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A1 noun #3,524 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

文明

bunmei 상위 3,524

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 文明 30초 만에

설명 文明 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '文明' (bunmei) as a word for 'the big world' or 'modern things.' Even though it's a big concept, you might hear it when people talk about history or technology. For a beginner, the most important thing to know is that 'bunmei' refers to things like cities, electricity, and the internet. It is different from 'bunka' (culture), which is about food and art. You can use 'bunmei' when you look at a picture of ancient Egypt or when you talk about how easy life is with a smartphone. Think of it as the 'stuff' that makes a society advanced. In simple terms: Bunmei = Technology and Cities.

At the A2 level, you should start to recognize '文明' (bunmei) in more specific contexts, such as history books or travel documentaries. You can use it to describe ancient societies like the 'Egyptian civilization' (エジプト文明). You should also learn the phrase '文明の利器' (bunmei no riki), which means 'convenient tools of civilization.' Japanese people use this phrase when they are happy about things like air conditioning or microwave ovens. You can also use 'bunmei' to talk about the difference between living in a city and living in nature. If you go camping and then return to a city with lights and stores, you can say you returned to 'bunmei.'

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At the B1 level, you can use '文明' (bunmei) to discuss more abstract ideas about society. You should be able to distinguish clearly between '文明' (material progress) and '文化' (spiritual/artistic progress). For example, you might say that a country has an advanced 'bunmei' (technology and infrastructure) but a very different 'bunka' (traditions and values) from your own. You can also use it to talk about global issues, such as how 'modern civilization' (現代文明) affects the environment. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in compound forms like '文明化' (civilization/modernization) or '文明社会' (civilized society).

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At the B2 level, '文明' (bunmei) becomes a key term for debating history, sociology, and international relations. You can discuss the 'rise and fall of civilizations' (文明の興亡) and analyze the factors that lead to societal collapse. You might encounter the term '文明の衝突' (clash of civilizations) in political contexts. At this stage, you should understand the historical weight of the word in Japan, specifically how the 'Bunmei Kaika' (Civilization and Enlightenment) period in the 19th century transformed Japan from a samurai society into a modern nation. You can use 'bunmei' to discuss the philosophical implications of technology on human life.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the academic and philosophical nuances of '文明' (bunmei). You can engage in complex discussions about the definition of civilization and how it differs from 'state' or 'empire.' You should be able to read and understand scholarly articles that use 'bunmei' to describe the evolution of human thought and social structure. You might also explore how the concept of 'civilization' was used historically to justify colonialism or how it is being redefined in the digital age. Your usage of the word should reflect an awareness of its broad historical scope and its specific technical applications in fields like anthropology and archaeology.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of '文明' (bunmei) is complete. You can use the word with all its historical, philosophical, and social connotations. You are aware of the subtle shifts in the word's meaning over the last 150 years of Japanese history. You can critique the concept of 'civilization' itself, discussing whether modern technological progress truly constitutes an advancement of the human spirit. You can seamlessly use the word in high-level literary, academic, or political contexts, understanding how it interacts with other complex terms like 'enlightenment,' 'modernity,' and 'globalization.' Your understanding of 'bunmei' is not just as a word, but as a fundamental concept in the history of human ideas.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

文明 30초 만에

Bunmei means civilization, focusing on technology, cities, and organized society.
It is often contrasted with 'bunka' (culture), which focuses on art and traditions.
The phrase 'bunmei no riki' refers to modern conveniences like smartphones.
It is used for both ancient history (like Egypt) and modern global society.

The Japanese word 文明 (ぶんめい - bunmei) is a profound term that encapsulates the totality of human progress, social organization, and technological advancement. While often translated simply as 'civilization,' its nuances in Japanese carry a heavy weight of history and modernization. To understand bunmei, one must look at it through the lens of both ancient history and the rapid modernization that Japan underwent during the Meiji Restoration. In its most literal sense, the kanji 文 (bun) refers to writing, literature, or culture, while 明 (mei) translates to bright, clear, or enlightened. Together, they describe a state where society has moved out of the darkness of primitive existence into the light of organized culture and technological mastery.

Historical Context: In the late 19th century, Japanese intellectuals like Fukuzawa Yukichi popularized the phrase Bunmei Kaika (Civilization and Enlightenment). This era saw Japan rapidly adopting Western technology, clothing, and social structures. Thus, for many Japanese speakers, 文明 isn't just an abstract historical concept; it's a marker of the transition from a feudal society to a modern, industrial powerhouse. It represents the trains, the electricity, and the legal systems that define a developed nation.
Modern Usage: Nowadays, the word is used in two primary ways. First, in an academic or archaeological context to refer to ancient societies like the Mesopotamian or Indus Valley civilizations. Second, in a colloquial sense to refer to modern conveniences. If you are camping in the middle of nowhere and finally find a vending machine, you might jokingly say you have returned to 'civilization' (bunmei). It implies the comfort and safety provided by advanced infrastructure.
The Material vs. The Spiritual: Japanese linguists often distinguish between 文明 (bunmei) and 文化 (bunka - culture). While bunka refers to the spiritual, artistic, and internal aspects of a people (like tea ceremonies or traditional music), bunmei refers to the external, material, and technological achievements (like bullet trains or internet infrastructure). You can have a rich culture without an advanced civilization, and vice versa, though they usually grow together.

エジプトの古代文明は、ナイル川のほとりで栄えました。(The ancient Egyptian civilization flourished on the banks of the Nile.)

現代の文明は、電気がなければ成り立ちません。(Modern civilization cannot exist without electricity.)

山奥での生活を終え、ようやく文明の地に戻ってきた。(After living deep in the mountains, I finally returned to a place of civilization.)

マヤ文明の謎を解明するために、多くの学者が研究を続けている。(Many scholars continue their research to solve the mysteries of the Mayan civilization.)

インターネットは、人類の文明を大きく変えた。(The internet has greatly changed human civilization.)

In summary, 文明 is a word that spans thousands of years of history while remaining relevant in our daily use of high-tech gadgets. It is the framework of our organized world, encompassing everything from ancient stone pyramids to the silicon chips in our pockets. Whether you are discussing the fall of the Roman Empire or the benefits of a high-speed internet connection, 文明 is the essential term for the collective progress of mankind.

Using 文明 (bunmei) correctly requires understanding its role as a broad noun that characterizes the state of a society. It is frequently paired with adjectives or other nouns to specify which civilization is being discussed or what aspect of civilization is being highlighted. Because it refers to a large-scale concept, it is rarely used for individual actions but rather for societal trends, historical periods, or technological shifts.

Describing Ancient Societies: When talking about history, you place the name of the civilization before bunmei. For example, 'Mesopotamia bunmei' (Mesopotamian civilization). In these cases, the word describes the entire system of laws, agriculture, and urban living that defined that group. You will often see verbs like 栄える (sakaeru - to flourish) or 滅びる (horobiru - to perish) used in conjunction with it.
Referring to Modernity: In modern contexts, bunmei is used to contrast the 'natural' world with the 'man-made' world. If you say a place is 'outside of civilization' (bunmeiの外), you mean it lacks modern amenities like electricity or cell service. Conversely, 'modern civilization' (gendai bunmei) refers to our current globalized, high-tech society. It is often used when discussing environmental issues, as in 'modern civilization is putting a strain on the planet.'
Idiomatic and Set Phrases: One of the most important phrases to learn is 文明の利器 (bunmei no riki). This literally means 'the convenient tools of civilization.' It's a slightly formal but very common way to refer to things like microwave ovens, smartphones, or air conditioners. Using this phrase makes you sound very natural and culturally aware in Japanese.

四大文明とは、メソポタミア、エジプト、インダス、黄河のことです。(The four great civilizations are the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Indus, and Yellow River civilizations.)

この島には、まだ文明が届いていない地域があります。(There are areas on this island where civilization has not yet reached.)

彼は文明の利器を使いこなしている。(He is making full use of the modern conveniences of civilization.)

高度な文明を持つ宇宙人がいるかもしれません。(There might be aliens with a highly advanced civilization.)

環境破壊は、現代文明が抱える大きな課題です。(Environmental destruction is a major challenge facing modern civilization.)

When writing or speaking, remember that 文明 is a formal word. In casual conversation, if you just want to say 'modern life,' you might use gendai no seikatsu. However, if you want to emphasize the technological or structural scale of society, 文明 is the perfect choice. It brings a sense of historical perspective to your Japanese, showing that you are thinking about the broader human experience.

The word 文明 (bunmei) appears in a variety of contexts in daily Japanese life, ranging from the highly intellectual to the surprisingly mundane. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when you encounter it in the wild, whether you're watching a documentary, reading a news article, or even playing a video game.

Educational and Academic Settings: This is the most common place to encounter bunmei. In history class, students learn about the 'Four Great Civilizations of the World' (世界四大文明). If you visit a museum in Japan, you will see signs for 'Inca Bunmei' (Incan Civilization) or 'Mesopotamia Bunmei.' It is the standard term used in textbooks, lectures, and academic papers to describe organized human societies of the past.
Science and Technology News: In the media, bunmei is often used when discussing the future of humanity or the impact of groundbreaking technology. News reports about Artificial Intelligence (AI) might question how it will change 'human civilization' (人類の文明). Science documentaries on NHK (Japan's public broadcaster) frequently use the word to discuss the evolution of technology and how it separates us from other species.
Entertainment and Pop Culture: You'll find bunmei in many sci-fi anime, manga, and video games. Games like the 'Civilization' series are translated as 'Shibirizeishon' but the concept is always explained using bunmei. Anime often features 'lost civilizations' (古代文明 - kodai bunmei) with advanced technology that the protagonists must discover. In this context, it carries a sense of wonder and mystery.

NHKのドキュメンタリーで、マヤ文明の特集を見ました。(I saw a special feature on the Mayan civilization on an NHK documentary.)

このゲームの目的は、独自の文明を発展させることです。(The goal of this game is to develop your own civilization.)

ニュースで、火星に文明の跡があるかもしれないと言っていました。(On the news, they said there might be traces of civilization on Mars.)

博物館で、古代ギリシャ文明の彫刻を見ました。(I saw sculptures from the ancient Greek civilization at the museum.)

SF小説では、しばしば高度な宇宙文明が登場します。(Advanced space civilizations often appear in science fiction novels.)

In summary, 文明 is a high-frequency word in any discussion involving history, technology, or the future of society. While it might sound like a 'big' word, it is used very naturally in Japan to categorize the achievements and structures of human life across the globe and throughout time.

While 文明 (bunmei) is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make mistakes by confusing it with its close relative, 文化 (bunka - culture). In English, we sometimes use these words interchangeably, but in Japanese, the distinction is much sharper and more significant. Understanding these differences will prevent you from sounding unnatural or confusing your listeners.

Confusing 'Bunmei' with 'Bunka': This is the #1 mistake. 文明 (bunmei) refers to the material, technological, and social infrastructure (roads, internet, laws, architecture). 文化 (bunka) refers to the spiritual, artistic, and traditional practices (music, food, etiquette, religion). For example, you would say 'Japanese culture' (日本の文化) when talking about sushi or kimono, not 'Japanese civilization' (日本の文明), unless you are specifically talking about Japan's technological or historical development as a state.
Overusing it for Small Groups: Civilization implies a large, organized society with cities and complex systems. You wouldn't use bunmei to describe a small tribe or a local community's way of life. For smaller or more localized groups, bunka (culture) or shukai (community) is more appropriate. Using bunmei for a small group can sound overly dramatic or technically incorrect.
Grammatical Missteps: Because bunmei is a noun, you cannot use it as a verb. You cannot 'civilize' someone by saying 'bunmei-suru.' Instead, you would use phrases like bunmei-ka suru (to civilize/modernize). Also, when using it as an adjective, remember to use the particle no (文明の) or a compound word like bunmei-teki (civilized/civilization-like).

❌ 日本の文明が好きです。(I like Japanese civilization - Sounds like you like their trains and laws.)

✅ 日本の文化が好きです。(I like Japanese culture - Sounds like you like the food, art, and traditions.)

❌ あの村には独自の文明がある。(That village has its own civilization - Too grandiose for a village.)

✅ あの村には独自の文化がある。(That village has its own culture - Correct and natural.)

❌ 彼は文明な人だ。(He is a 'civilization' person - Grammatically incorrect.)

By being mindful of these distinctions, you will avoid the most common pitfalls and use 文明 with the precision of a native speaker. It's a word that demands a certain level of scale and materiality, so save it for the big pictures of human history and technological progress.

While 文明 (bunmei) is the standard word for 'civilization,' there are several related terms that you might use depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives will help you expand your vocabulary and speak more precisely.

