文明

• Reading: ぶんめい
• Romaji: bunmei
• Kanji breakdown: 文 (bun/mon) — writing, culture; 明 (mei/akarui) — bright, clear
• Pronunciation: /bɯɴ.meː/

Meaning

Civilisation; an advanced state of human society with developed culture and technology.

A noun for organised human society and its achievements. Key expressions: 古代文明 (kodai bunmei, ancient civilisation), 文明開化 (bunmei kaika, the Meiji-era modernisation/westernisation movement), 文明社会 (bunmei shakai, civilised society). Distinguished from 文化 (bunka, culture): 文明 emphasises material and technological progress, while 文化 emphasises arts, customs, and ways of life.

Examples

1. エジプト文明は世界で最も古い文明の一つだ。 Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
2. 文明が発展して生活は便利になったが、自然が失われた。 As civilization advanced, life became more convenient, but nature was lost.
3. 日本は明治時代に急速な文明開化を経験した。 Japan experienced rapid modernization during the Meiji era.

Usage Guide

Context: history, education, social commentary

Tone: academic

Origin & History

Compound of 文 (bun, writing/culture) and 明 (mei, bright/clear). Together: the brightness of culture — an enlightened, advanced society.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal