介護

• Reading: かいご
• Romaji: kaigo
• Kanji breakdown: 介 (kai) — to mediate, to assist; 護 (go) — to protect, to guard
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.ɡo/

Meaning

Nursing; care; caregiving. Providing physical and emotional support to the elderly or disabled.

A noun that can function as a suru-verb (介護する). With Japan's ageing population, 介護 is one of the most discussed social topics. It covers professional and family caregiving alike. Common collocations include 介護保険 (long-term care insurance), 介護施設 (care facility), and 介護士 (care worker).

Examples

1. 母は祖母の介護をしている。 My mother is caring for my grandmother.
2. 介護の仕事は体力が必要だ。 Caregiving work requires physical stamina.
3. 介護保険の制度について調べた。 I looked into the long-term care insurance system.

Usage Guide

Context: healthcare, family, social issues

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 介 (to mediate, to assist) and 護 (to protect, to guard). Together they convey the meaning of assisting and protecting someone in need of care.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal