治安

• Reading: ちあん
• Romaji: chian
• Kanji breakdown: 治 (chi) — to govern, to manage; 安 (an) — peace, safety
• Pronunciation: /tɕi.aɴ/

Meaning

Public order; public peace; public security; law and order. The state of safety and stability in a community.

A noun frequently used when discussing the safety of neighbourhoods, cities, or countries. Japan is often praised for its good 治安. Common collocations include 治安がいい (safe area), 治安が悪い (unsafe area), and 治安維持 (maintaining public order).

Examples

1. この辺りは治安がいいので安心です。 This area has good public safety, so you can feel at ease.
2. 治安が悪い地域には行かないほうがいい。 It's best not to go to areas with poor public safety.
3. 日本は治安がいい国として知られている。 Japan is known as a country with good public safety.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, travel, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 治 (to govern, to manage) and 安 (peace, safety). Together they mean governed peace — public order.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal