社会

• Reading: しゃかい
• Romaji: shakai
• Kanji breakdown: 社 (sha/yashiro) — shrine, company, society; 会 (kai/au) — meet, gathering
• Pronunciation: /ɕa.ka.i/

Meaning

Society; community; the world at large. The collective structure of people living together.

A foundational noun used across news, education, and everyday discussion. Appears in many compounds: 社会人 (working adult / member of society), 社会的 (social), 社会問題 (social issue). Also a school subject name: 社会科 (social studies).

Examples

1. 大学を出たら社会人になります。 After graduating from college, you become a working member of society.
2. 現代の社会にはいろいろな問題がある。 Modern society has all sorts of problems.
3. 社会のルールを守ることが大切です。 It's important to follow the rules of society.

Usage Guide

Context: news, education, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 社 (shrine, company, society) and 会 (meeting, association). Originally referred to gatherings at shrines, then broadened to mean the collective group of people.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal