和平

• Reading: わへい
• Romaji: wahei
• Kanji breakdown: 和 (wa/nago) — harmony, reconciliation, Japan; 平 (hei/tai) — peace, flat, even
• Pronunciation: /wa.heː/

Meaning

Peace; reconciliation. A state of peace achieved between parties that were previously in conflict, or the process of reaching such a state through negotiation.

More specifically diplomatic and negotiated than 平和 (heiwa, peace in general), 和平 implies an active process of resolving conflict between defined parties. Common compounds include 和平交渉 (wahei kōshō, peace negotiations), 和平合意 (wahei gōi, peace agreement), and 和平プロセス (wahei purosesu, peace process). The word suggests a transition from hostility to amity rather than a pre-existing or abstract condition of peace.

Examples

1. 国際社会の仲介のもとで、両国政府はついに和平交渉の席に着くことで合意した。 Under the mediation of the international community, the governments of both countries finally agreed to come to the peace negotiation table.
2. 停戦合意が成立したものの、和平への道のりはなお険しいと国連特使は述べた。 Although a ceasefire agreement was reached, the UN envoy stated that the road to peace remains arduous.
3. 長年の内戦に終止符を打った和平協定の署名式に、世界中のメディアが注目した。 Media from around the world focused on the signing ceremony of the peace accord that put an end to years of civil war.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, conflict resolution, international relations, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Formed from 和 (wa, harmony/reconciliation — carrying connotations of restoring a disrupted relationship) and 平 (hei, peace/evenness). Both characters reinforce the idea of returning to a balanced, harmonious state after discord.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General