Translation and Meaning of: 凶作 - kyousaku

The Japanese word 凶作[きょうさく] may not be common in everyday life, but it carries an important meaning for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in different contexts. Additionally, we will understand why this word is still relevant today, especially in discussions about agriculture and economy.

If you've come across 凶作 in texts, songs, or news, knowing its meaning can open doors to a better understanding of Japan and its relationship with nature. Let's uncover everything from the kanji writing to practical usage examples, all in a clear and straightforward manner.

Meaning and usage of 凶作 [きょうさく]

凶作 [きょうさく] means "poor harvest" or "crop failure." It is composed of two kanji: 凶 (kyou), which indicates disaster or misfortune, and 作 (saku), which refers to production or cultivation. Together, these characters convey the idea of a bad harvest, often caused by factors such as unfavorable weather, pests, or other agricultural issues.

In Japan, where agriculture has a significant historical and cultural role, 凶作 was a feared word in the past. A poor harvest could lead to food shortages and even famine. Today, although the country no longer relies solely on agriculture, the term still appears in news about droughts, typhoons, or other events affecting agricultural production.

Origin and components of kanjis

The origin of 凶作 is directly linked to the combination of its kanjis. The first, 凶, represents something bad or disastrous, while 作 refers to creation or production. This construction is common in Japanese, where kanjis come together to form words with more specific meanings. In the case of 凶作, the combination of these ideograms creates a term that goes beyond the simple "poor harvest."

It is worth noting that 凶 by itself can be used in other words related to disasters, such as 凶器 (kyouki), which means "deadly weapon." Meanwhile, 作 appears in like 作品 (sakuhin), which means "work" or "creative work." Understanding these components helps to memorize not only 凶作 but also other words that share the same kanjis.

Cultural context and current affairs

In the past, 凶作 was a word that generated real concern, especially in rural communities. Japan, with its mountainous terrain and limited space for agriculture, has always relied on efficient harvests. A single season of 凶作 could mean economic hardship for many families. This historical context helps to understand why the term carries an emotional weight for the older generations.

Currently, 凶作 still appears in reports about climate change and its impacts on Japanese agriculture. With the increase of typhoons and extreme temperatures, the term has gained new momentum. For Japanese language learners, recognizing 凶作 in news or debates about the environment is a way to connect vocabulary with real issues in modern Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 不作 (Busaku) - Lack of production, usually referring to agriculture.
• 不豊 (Fuhō) - Scarcity, lack of abundance.
• 不作年 (Busaku-nen) - Year of low production.
• 不作期 (Busaku-ki) - Low production period.
• 不作気象 (Busaku kisyou) - Unfavorable weather for production.
• 不作の年 (Busaku no toshi) - Year characterized by low production.
• 不作の時 (Busaku no toki) - Period of low production.
• 不作の秋 (Busaku no aki) - Autumn with low production.
• 不作の春 (Busaku no haru) - Spring with low production.
• 不作の夏 (Busaku no natsu) - Summer with low production.
• 不作の冬 (Busaku no fuyu) - Winter with low production.
• 不作の時期 (Busaku no jiki) - Low production period.
• 不作の原因 (Busaku no gen'in) - Causes of low production.
• 不作の影響 (Busaku no eikyou) - Impact of low production.
• 不作の予測 (Busaku no yosoku) - Forecast of low production.
• 不作の恐れ (Busaku no osore) - Concern about low production.
• 不作の可能性 (Busaku no kanousei) - Possibility of low production.
• 不作の見通し (Busaku no mitōshi) - Projection of low production.
• 不作の情報 (Busaku no jouhou) - Information about low production.
• 不作の報告 (Busaku no hōkoku) - Report on low production.
• 不作の対策 (Busaku no taisaku) - Measures against low production.
• 不作の対応 (Busaku no taiou) - Responses to low production.
• 不作の対応策 (Busaku no taiousaku) - Strategies for dealing with low production.
• 不作の対処 (Busaku no taisho) - Approaches to tackle low production.
• 不作の対処法 (Busaku no taisho-hou) - Methods to deal with low production.
• 不作の対策案 (Busaku no taisaku-an) - Proposals for measures against low production.
• 不作の対策計画 (Busaku no taisaku keikaku) - Plan of measures against low production.
• 不作の対策提言 (Busaku no taisaku teigen) - Recommendations for measures against low production.
• 不作の対策報告 (Busaku no taisaku hōkoku) - Report on measures against low production.