弁護士

• Reading: べんごし
• Romaji: bengoshi
• Kanji breakdown: 弁 (ben) — speech, valve; 護 (go) — to protect, to defend; 士 (shi) — professional, scholar
• Pronunciation: /beɴ.ɡo.ɕi/

Meaning

Lawyer; attorney. A licensed professional who represents clients in legal matters.

A noun for a qualified legal practitioner in Japan. Becoming a 弁護士 requires passing the extremely competitive bar exam (司法試験). Lawyers in Japan handle both civil and criminal cases. The profession is highly respected and frequently depicted in TV dramas.

Examples

1. 困ったときは弁護士に相談したほうがいい。 When you're in trouble, you should consult a lawyer.
2. 有名な弁護士がこの事件を担当している。 A famous lawyer is handling this case.
3. 彼は大学を卒業してから弁護士を目指している。 He's been aiming to become a lawyer since graduating from college.

Usage Guide

Context: law, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 弁護 (defence, advocacy) and 士 (professional, scholar). Together they mean a professional advocate or defender in legal proceedings.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal