Japanese word

保険

Pronunciation

Romajihoken

Meaning

  • nouninsurance

Example

保険に入ります。ho ken ni hai ri ma su

I get insurance.

Illustration for 保険 (insurance)

More examples

海外旅行の前に保険に入ります。kai gai ryo kō no mae ni ho ken ni hai ri ma su

I get insurance before traveling abroad.

Core concept

Provides financial protection when an uncertain event causes a loss, in return for regular payments.

Common phrases

  • 保険に入るho ken ni hai ru

    get insurance

Similar words

補償hoshō: Money or other support provided when a person suffers a loss or damage.

Definition in Japanese

将来の病気や事故などによる損失に備え、保険料と引き換えに補償を受ける制度。shō rai no byō ki ya ji ko na do ni yo ru son shitsu ni sona e ho ken ryō to hi ki ka e ni ho shō o u ke ru sei do

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 保険 (hoken) combines 保 (ho, "protect") and 険 (ken, "danger"), linking insurance with protection from danger.

Usage tips

  • The same word 保険 (hoken) applies to health, cars, homes, and travel, while the surrounding words usually show what kind of coverage is meant.

Word lists with this word