布告

• Reading: ふこく
• Romaji: fukoku
• Kanji breakdown: 布 (fu) — spread, distribute; 告 (koku) — announce, inform
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯkokɯ/

Meaning

Proclamation; declaration; an official public announcement of policy, law, or a momentous decision issued by a government or sovereign.

A formal noun referring to an official announcement or decree intended for wide public dissemination. 宣戦布告 (declaration of war) is the most common compound. In historical Japan, 布告 referred to edicts issued by the Meiji government. Distinguished from 告示 (official notice) by its gravity and the breadth of its intended audience and impact.

Examples

1. 宣戦布告なしに敵国への攻撃を開始することは国際人道法上の重大な違反行為とされる。 Launching an attack on an enemy state without a declaration of war is regarded as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
2. 新政府は樹立直後、国内の安定回復を目指す複数の重要政策を相次いで布告した。 Immediately after its establishment, the new government issued a series of proclamations of important policies aimed at restoring domestic stability.
3. 緊急事態の布告は、法律の定める範囲内で市民の基本的権利を一時的に制限する効力を持つことがある。 A proclamation of a state of emergency can in some cases have the effect of temporarily restricting citizens' fundamental rights within the bounds prescribed by law.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, history, international law

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From 布 (to spread, distribute widely; originally depicted cloth being spread out) and 告 (to announce, inform formally; shows a mouth above a shape, conveying official proclamation). The visual metaphor of spreading a message across society is built into the very character 布.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical to Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated