諫言

• Reading: かんげん
• Romaji: kangen
• Kanji breakdown: 諫 (kan) — admonish, remonstrate; 言 (gen/ko) — word, speech
• Pronunciation: /kaŋ.ɡe̞n/

Meaning

Admonition; remonstrance; honest counsel given to a superior to correct a wrong course of action.

A noun (and verbal noun with する) describing the act of respectfully but firmly advising a person in authority against a mistaken decision or improper behaviour. 諫 means 'to remonstrate, to admonish' and 言 means 'word, speech.' Historically, 諫言 was a dangerous but morally noble act — advisers who warned rulers of errors risked severe punishment but were admired for their courage. Now used for any situation requiring honest upward feedback.

Examples

1. 重臣は命がけで王に諫言し、誤った政策を思いとどまらせた。 The senior retainer remonstrated with the king at the risk of his own life and dissuaded him from the mistaken policy.
2. 部下の諫言を素直に聞き入れる上司は、信頼されやすい。 A superior who is willing to accept honest counsel from a subordinate tends to earn trust.
3. 諫言を無視し続けた結果、会社は深刻な経営危機に陥った。 As a result of repeatedly ignoring warnings, the company fell into a serious management crisis.

Usage Guide

Context: history, politics, leadership, workplace

Tone: formal, serious

Origin & History

A classical term from Chinese statecraft: 諫 (admonish, remonstrate — depicting speech directed at checking/correcting authority) + 言 (word, speech). Prominent in historical records of loyal ministers advising errant rulers.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Professional/Historical