施行

• Reading: しこう
• Romaji: shikō
• Kanji breakdown: 施 (shi) — apply, implement; 行 (kō) — carry out, enforce
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.koː/

Meaning

Enforcement; implementation; enactment. The act of putting a law or policy into official effect.

A formal noun used in legislative and administrative contexts. 施行 marks the moment a law becomes legally operative, distinct from 公布 (official promulgation/publication). For example, a law may be promulgated (公布) on one date and take effect (施行) several months later. Also read しぎょう in some contexts (e.g., construction commencement).

Examples

1. 改正個人情報保護法が来月から施行される。 The revised Act on the Protection of Personal Information will come into effect next month.
2. 法律の施行日は政令によって定められることが多い。 The date on which a law takes effect is often determined by cabinet order.
3. 新しい規制が施行されてから、違反件数が大幅に減った。 Since the new regulations came into force, the number of violations has decreased significantly.

Usage Guide

Context: legislation, administrative law, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 施 (shi) meaning 'to apply or implement' and 行 (kou) meaning 'to carry out.' The compound expresses the active enforcement of an enacted measure.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Legal and administrative professionals