出馬

• Reading: しゅつば
• Romaji: shutsuba
• Kanji breakdown: 出 (shutsu) — go out; 馬 (ba) — horse
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.tsɯ.ba/

Meaning

Running for office; entering a race; candidacy. Formally declaring one's intention to stand as a candidate in an election.

A suru-verb and noun, 出馬 literally means 'going out on horseback' — an image of entering the field of battle. In political contexts it means officially putting oneself forward as a candidate. Closely associated with elections at all levels of government and internal party leadership contests.

Examples

1. 元首相が次期総裁選への出馬を正式に表明した。 The former Prime Minister formally announced his candidacy in the next party leadership election.
2. 地元の強い要請を受け、彼は市長選への出馬を決意した。 At the strong urging of local supporters, he decided to stand as a candidate in the mayoral election.
3. 出馬に際して、政策ビジョンを記した文書を発表した。 Upon announcing his candidacy, he published a document setting out his policy vision.

Usage Guide

Context: elections, party leadership races, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 出 (shutsu) meaning 'to go out' and 馬 (ba/uma) meaning 'horse.' Historically referred to riding out to battle; now used metaphorically for entering a political contest.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal