Meaning
This section examines the kanji 報 (hō, mukuiru). This character encompasses a wide array of core meanings: 'report,' 'information,' 'reward,' 'recompense,' and even 'retribution' or 'retaliation.' Essentially, 報 describes the act of giving something back—be it information, a deserved prize, or a form of punishment. It captures the essence of a 'response' or a 'return' in various contexts.
Its origin and etymology are quite interesting. The kanji 報 is composed of several elements. On the left, 幸 (kō) typically means 'happiness' or 'fortune.' However, in its older form and within this character, it often depicted handcuffs or shackles. This element suggests someone who has committed a crime or is facing justice. Below that, 卩 (fushizukuri) represents a kneeling person. The right side features the radical 戈 (hoko), meaning 'halberd' or 'spear,' a type of weapon.
Combining these elements, we can visualize a scene: a person (卩), perhaps involved in a wrongdoing or incident (hinted at by 幸, the handcuffs), is brought before judgment. The weapon (戈) symbolizes justice or enforcement. This imagery effectively conveys the idea of 'reporting' an event and subsequently 'recompensing' or 'punishing' the person involved. Therefore, whether it signifies good news or bad, a reward or a punishment, 報 represents the outcome or feedback of an action or event.
This kanji has 12 strokes and is taught in the 5th grade of Japanese elementary schools. As a jouyou kanji, it is essential for JLPT N3 studies.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 報 is ホウ (HŌ). This is the most common reading and appears in many compound words, especially those concerning news, reports, forecasts, and different types of recompense.
- 情報 (jōhō) — information. This is a frequently encountered word, referring to data, news, or general information.
- 報告 (hōkoku) — report, to report. Used when you submit a report or inform someone about something.
- 予報 (yohō) — forecast. Commonly seen in phrases like 天気予報 (tenki yohō - weather forecast).
- 報道 (hōdō) — news report, broadcast. This refers to the media's activity of conveying news.
- 報酬 (hōshū) — reward, remuneration, compensation. This word is used for payment for services or a prize for an achievement.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading for 報 is むくいる (mukuiru). This is a verb meaning 'to reward,' 'to repay,' 'to recompense,' or 'to avenge.' It conveys the idea of giving something back in return for an action, a kindness, or a grievance.
- 報いる (mukuiru) — to reward, to repay, to recompense, to avenge. This is the standalone verb form.
- 恩に報いる (on ni mukuiru) — to repay a kindness/debt of gratitude. This common idiom expresses appreciation and the act of returning a favor.
- 努力が報われる (doryoku ga mukuwareru) — effort is rewarded/pays off. This passive form is often used to describe how hard work eventually brings results.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 報 is widely used in discussions about communication, justice, and exchange. Below are more common words and compounds, grouped by theme, to help illustrate its versatility:
News and Information
- 情報 (jōhō) — information. This term is vital in modern Japanese society, covering everything from news to data.
- 報告 (hōkoku) — report, notification. Used when presenting findings or giving an update.
- 報道 (hōdō) — news report, journalism. This refers to the media's activity of conveying news.
- 速報 (sokuhō) — breaking news, flash report. Urgent news that's just come in.
- 週報 (shūhō) — weekly report. A report compiled and distributed once a week.
- 時報 (jihō) — time signal, hourly report. Like the 'beep-beep-beep' from a radio announcing the hour.
Forecasts and Warnings
- 予報 (yohō) — forecast. Most commonly for weather (天気予報).
- 警報 (keihō) — warning, alarm. Issued for dangers like heavy rain or earthquakes.
- 注意報 (chūihō) — advisory, warning. This is a milder warning compared to a 警報.
Reward and Recompense
- 報酬 (hōshū) — reward, remuneration. Payment for a service or a job.
- 報奨金 (hōshōkin) — bounty, reward money. A specific sum offered as a reward.
- 報恩 (hōon) — repayment of a kindness/debt of gratitude. A deep sense of returning a favor.
Retribution and Revenge
- 報復 (hōfuku) — retaliation, revenge. This is a more formal or serious term for striking back.
Example Sentences
毎日、テレビで天気予報を見ます。
Mainichi, terebi de tenki yohō o mimasu.
I watch the weather forecast on TV every day.
彼は会社に仕事の報告をしました。
Kare wa kaisha ni shigoto no hōkoku o shimashita.
He reported his work to the company.
新しい情報が入ったら、すぐに教えてください。
Atarashii jōhō ga haittara, sugu ni oshiete kudasai.
Please let me know immediately if new information comes in.
国民の努力がいつか報われると信じています。
Kokumin no doryoku ga itsuka mukuwareru to shinjite imasu.
I believe the nation's efforts will be rewarded someday.
地震の速報がテレビで流れて、みんな驚きました。
Jishin no sokuhō ga terebi de nagarete, minna odorokimashita.
Breaking news of the earthquake aired on TV, and everyone was surprised.
彼は研究の成果に対して高い報酬を得ました。
Kare wa kenkyū no seika ni taishite takai hōshū o emashita.
He received a high reward for his research achievements.
恩に報いるために、彼は必死に働きました。
On ni mukuiru tame ni, kare wa hisshi ni hatarakimashita.
To repay a kindness, he worked desperately.
災害警報が発令されたので、外出は控えてください。
Saigai keihō ga hatsurei sareta node, gaishutsu wa hikaete kudasai.
A disaster warning has been issued, so please refrain from going out.
ニュースの報道によると、事故は回避されたそうです。
Nyūsu no hōdō ni yoru to, jiko wa kaihi sareta sō desu.
According to news reports, the accident was avoided.
Memory Tip
To remember 報, try creating a story using its components. Imagine a person (卩, the kneeling figure) who has done something, whether good or bad, and is now being judged. The top part, 幸, while meaning 'happiness' today, could be envisioned as a set of 'handcuffs' in its older form, hinting at an incident or even a crime.
On the right, the radical 戈 (halberd/weapon) symbolizes justice being administered. Picture this: someone has committed an act (perhaps warranting handcuffs), they are brought to a kneeling position, and justice (the weapon) is used. This process could involve reporting their actions, rewarding them for their good deeds, or recompensing (punishing) them for misdeeds. Ultimately, 報 encapsulates the 'return' or 'response' to an action.