刑務所 — meaning in English: prison

keimusho · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for prison

刑務所

keimusho

訪問

hōmon

膝

hiza

学習

gakushū

サイト

saito

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native Japanese speakers often use the word 刑務所 (keimusho) in discussions about the criminal justice system, legal matters, or when discussing social issues related to imprisonment. For example, you might hear it in news reports about crime or documentaries that explore the conditions within the prison system.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 刑務所 is 監獄 (kangoku), which also means 'prison.' However, 刑務所 typically refers to a correctional facility focused on rehabilitation, whereas 監獄 can imply a stricter, more oppressive environment. Use 刑務所 when discussing institutions that aim for reform.

Culture

The term 刑務所 (keimusho) combines the characters 刑 (kei), meaning 'punishment,' and 務所 (musho), meaning 'place of duty.' This reflects the serious nature of imprisonment in Japanese culture, where incarceration is often viewed as a means of both punishment and rehabilitation. Interestingly, Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, which influences how society perceives its prison system and those incarcerated within it.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 刑務所?

The pronunciation of 刑務所 is 'keimusho.' It's important to get the intonation right for clear communication.

Q.How do you use 刑務所 in a sentence?

You can say, '彼は刑務所で5年間服役しました' which means 'He served five years in prison.' This showcases the word's practical application in everyday conversation.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with this word?

One common mistake is confusing 刑務所 with the word 投獄 (tougoku), which refers to imprisonment in a more general sense, often without the connotation of reform. Stick to 刑務所 when specifically discussing correctional facilities.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000