禁止

• Reading: きんし
• Romaji: kinshi
• Kanji breakdown: 禁 (kin) — to prohibit, taboo; 止 (shi) — to stop, to cease
• Pronunciation: /kiɴ.ɕi/

Meaning

Prohibition; ban; forbidden. The act of officially forbidding something.

A noun and suru-verb used very frequently in daily life, on signs, and in rules. 禁止 is one of the most commonly encountered words on public signs in Japan, such as 駐車禁止 (no parking), 撮影禁止 (no photography), and 立入禁止 (no entry). It is also used as a verb with する: 禁止する (to prohibit).

Examples

1. この公園ではペットの散歩が禁止されている。 Walking pets is prohibited in this park.
2. 校内での携帯電話の使用は禁止だ。 Using cell phones on school grounds is prohibited.
3. 飲酒運転は法律で厳しく禁止されている。 Drunk driving is strictly prohibited by law.

Usage Guide

Context: signs, rules, law

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

Composed of 禁 (to prohibit, taboo) and 止 (to stop, to cease). Together they mean to prohibit or bring to a stop.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal