進言

• Reading: しんげん
• Romaji: shingen
• Kanji breakdown: 進 (shin) — to advance, to offer | 言 (gen) — words, advice
• Pronunciation: /ɕin.ɡen/

Meaning

Advice offered to a superior; recommendation; counsel directed upward in a hierarchy.

A noun and suru-verb (進言する) combining 進 (to advance, to offer) and 言 (words). Specifically denotes advice or a recommendation given from a subordinate to someone of higher rank, carrying a nuance of respectful but assertive input. The act requires courage and carries a risk of displeasure from the superior — making it a mark of integrity. Contrasts with mere flattery or silence.

Examples

1. 部下が勇気を持って社長に進言したことで、誤った方針が見直された。 A subordinate's courageous counsel to the president led to a flawed policy being reconsidered.
2. 重大な局面では、部下からの進言を真剣に受け止める指導者こそが信頼を得る。 In critical situations, it is the leader who takes subordinates' recommendations seriously who earns trust.
3. 進言を無視し続けた結果、プロジェクトは深刻な危機に陥った。 As a result of continually ignoring counsel from below, the project fell into a serious crisis.

Usage Guide

Context: business, government, military, historical narratives

Tone: respectful but assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 進 (shin) meaning 'to advance, to present' and 言 (gen) meaning 'words'. The 進 character suggests moving forward — offering something up to a higher authority rather than keeping it to oneself.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Institutional