保守勢力

• Reading: ほしゅせいりょく
• Romaji: hoshu seiryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 保 (ho) — preserve; 守 (shu) — guard; 勢 (sei) — power, force; 力 (ryoku) — strength
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɕɯ.seː.ɾʲo.kɯ/

Meaning

Conservative influence; conservative forces. Political or social groups that resist change and favour traditional values.

A compound noun combining 保守 (conservatism) with 勢力 (force/influence/power). Used in political analysis, news reporting, and academic discussion to describe groups or factions that oppose reform and prefer established systems. Often contrasted with 革新勢力 (progressive/reform forces). Appears frequently in discussions of Japanese parliamentary politics.

Examples

1. 今回の選挙では保守勢力が議席を大幅に伸ばした。 In this election, conservative forces significantly increased their number of seats.
2. 地方では保守勢力の影響が依然として強い。 The influence of conservative forces remains strong in rural areas.
3. 保守勢力と改革派の対立がますます深まっている。 The divide between conservative forces and reformists is deepening.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, academic discussion, elections

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 保守 (hoshu, conservatism) + 勢力 (seiryoku, force/power). A political compound meaning 'conservative power' or 'traditionalist faction,' widely used since the postwar era in Japanese political discourse.

Cultural Context

Era: Postwar

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated