formal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 禁止 (kinshi) in formal settings, such as legal documents, government regulations, or public announcements. For instance, you might see it on signs indicating prohibited activities in parks or public transport, like '禁止喫煙' (no smoking) or '禁止撮影' (no photography).
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 制限 (seigen), which means 'restriction'. While 制限 implies a limitation on actions or amounts, 禁止 specifically denotes something that is outright forbidden. Therefore, you would choose 禁止 when you want to emphasize that something is absolutely not allowed.
Culture
The word 禁止 (kinshi) is derived from the kanji 禁, which means 'forbid', and 止, meaning 'stop'. It reflects Japan's deep-rooted etiquette and societal norms, where rules and regulations are often put in place to maintain harmony in public spaces. This cultural emphasis on orderliness can be observed in how diligently people adhere to various prohibitions.
FAQ
Q.What does 禁止 mean in English?
禁止 (kinshi) translates to 'ban' or 'prohibition' in English. It is commonly used to indicate that certain actions are not permitted.
Q.How do you pronounce 禁止?
禁止 is pronounced as 'kinshi'. The 'ki' sounds like 'key', and 'nshi' is pronounced like 'she' with a nasal 'n' sound preceding it.
Q.Can 禁止 be used in everyday conversation?
While 禁止 is primarily used in formal contexts, you might hear it in everyday conversation when discussing rules or regulations, especially in relation to public places or safety.