保険

• Reading: ほけん
• Romaji: hoken
• Kanji breakdown: 保 (ho) — to protect, to maintain; 険 (ken) — danger, risk
• Pronunciation: /ho.keɴ/

Meaning

Insurance. A system of financial protection against loss, damage, illness, or death.

A noun essential to daily life in Japan. All residents must enrol in either 国民健康保険 (national health insurance) or employer-provided 社会保険. Common collocations include 生命保険 (life insurance), 保険料 (insurance premium), 保険証 (insurance card), and 保険に入る (to get insurance).

Examples

1. 車を買ったので保険に入った。 I bought a car, so I got insurance.
2. 保険証を忘れずに持っていってください。 Don't forget to bring your insurance card.
3. 毎月の保険料が高くて大変だ。 The monthly insurance premiums are really expensive.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, healthcare, finance

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 保 (to protect, to maintain) and 険 (danger, risk). Together they mean protection against danger — insurance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal