証拠

• Reading: しょうこ
• Romaji: shouko
• Kanji breakdown: 証 (shou) — evidence, proof, certificate; 拠 (ko) — basis, grounds
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ko/

Meaning

Evidence; proof. Material or testimony used to establish facts in a legal or general context.

A noun used both in legal proceedings and everyday speech. In court, 証拠 refers to physical evidence, documents, or testimony submitted to prove a claim. In daily conversation, it can mean any kind of proof, such as 証拠写真 (photographic evidence).

Examples

1. 警察は犯行の証拠を集めている。 The police are gathering evidence of the crime.
2. 証拠がないと裁判では勝てない。 You can't win in court without evidence.
3. これが彼の無実を示す証拠だ。 This is the evidence that proves his innocence.

Usage Guide

Context: law, news, daily life

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 証 (evidence, proof, certificate) and 拠 (basis, grounds). Together they mean the grounds or basis that proves something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal