Japanese word

厚生

Pronunciation

Romajikōsei

Meaning

  • nounwelfare

Example

政府は国民の厚生を守ります。sei fu wa koku min no kō sei o mamo ri ma su

The government protects the welfare of its citizens.

Illustration for 厚生 (welfare)

More examples

会社は従業員の厚生を充実させています。kai sha wa jū gyō in no kō sei o jū jitsu sa se te i ma su

The company is improving employee welfare.

Core concept

Describes the conditions and social support that allow people to live safely and comfortably.

Common phrases

  • 厚生を図るkō sei o haka ru

    promote welfare

Similar words

福祉fukushi: Social services and support that protect people's health, safety, and quality of life.

Definition in Japanese

人々の生活を豊かで安定したものにすること。また、そのための社会的な取り組み。hito bito no sei katsu o yuta ka de an tei shi ta mo no ni su ru ko to ma ta so no ta me no sha kai teki na to ri ku mi

Word origin

厚生 (kōsei) combines 厚 (kō, "thick" or "generous") and 生 (sei, "life"), expressing the idea of making life more secure and comfortable.

Usage tips

  • 厚生 (kōsei) often appears in formal compounds such as 厚生労働省 (Kōsei Rōdō-shō), Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, rather than in casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • public welfarenoun
  • well-beingnoun

Word lists with this word