Japanese word

解放

Pronunciation

Romajikaihō

Meaning

  • nounrelease

Example

警察は彼を解放しました。kei satsu wa kare o kai hō shi ma shi ta

The police released him.

Illustration for 解放 (release)

More examples

鳥をかごから解放しました。tori o ka go ka ra kai hō shi ma shi ta

I released the bird from its cage.

Core concept

Describes removing the restraints that keep a person or thing from acting or moving freely.

Common phrases

  • 捕虜の解放ho ryo no kai hō

    release of prisoners

  • 解放の喜びkai hō no yoroko bi

    joy of freedom

Similar words

釈放shakuhō: The act of releasing a person who has been held by the police or another authority.

Definition in Japanese

拘束や束縛を解いて自由にすること。kō soku ya soku baku o to i te ji yū ni su ru ko to

Word origin

解 (kai, "untie") + 放 (hō, "let go") forms 解放 (kaihō), meaning that restraints are removed and freedom is restored.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 解放 (kaihō) often describes freeing a person or animal, while English release also commonly refers to making a product available.

Other meanings

  • liberationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 解放的kaihōtekiliberatingna-adjective
  • 解放感kaihōkansense of freedomnoun

Word lists with this word