, such as "今日、郵便局に行きます" (Today, I'm going to the post office), also helps internalize the usage.

Another tip is to observe how 局 appears in Japanese news and TV programs. like 気象局[きしょうきょく] (weather agency) or 警察局[けいさつきょく] (police station) are common and reinforce the notion of a location or department with a specific function. The more you expose yourself to these contexts, the more natural your learning will be.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 部屋 (heyā) - Room, enclosed space designed for activities.
• 室 (shitsu) - Room; indicates a space used for a specific purpose.
• 部 (bu) - Part or section, often used in organizational contexts.
• 事務所 (jimusho) - Office, workplace, and istration.
• オフィス (ofisu) - Office, used to indicate a modern workspace.
• スペース (supēsu) - Space, available or used physical area.
• 区画 (kuka) - Section, division of a space or area.
• 区域 (kuiki) - Area or region defined by specific characteristics.
• エリア (eria) - Area can refer to a geographic region or designated space.
• 区間 (kukan) - Interval or section of a space, often used in transportation.
• 区切り (kugiri) - Division, separation of spaces or concepts.
• 節目 (fushime) - Marcos, important points of division in space or time.
• 局面 (kyokumen) - Dimension or aspect of a specific situation or space.
• 局所 (kyokusho) - Local or specific place within a larger area.
• 局地 (kyokuchi) - Location, focus on a specific geographic area.
• 局部 (kyokubu) - Specific part of a whole, such as a space or area.
• 局限 (kyokugen) - Limitation, restriction regarding a space or situation.
• 限定 (gentei) - Limit, restrict in a specific space or context.
• 制限 (seigen) - Restrictions, often related to rules in specific areas.
• 規制 (kisei) - Regulation, control over the use of space or activity.
• 規定 (kitei) - Standard or rule established for organizing spaces.
• 規範 (kihan) - Model or standard to be followed in a given context.
• 規模 (kibo) - Size scale of a space or project.
• 規模化 (kiboka) - Scaling process or increase in size of an operation.
• 規模拡大 (kibo kakudai) - Increase in the scale or size of a project or area.
• 規模縮小 (kibo shukushō) - Reduction of the scale or size of something.
• 規模変化 (kibo henka) - Changes in scale or size over time.
• 規模統一 (kibo tōitsu) - Unification of the scale in different contexts or projects.
• 規模分散 (kibo bunsan) - Dispersion or division of the scale into multiple areas.
• 規模管理 (kibo kanri) - Management of the scale of a project or operation.
• 規模評価 (kibo hyōka) - Assessment of the scale and impact of an activity.
• 規模見積もり (kibo mitsumori) - Estimation of the size or scale of a project.
• 規模計画 (kibo keikaku) - Planning the operations or project schedule.
• 規模調整 (kibo chōsei) - Adjustment of the scale of activities or spaces.
• 規模拡張 (kibo kakuchō) - Expansion of the scale of a project or operation.