陰謀

• Reading: いんぼう
• Romaji: inbou
• Kanji breakdown: 陰 (in) — shadow, hidden | 謀 (bou) — scheme, plan
• Pronunciation: /i.m.bo.ɯ/

Meaning

Plot; conspiracy; scheme. An underhanded plan carried out in secret, often against someone in power.

Implies deliberate, covert manipulation against an individual, institution, or state. Collocations include 陰謀を企てる (to hatch a conspiracy) and 陰謀論 (conspiracy theory). Appears in political reporting, historical narratives, and thrillers. Carries a strongly negative connotation.

Examples

1. 政権を転覆させようとする陰謀が水面下で進んでいた。 A conspiracy to topple the regime was advancing beneath the surface.
2. 彼は仲間の陰謀に気づかず、最後まで信じ続けた。 He never noticed the conspiracy of his associates and continued to trust them to the end.
3. 陰謀論が広まり、社会の分断をさらに深めている。 Conspiracy theories are spreading and deepening the divisions in society further.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, thrillers, journalism

Tone: ominous

Origin & History

Compound of 陰 (in) meaning 'shadow, secret, hidden' and 謀 (bou) meaning 'plan, scheme, stratagem'. The shadow connotation of 陰 gives the word its sinister sense of hidden plotting.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal