Translation and Meaning of: 警官 - keikan

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 警官 (keikan) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: keikan

Kana: けいかん

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n5

警官

Translation / Meaning: policeman

Meaning in English: policeman

Definition: A person whose job is to control crime and maintain public order.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (警官) keikan

The term 「警官」 (keikan) is a Japanese word composed of the characters 「警」 and 「官」. In the Japanese language, 「警官」 refers to a police officer or a law enforcement official. This term is used quite frequently in everyday life to designate those who are involved in maintaining public order and are part of the security forces.

The etymology of the word starts with the first kanji, 「警」 (kei), which generally indicates "precaution" or "warning". It is formed by the radical 「言」, which symbolizes words or speech, and an additional radical that denotes "respect" or "care". This reflects the function of the police, which is not only to combat crime but also to advise and warn the population. The second kanji, 「官」 (kan), represents "official" or "officer", and is often associated with a government employee or public servant. Thus, the combination of the two kanji conveys the idea of an official responsible for warning and protecting the public.

The origin of the function of a 「警官」 dates back to the need for societies to establish rules and regulations to maintain order. Historically, in many countries, the police evolved from small groups of local defenders to the complex organized forces we know today. In Japan, the modern police structure was highly influenced by Western models, being formally organized during the Meiji period, when there was significant transformation and modernization in various social and political areas.

In addition to 「警官」, in the context of security forces in Japan, there are other related terms, such as 「警察官」 (keisatsukan), which is a more formal way to refer to a police officer, and 「巡査」 (junsa), which is a specific term for a patrol officer or lower-ranking police officer. Each of these words highlights different aspects and qualifications in the context of police activities. This lexical richness reflects the importance and respect of the police function within society, both in Japan and internationally.

Synonyms and similar words

巡査 (Junsa) - Police officer; rank-and-file officer.
警察官 (Keisatsukan) - Member of the police; it can refer to various levels of officers.
警部 (Keibu) - Intermediate patent officer in the police; equivalent to lieutenant.
警視 (Keishi) - High-ranking officer in the police; equivalent to captain.
警部補 (Keibuho) - Sub-officer; assistant to the警部.
警部補補 (Keibuhoho) - Assistant to the警部補; lower position.
警部補長 (Keibuhochou) - Chief of警部補; supervision of non-commissioned officers.
警部長 (Keibuchou) - Chief of the 警部; highest position among the 警部.
警視庁 (Keishichou) - Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
警視庁長官 (Keishichou choukán) - Commander of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.
警視庁警部 (Keishichou keibu) - 警部 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.
警視庁警部補 (Keishichou keibuho) - 警部補 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.
警視庁警部補補 (Keishichou keibuhoho) - Assistant do警部補 in the metropolitan police.
警視庁警部補長 (Keishichou keibuhochou) - Chief of警部補 in the metropolitan police.
警視庁警部長 (Keishichou keibuchou) - Chief of the警部 in the Tokyo metropolitan police.