献血

• Reading: けんけつ
• Romaji: kenketsu
• Kanji breakdown: 献 (ken) — offer, dedicate; 血 (ketsu/chi) — blood
• Pronunciation: /ke.n.ke.tsɯ/

Meaning

Blood donation. The voluntary giving of blood for medical use.

A suru-verb (献血する) that is intransitive. Japan has a well-organized blood donation system run by the Japanese Red Cross. Donation buses (献血バス) are common in city centers. Common phrases include 献血に行く (to go donate blood) and 献血センター (blood donation center).

Examples

1. 駅前で献血のお願いをしていた。 They were asking people to donate blood in front of the station.
2. 今日は献血センターに行ってきた。 I went to the blood donation center today.
3. 健康な人は定期的に献血するといい。 Healthy people should donate blood regularly.

Usage Guide

Context: health, community service, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 献 (ken, to offer/dedicate) and 血 (ketsu, blood). Literally 'to offer blood,' reflecting the voluntary and altruistic nature of the act.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal