Explanation at your level:
Hello! The word ～禁止 (kinshi) is like a sign that says 'STOP!' or 'NO!'. It means you are not allowed to do something. For example, if you see '喫煙禁止' (kitsuen kinshi), it means 'No Smoking'. You must not smoke there. It's a very clear rule to keep places safe and clean for everyone. Think of it as a very important instruction: 'Do not do this!'
The suffix ～禁止 (kinshi) is used in Japanese to clearly state that something is forbidden or prohibited. You'll often see it on signs in public places. For example, '撮影禁止' (satsuei kinshi) means 'No Photography.' This tells you that taking pictures is not allowed in that area. It's a direct way to communicate rules and restrictions, helping to maintain order and safety.
The suffix ～禁止 (kinshi) is a common and direct way to indicate prohibition in Japanese. It's typically appended to a noun or verb stem to form words like '駐車禁止' (chuusha kinshi - No Parking) or '立ち入り禁止' (tachiiri kinshi - No Entry). Understanding ～禁止 is crucial for interpreting signs and official notices, ensuring you comply with regulations in various environments, from train stations to parks.
In Japanese, ～禁止 (kinshi) functions as a suffix to denote prohibition. It's a formal and unambiguous term used extensively in signage and official regulations. For instance, '飲食禁止' (inshoku kinshi) clearly forbids eating and drinking. While direct, its usage is standard in contexts requiring clear boundaries, such as in libraries, hospitals, or on public transport. Recognizing this suffix is key to understanding restrictions in Japanese society.
The suffix ～禁止 (kinshi) is a fundamental element in Japanese for expressing prohibition, derived from the characters '禁' (forbid) and '止' (stop). It is formally appended to nouns or verb stems, creating terms like '禁煙' (kin'en - no smoking, though often written as 禁煙 instead of 喫煙禁止) or '火気厳禁' (kaki genkin - strict prohibition of open flames). Its usage spans official notices, legal documents, and public advisories, conveying a definitive ban rather than a mere suggestion. Mastering ～禁止 enhances comprehension of regulatory language.
The suffix ～禁止 (kinshi) represents a formal and definitive prohibition in Japanese, stemming from the Sino-Japanese vocabulary. Its etymological roots in '禁' (prohibit) and '止' (stop) underscore its function. It is applied to nouns or verb stems to create compound terms signifying a ban, such as '禁漁期間' (kingyo kikan - fishing prohibition period) or '無許可撮影禁止' (mukyoka satsuei kinshi - prohibition of photography without permission). The suffix's gravitas is evident in its application in legal statutes, public safety directives, and environmental regulations, where clarity and authority are paramount. Its understanding provides insight into the structured communication of restrictions within Japanese culture and administration.
Mot en 30 secondes
- ～禁止 is a suffix meaning 'prohibited' or 'forbidden'.
- It's commonly used on signs and in official rules.
- It attaches to nouns or verb stems.
- Recognizing it helps understand restrictions in Japan.
Hey there! Let's talk about the super useful Japanese suffix, ～禁止 (kinshi). It's a powerful little addition that clearly tells you something isn't allowed. Think of it as a strong 'do not' or 'forbidden' stamp. You'll see it everywhere, from signs in public places to rules in buildings, making sure everyone knows what they can and cannot do. It's all about making sure things run smoothly and safely by setting clear boundaries. Understanding this suffix will really help you navigate Japanese signs and instructions with confidence!
Basically, when you see ～禁止, it's not a suggestion; it's a rule. It's used to prevent certain actions or the presence of certain items in specific areas. For example, you might see '喫煙禁止' (kitsuen kinshi), which means 'No Smoking,' or '撮影禁止' (satsuei kinshi), meaning 'No Photography.' It's a direct and unambiguous way to communicate restrictions, ensuring that everyone understands and respects the rules in place for the benefit of all.
The suffix ～禁止 (kinshi) comes from the Japanese word 'kinshi' itself, which means prohibition or ban. This word is derived from Chinese characters: '禁' (kin), meaning to prohibit or forbid, and '止' (shi), meaning to stop or cease. So, literally, it's a 'stop' or 'cease' of something that is 'forbidden'.
The concept of prohibition and rules is ancient, and the use of these characters to form words related to banning things has been around for centuries in East Asia. In Japan, the suffix form became particularly prevalent as the country modernized and needed clear ways to regulate public spaces and activities. Think about the need for clear signage in bustling cities or during public events – ～禁止 became an essential tool for communication. Its straightforward meaning makes it highly effective for conveying important restrictions quickly and efficiently to a wide audience.
The suffix ～禁止 is almost always attached to a noun or the stem of a verb (specifically, the 'masu'-stem) to create compound words that denote a prohibition. For instance, '喫煙' (kitsuen), meaning 'smoking,' becomes '喫煙禁止' (kitsuen kinshi) – 'No Smoking.' Similarly, '撮影' (satsuei), meaning 'photography,' turns into '撮影禁止' (satsuei kinshi) – 'No Photography.'
You'll find ～禁止 used in a variety of contexts, from very formal regulations to everyday signs. The tone is generally neutral and informative, but the message is firm. Common collocations include actions like '立ち入り禁止' (tachiiri kinshi) – 'No Entry,' '駐車禁止' (chuusha kinshi) – 'No Parking,' and '飲食禁止' (inshoku kinshi) – 'No Eating or Drinking.' It's a versatile suffix that clearly communicates boundaries in public and private spaces alike. It's important to note that it's a very direct term, so you wouldn't typically use it in casual conversation unless you're quoting a sign or rule.
While ～禁止 itself is a suffix and not typically part of idiomatic phrases, the concept of prohibition is deeply embedded in language. Here are some related expressions and how the idea of 'forbidden' plays a role:
- 禁断の果実 (Kindan no Kajitsu): This translates to 'forbidden fruit.' It refers to something desirable precisely because it is prohibited or considered taboo. Example: The ancient book was like forbidden fruit to the curious scholar.
- 禁句 (Kinku): This means a 'taboo word' or a word that is forbidden to be spoken in a certain context due to its offensive or sensitive nature. Example: In that formal setting, certain slang terms are considered a 'kinku'.
- 禁酒法 (Kinshu-hou): This refers to 'Prohibition' (like the one in the US during the 1920s), a period when the sale and consumption of alcohol were legally forbidden. Example: The era of 'Kinshu-hou' in America led to many unintended consequences.
- 禁足地 (Kinsokuchi): This means a 'forbidden place' or an area that one is not allowed to enter, often for sacred or safety reasons. Example: The shrine had a 'kinsokuchi' behind the main building, off-limits to visitors.
- 色気禁止 (Iroke kinshi): Literally 'sex appeal forbidden,' this phrase might be humorously used to describe a situation where someone is trying to be serious or professional and suppress any flirtatious behavior. Example: The strict teacher enforced 'iroke kinshi' in the classroom.
As a suffix, ～禁止 doesn't have plural forms, countability issues, or require articles on its own. It attaches directly to nouns or verb stems. For example, '立ち入り' (tachiiri - entry) + '禁止' (kinshi) = '立ち入り禁止' (tachiiri kinshi - No Entry). The verb stem often comes from verbs like '立ち入る' (tachiiru - to enter), where the 'ru' is dropped.
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Japanese): /kʲiɴɕi/
- Description: The 'ki' is pronounced like the English word 'key'. The 'n' is a nasal sound, similar to the 'n' in 'ink'. The 'shi' is pronounced like the English word 'she'.
- Common Errors: Sometimes learners might mispronounce the 'shi' sound or struggle with the nasal 'n'. Ensure the 'shi' is a clear 'sh' sound, not 'si'.
- Rhymes: While suffixes don't typically rhyme on their own, words ending in '-shi' include 'sushi', 'hashi' (chopsticks/bridge), 'deshi' (apprentice).
- Stress Patterns: Japanese is a pitch-accent language, not stress-accent. The word 'kinshi' has a relatively flat pitch, with a slight fall after the first mora (ki-n).
Fun Fact
The characters '禁' and '止' have been used for centuries in Chinese and Japanese to denote restrictions. The concept is ancient, but its use as a common suffix for signage became particularly widespread during Japan's modernization.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'ki' sound is similar to 'key'. The 'n' is a nasal sound, like the 'n' in 'ink'. The 'shi' sounds like the English word 'she'.
Same as UK pronunciation. The key is the nasal 'n' and the clear 'shi' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'shi' as 'si'.
- Not making the 'n' sound nasal.
- Adding an extra vowel sound after 'n'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize on signs, but understanding the base word and context is key.
Relatively straightforward to use when forming compound words for rules.
The suffix itself isn't spoken alone, but recognizing it is crucial.
Easy to hear when spoken in context, especially on announcements.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avancé
Grammar to Know
Verb Stems
To make 立ち入り禁止, you need the stem of 立ち入る (tachiiru).
Noun Compounds
Combining nouns like 駐車 (parking) + 禁止 (prohibition).
Passive Voice
～禁止されています (is prohibited).
Examples by Level
ここ、写真禁止。
here, photo prohibition.
The word 'kinshi' is used like a noun here.
走るの禁止！
running of prohibition!
'no' + verb stem + の is a casual way to say 'prohibition of X'.
火、禁止。
fire, prohibition.
Short, direct prohibition often seen on signs.
大きい声、禁止。
big voice, prohibition.
Implies 'speaking loudly is prohibited'.
食べるの禁止！
eating of prohibition!
Similar structure to '走るの禁止'.
ペット禁止。
pets prohibition.
Means 'pets are not allowed'.
入るの禁止。
entering of prohibition!
Means 'Do not enter'.
タバコ禁止。
tobacco prohibition.
Short for 'smoking prohibition'.
このエリアでは、喫煙禁止です。
This area in, smoking prohibition is.
'～禁止です' is a polite way to state a prohibition.
撮影禁止の場所です。
Photography prohibition of place is.
'～禁止の場所' means 'a place where X is prohibited'.
ゴミのポイ捨て禁止。
Trash 'poi-sute' (littering) prohibition.
'ポイ捨て' is a common verb for littering.
無断での立ち入り禁止。
Unauthorized entry prohibition.
'無断' means 'without permission'.
飲食物の持ち込み禁止。
Food/drink carrying-in prohibition.
'持ち込み' means bringing something in.
騒音を出すこと禁止。
Noise to make action prohibition.
Using 'こと' turns the verb phrase into a noun concept.
危険物持ち込み禁止。
Dangerous items carrying-in prohibition.
'危険物' means dangerous goods.
許可なく写真撮影禁止。
Permission without photo shooting prohibition.
'許可なく' means 'without permission'.
この図書館では、飲食禁止となっております。
This library in, eating/drinking prohibition has become.
'～となっております' is a polite and formal way to state a rule.
公園内での火の使用は禁止されています。
Park inside at fire's use is prohibited.
'～されています' is the passive form, indicating the rule is in effect.
未成年者の飲酒禁止。
Underage persons' alcohol consumption prohibition.
This is a common legal prohibition.
許可なく敷地内への立ち入りは固く禁止します。
Permission without grounds inside entry is strictly prohibit.
'固く禁止します' adds emphasis, meaning 'strictly prohibited'.
ペット同伴での入店は禁止です。
Pets accompanying entry is prohibition.
'同伴' means accompanying.
この区域でのドローン飛行禁止。
This area in drone flight prohibition.
Relevant for modern technology regulations.
許可証のない者の立ち入り禁止。
Permit holder not existing persons' entry prohibition.
Specifies who is forbidden entry.
騒音を立てる行為は禁止されています。
Noise to make actions are prohibited.
'行為' means act or behavior.
関係者以外の立ち入り禁止区域です。
Related persons other than entry prohibition zone is.
'関係者以外' means 'except for authorized personnel'.
指定場所以外での喫煙は禁止されております。
Designated place other than smoking is prohibited.
'指定場所' refers to a specifically designated location.
許可なく録音・録画を行うことは禁止されています。
Permission without recording/filming doing is prohibited.
Covers both audio and video recording.
この地域では、夜間の騒音発生は厳禁です。
This area in, night-time noise generation is strictly forbidden.
'厳禁' (genkin) is a stronger form of prohibition.
無許可での商業撮影は禁止されています。
Permission without commercial photography is prohibited.
Distinguishes between personal and commercial use.
危険物の持ち込み及び使用は禁止いたします。
Dangerous items carrying-in and use prohibit.
Covers both bringing items in and using them.
この展示物への接触は固く禁止されております。
This exhibit's touching is strictly prohibited.
'接触' means contact or touching.
許可なく、この施設内でのドローン飛行は禁止です。
Permission without, this facility inside drone flight is prohibition.
Specifies the location and the prohibited action.
許可なく敷地内での写真撮影及び録音・録画行為は固く禁じられております。
Permission without grounds inside photo shooting and recording/filming actions are strictly forbidden.
Combines multiple prohibitions with formal phrasing.
当施設では、安全上の理由から火気の使用を一切禁止しております。
This facility in, safety's reason from open flames' use completely prohibit.
'火気' (kaki) refers to open flames or sources of ignition. '一切禁止' means 'prohibit entirely'.
未成年者へのアルコールの提供及び飲酒は法律で禁止されています。
Underage persons to alcohol's provision and consumption is by law prohibited.
Highlights the legal basis for the prohibition.
許可証のない一般の方の立ち入りは、厳禁とさせていただきます。
Permit holder not existing general public's entry, strictly forbidden will be.
'一般の方' refers to the general public. '～とさせていただきます' is a very polite but firm way to state a rule.
ペットの同伴入店は、衛生管理上の観点から禁止となっております。
Pets' accompanying entry is, hygiene management's perspective from prohibition has become.
Explains the reason ('衛生管理上の観点' - from the perspective of hygiene management).
指定された場所以外での喫煙は、条例により禁止されています。
Designated place other than smoking is, by ordinance prohibited.
'条例' (jorei) means ordinance or bylaw.
当会場でのドローンによる撮影および飛行は、電波干渉の恐れがあるため禁止されております。
This venue at drone by shooting and flight, radio wave interference's fear there is because prohibited.
Provides a specific reason (potential radio wave interference).
許可なく、展示物への直接的な接触や、それに類する行為は固く禁止いたします。
Permission without, exhibits direct touching and, similar actions strictly prohibit.
'それに類する行為' means 'actions similar to it'.
許可なく敷地内での写真撮影、録音、録画、及びそれらに類する一切の行為は固く禁じられており、違反した場合は法的措置を講じることもございます。
Permission without grounds inside photo shooting, recording, filming, and those similar all actions are strictly forbidden, and if violated legal measures taking also may occur.
Extremely comprehensive, listing multiple actions and including a legal consequence.
当施設は、爆発性・引火性物質の持ち込み及び火気の使用を厳禁としており、安全管理規定に基づき、違反者に対しては即時退去を命じます。
This facility, explosive/flammable substances' carrying-in and open flames' use strictly forbid, and safety management regulations based on, violators towards immediate departure order.
Uses precise terminology ('爆発性・引火性物質') and outlines disciplinary action ('即時退去を命じます').
未成年者へのアルコールの提供、並びに未成年者自身の飲酒は、酒税法及び関連法規により固く禁止されております。
Underage persons to alcohol's provision, as well as underage persons' own consumption, Liquor Tax Law and related regulations by strictly prohibited.
References specific laws ('酒税法及び関連法規') for legal authority.
許可証を有しない一般の方の立ち入りは、国家機密保持及び安全確保の観点から、いかなる理由があろうとも固く禁止されており、例外は一切認められません。
Permit holders not possessing general public's entry, national secrets maintenance and safety assurance's perspective from, whatever reason there may be even strictly forbidden, and exceptions entirely not recognized.
Emphasizes the absolute nature of the prohibition ('いかなる理由があろうとも', '例外は一切認められません').
ペットの同伴入店は、食品衛生法に基づく衛生管理基準の遵守のため、また他の利用者の快適性を損なう可能性を考慮し、一切禁止とさせていただきます。
Pets' accompanying entry is, Food Sanitation Act based hygiene management standards' compliance for, also other users' comfortability impairing possibility considering, entirely prohibited will be.
Provides multiple, detailed justifications ('食品衛生法に基づく', '他の利用者の快適性を損なう可能性').
指定場所以外での喫煙は、地域住民の健康増進及び生活環境の保全を目的とした条例により禁止されており、違反者には罰則が科せられることがあります。
Designated place other than smoking is, local residents' health promotion and living environment's preservation aiming ordinance by prohibited, and violators to penalties imposed may be.
States the purpose of the ordinance ('健康増進及び生活環境の保全') and potential penalties ('罰則が科せられる').
当会場内におけるドローンによる撮影及び飛行は、電波干渉による航空管制への影響、並びにプライバシー侵害のリスクを鑑み、一切禁止といたします。
This venue within drone by shooting and flight, radio wave interference by aviation control to influence, as well as privacy infringement risk considering, entirely prohibited will be.
Addresses complex risks ('航空管制への影響', 'プライバシー侵害のリスク').
展示物への直接的な接触、近似行為、及び許可なくこれらを撮影する行為は、文化財保護の観点から厳禁されており、違反時には文化財保護法に基づき厳正に対処いたします。
Exhibits direct touching, proximity actions, and permission without these photographing actions, cultural property protection's perspective from strictly forbidden, and upon violation Cultural Property Protection Act based on strictly dealt with.
References specific legal frameworks ('文化財保護法') and promises strict enforcement ('厳正に対処いたします').
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"禁断の果実 (Kindan no Kajitsu)"
Forbidden fruit; something desirable because it is prohibited.
その秘密のレシピは、彼にとって禁断の果実だった。
literary/neutral"禁句を破る (Kinku o yaburu)"
To utter a taboo word or phrase; to break a silence rule.
会議でその話題に触れたことで、彼は禁句を破ってしまった。
formal/neutral"禁酒法時代 (Kinshu-hou Jidai)"
The Prohibition era (referring to historical periods when alcohol was banned).
アメリカの禁酒法時代には、多くの秘密バーが生まれた。
historical/neutral"禁足地 (Kinsokuchi)"
A forbidden place; an area off-limits to people.
神社の奥には、一般人の立ち入りが禁足地となっている場所がある。
formal/traditional"禁欲生活 (Kin'yoku Seikatsu)"
Ascetic life; a life of abstinence or self-denial.
彼は修行のために、数年間禁欲生活を送った。
formal/religious"禁煙席 (Kin'en seki)"
Non-smoking seat/section.
レストランで禁煙席を予約しました。
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to smoking and use the 'kin' (prohibit) character.
禁煙 means 'non-smoking' (often describing a place or policy, like a non-smoking room). 喫煙禁止 (kitsuen kinshi) is the prohibition of the *act* of smoking.
禁煙ルームをお願いします。(Kin'en rūmu o onegaishimasu.) - Please give me a non-smoking room. / ここは喫煙禁止です。(Koko wa kitsuen kinshi desu.) - Smoking is prohibited here.
Both mean prohibition.
禁止令 is a noun meaning 'prohibition order' or 'injunction', a formal decree. ～禁止 is a suffix used to form words indicating prohibition.
裁判所は禁止令を出した。(Saibansho wa kinshirei o dashita.) - The court issued a prohibition order. / 撮影禁止。(Satsuei kinshi.) - No photography.
Both indicate something is not allowed.
ダメ is informal and broadly means 'no good', 'not allowed'. ～禁止 is more formal, specific, and typically used on signs or in official rules.
走っちゃダメだよ！(Hashiccha dame da yo!) - Don't run! (Casual) / 校内走者禁止。(Kōnai sōsha kinshi.) - Running in school grounds is prohibited. (Formal sign)
They are direct opposites in meaning.
許可 means 'permission' or 'allowance'. ～禁止 means 'prohibition' or 'forbidden'.
写真撮影は許可されています。(Shashin satsuei wa kyoka sarete imasu.) - Photography is permitted. / 写真撮影は禁止です。(Shashin satsuei wa kinshi desu.) - Photography is prohibited.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + 禁止
駐車禁止です。(Chuusha kinshi desu.) - Parking is prohibited.
Verb Stem + 禁止
立ち入り禁止！(Tachiiri kinshi!) - No entry!
Noun/Phrase + は + 禁止です/となっております。
このエリアでは飲食は禁止となっております。(Kono eria de wa inshoku wa kinshi to natte orimasu.) - Eating and drinking is prohibited in this area.
Verb Stem + こと + 禁止
騒ぐこと禁止。(Sawagu koto kinshi.) - Prohibition of making noise.
Adverb + Verb Stem + 禁止
無断持ち出し禁止。(Mudan mochidashi kinshi.) - Prohibition of taking out without permission.
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Apparenté
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
～禁止 is primarily for signs and formal rules. Using it in everyday chat can sound overly stiff or like you're quoting a sign.
While both relate to smoking, 喫煙禁止 is an active prohibition, while 禁煙 often describes a place or policy.
Avoid adding particles like 'は' or 'が' directly before ～禁止 unless it's part of a larger grammatical structure.
The passive form can sometimes sound slightly less direct or more wordy than necessary for simple prohibitions.
While ～禁止 means forbidden, the degree of strictness can vary. Sometimes 'restricted' is implied rather than a complete ban.
Tips
Visual Sign Association
Whenever you see a sign with '禁止', mentally associate the action shown (like a camera crossed out) with the word. This builds a strong visual link.
Respecting Boundaries
Understanding '禁止' helps you respect the rules and boundaries set in Japanese society, showing consideration for others and the environment.
Verb Stem Rule
Remember that for verbs, you usually drop the final 'u' sound (like 'ru' in 'taberu') to get the stem, then add 'kinshi'. Example: 食べる (taberu) -> 食べ (tabe) + 禁止 = 食べ禁止 (tabe kinshi - though 飲食禁止 is more common).
Nasal 'N' Practice
Practice the nasal 'n' sound in 'kinshi' by saying 'ink' or 'sing' in English. It's a short, clear nasal sound before the 'shi'.
Avoid Casual Conversation Overuse
Resist the urge to use '～禁止' in casual chats. Stick to 'dame' or 'ikenai' to sound more natural.
Character Roots
The characters '禁' (kin) and '止' (shi) literally mean 'forbid' and 'stop'. So, 'kinshi' is like 'stop the forbidden thing'!
Create Your Own Signs
Imagine you're making rules for your own room or a fictional place. Write down prohibitions using ～禁止. This active creation helps solidify the concept.
Distinguish from 'Kin'en'
Remember 禁煙 (kin'en) is specifically 'non-smoking' (often a place), while 喫煙禁止 (kitsuen kinshi) is the prohibition of the *act* of smoking.
Noun Attachment Simplicity
For nouns, it's often a simple direct attachment: Noun + 禁止. This is the easiest pattern to remember!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'KIN' like 'KINda' (kinda) forbidden, and 'SHI' like 'SHHHH!' (silence/stop). So, 'kinda forbidden, shhh!'
Visual Association
Imagine a big red sign with a thick black border, and inside, the characters '禁' and '止' are prominently displayed, perhaps with a universal 'X' symbol over an action.
Word Web
Défi
Look around your home or neighborhood for any signs with prohibitions. Try to identify the action being forbidden and think of the Japanese equivalent using ～禁止.
Origine du mot
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: The character '禁' (kin) means to prohibit, forbid, or ban. The character '止' (shi) means to stop or cease. Together, they form 'kinshi', meaning 'to stop what is forbidden' or simply 'prohibition'.
Contexte culturel
The term is direct and authoritative. While necessary for rules, it's not typically used in polite social interaction unless quoting a rule or in very specific contexts (like humorously telling a child 'no').
In English-speaking cultures, prohibitions are often conveyed through signs like 'No Smoking', 'Do Not Enter', 'Keep Out', or 'Restricted Area'. The directness of '～禁止' is similar to these clear commands.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Public Signs
- 撮影禁止 (satsuei kinshi) - No photography
- 駐車禁止 (chuusha kinshi) - No parking
- 立ち入り禁止 (tachiiri kinshi) - No entry
Transportation
- 飲食禁止 (inshoku kinshi) - No eating or drinking
- 優先席付近での携帯電話使用禁止 (yūsenseki fukin de no keitai denwa shiyō kinshi) - Prohibition of mobile phone use near priority seats
- 乗降口付近での立ち止まり禁止 (jōkōguchi fukin de no tachidomari kinshi) - Prohibition of stopping near doors
Buildings/Facilities (Libraries, Museums, Hospitals)
- 飲食禁止 (inshoku kinshi) - No eating or drinking
- 火気厳禁 (kaki genkin) - Strict prohibition of fire
- 静粛に (seishuku ni) - Be quiet (often implies noise prohibition)
Legal/Official Notices
- 無許可撮影禁止 (mukyoka satsuei kinshi) - No photography without permission
- 転売禁止 (tenbai kinshi) - Resale prohibited
- 〇〇法により禁止 (〇〇 hō ni yori kinshi) - Prohibited by [Law Name]
Conversation Starters
"Have you seen many '～禁止' signs since you started learning Japanese?"
"What's the strangest prohibition you've seen written with '～禁止'?"
"If you could create one '～禁止' rule for your hometown, what would it be?"
"How do you think '～禁止' signs affect people's behavior in Japan?"
"Besides '～禁止', what other ways do Japanese people express that something is not allowed?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you encountered a '～禁止' sign and what it meant.
Imagine you are creating rules for a new park. Write down 3 prohibitions using '～禁止'.
Compare and contrast how prohibitions are communicated in your native language versus using '～禁止' in Japanese.
Reflect on why rules and prohibitions are important in society.
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, ～禁止 generally indicates a strong prohibition or ban. While context can sometimes soften the implication slightly (e.g., in humorous usage), its core meaning is 'forbidden'.
It's best to avoid using ～禁止 directly in casual conversation unless you are quoting a sign or rule. Use more natural, informal words like ダメ (dame) or いけない (ikenai) instead.
～禁止 is a general suffix for prohibition. 禁煙 (kin'en) specifically means 'no smoking' and is often used to describe non-smoking areas or policies (e.g., 禁煙ルーム - non-smoking room). 喫煙禁止 (kitsuen kinshi) is the prohibition of the act of smoking.
It's typically attached to the stem of a verb (the part before 'masu' in polite form). For example, from 立ち入る (tachiiru - to enter), you get 立ち入り (tachiiri) + 禁止 = 立ち入り禁止.
Yes, words like 厳禁 (genkin - strict prohibition) add emphasis. Phrases like '固く禁止します' (kataku kinshi shimasu - strictly prohibit) also convey a stronger sense of enforcement.
It can apply to both. It can prohibit the existence or use of an object (e.g., ペット禁止 - no pets) or prohibit an action (e.g., 撮影禁止 - no photography).
Absolutely. It's very common in official documents, legal texts, safety regulations, and public signage where clear and unambiguous communication of rules is essential.
Yes, sometimes. For example, a parent might jokingly say to a child, 'お菓子禁止だよ！' (Okashi kinshi da yo! - No snacks!). However, this is usually understood as a playful exaggeration or quoting a rule.
Teste-toi
図書館で食べ物は ____。
The sentence means 'In the library, food is ____.' The correct word for 'prohibited' or 'forbidden' is 禁止 (kinshi).
What does '撮影禁止' mean?
撮影 (satsuei) means photography, and 禁止 (kinshi) means prohibition. Therefore, 撮影禁止 means 'No Photography'.
The suffix ～禁止 is usually used for polite suggestions.
～禁止 is a strong word indicating a definite prohibition or ban, not a suggestion. It's used for rules and regulations.
Word
Signification
These are common phrases using the prohibition concept. 駐車 (chuusha) is parking, 禁煙 (kin'en) is no smoking, and 立ち入り (tachiiri) is entry.
The correct sentence is 'ここは飲食禁止です' (Koko wa inshoku kinshi desu), meaning 'Eating and drinking is prohibited here'.
許可なくこのエリアへの ____ は固く禁止されています。
The phrase '立ち入り禁止' (tachiiri kinshi) means 'No Entry'. While other options relate to entering, 立ち入り is the standard term used in prohibition signs like this.
Which phrase indicates a strict prohibition, often related to safety?
火気厳禁 (kaki genkin) means 'Strict prohibition of open flames/fire hazards', emphasizing safety. The others mean 'eating/drinking freely', 'photography allowed', and 'breaks freely', respectively.
The suffix ～禁止 can only be attached to nouns.
It can be attached to nouns (e.g., 駐車禁止) or verb stems (e.g., 立ち入り禁止 from 立ち入る).
無許可での ____ は、文化財保護法により厳しく禁じられています。
In the context of cultural property protection, unauthorized photography (撮影 - satsuei) is often prohibited. The sentence implies a restriction on recording images of the protected item.
The correct sentence is '一般の方、関係者以外立ち入り一切禁止' (Ippan no kata, kankeisha igai tachiiri issai kinshi), meaning 'General public and anyone other than authorized personnel are strictly prohibited from entry'.
Score : /10
Summary
The suffix ～禁止 is your go-to indicator for 'do not' or 'forbidden' in Japanese, making it essential for understanding rules and signs.
- ～禁止 is a suffix meaning 'prohibited' or 'forbidden'.
- It's commonly used on signs and in official rules.
- It attaches to nouns or verb stems.
- Recognizing it helps understand restrictions in Japan.
Visual Sign Association
Whenever you see a sign with '禁止', mentally associate the action shown (like a camera crossed out) with the word. This builds a strong visual link.
Context is Key
Pay attention to where you see '禁止'. Signs in public places use it for rules. Legal documents use it for laws. This helps you understand the level of formality and strictness.
Respecting Boundaries
Understanding '禁止' helps you respect the rules and boundaries set in Japanese society, showing consideration for others and the environment.
Verb Stem Rule
Remember that for verbs, you usually drop the final 'u' sound (like 'ru' in 'taberu') to get the stem, then add 'kinshi'. Example: 食べる (taberu) -> 食べ (tabe) + 禁止 = 食べ禁止 (tabe kinshi - though 飲食禁止 is more common).
Exemple
ここは飲食禁止です。
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