文化 (Bunka) - Culture: As mentioned before, 文化 is the most common alternative. While bunmei is material and technical, bunka is spiritual and social. Use bunka for food, art, music, and daily customs. They are often used together in the phrase bunka-bunmei to mean 'culture and civilization' as a whole.
社会 (Shakai) - Society: If you are talking about the group of people living together under a specific system, 社会 is the better word. Bunmei is the 'product' or 'state' of a society's progress, while shakai is the actual network of people and their interactions. For example, 'modern society' is gendai shakai.
近代 (Kindai) - Modernity / Modern Times: When people use bunmei to mean 'modern conveniences,' they are often actually thinking of 近代. Kindai specifically refers to the era following the industrial revolution. If you want to talk about 'the modern way of life,' kindai-teki na seikatsu is a very precise way to say it.
世の中 (Yo no naka) - The World / Society (Casual): In very casual conversation, instead of saying 'civilization is changing,' you might say 世の中 (the world/society). It's a much softer, more common way to talk about the state of things around us.

日本の伝統的な文化を学びたいです。(I want to learn about traditional Japanese culture.)

現代の社会には多くの問題があります。(Modern society has many problems.)

日本は明治時代に近代化しました。(Japan modernized during the Meiji era.)

最近の世の中は便利になりましたね。(The world has become convenient lately, hasn't it?)

インダス文明とメソポタミア文明を比較する。(Compare the Indus and Mesopotamian civilizations.)

By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the situation. 文明 is a powerful word, but it's just one piece of the puzzle when describing the complex world of human organization and achievement.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

During the Meiji Restoration, '文明' was chosen to translate the English word 'civilization' because it perfectly captured the idea of moving from 'darkness' to 'enlightenment' through knowledge and technology.

발음 가이드

UK bɯɴmeː

US bun-may

The pitch accent is flat (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after an initial rise.

라임이 맞는 단어

運命 (unmei - fate) 懸命 (kenmei - eager) 賢明 (kenmei - wise) 鮮明 (senmei - vivid) 声明 (seimei - statement) 生命 (seimei - life) 姓名 (seimei - full name) 発明 (hatsumei - invention)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'u' too strongly like 'oo' in 'food'.
Failing to elongate the 'ei' sound at the end.
Pronouncing the 'n' like a clear English 'n' instead of the Japanese nasal 'n'.
Adding a stress accent on the wrong syllable.
Confusing the pitch with 'bunka'.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are relatively common but require knowing N3-level characters.

쓰기 4/5

Writing the kanji '文明' requires practice, especially the 'bun' part.

말하기 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds.

듣기 2/5

Easily recognizable in historical or technological contexts.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

文化 (Culture) 歴史 (History) 社会 (Society) 科学 (Science) 町 (Town)

다음에 배울 것

発展 (Development) 進歩 (Progress) 近代 (Modern era) 産業 (Industry) 宗教 (Religion)

고급

興亡 (Rise and fall) 恩恵 (Benefit/Grace) パラダイム (Paradigm) 持続可能 (Sustainable) 考古学 (Archaeology)

알아야 할 문법

Noun + の (Particle for possession/description)

文明の歴史 (History of civilization)

Noun + 化 (Suffix for '-ization')

文明化 (Civilization/Modernization)

Noun + 的 (Suffix for '-like/pertaining to')

文明的 (Civilized)

Noun + 社会 (Compound nouns)

文明社会 (Civilized society)

Verb + とともに (Along with)

文明の進歩とともに (Along with the progress of civilization)

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수준별 예문

これはエジプトの文明です。

This is Egyptian civilization.

Simple [Noun] + [desu] structure.

文明はすごいです。

Civilization is amazing.

Using 'wa' to mark the subject.

古い文明を勉強します。

I study ancient civilizations.

Adjective 'furui' (old) modifying 'bunmei'.

文明の町に行きます。

I am going to a civilized town.

Using 'no' to connect two nouns.

文明は便利です。

Civilization is convenient.

Simple noun-adjective sentence.

ここは文明の外です。

This is outside of civilization.

Using 'soto' (outside) with 'no'.

文明の歴史を知りたいです。

I want to know the history of civilization.

Using 'tai' to express desire.

新しい文明が生まれます。

A new civilization is born.

Using 'ga' to mark the subject of an intransitive verb.

メソポタミア文明はとても古いです。

The Mesopotamian civilization is very old.

Naming a specific civilization.

文明の利器は、私たちの生活を助けます。

The tools of civilization help our lives.

Introducing the common phrase 'bunmei no riki'.

彼は文明から離れて暮らしています。

He lives away from civilization.

Using 'kara hanarete' (away from).

博物館で古代文明の展示を見ました。

I saw an exhibition of ancient civilizations at the museum.

Using 'de' for the location of an action.

文明が発達すると、生活が変わります。

When civilization develops, life changes.

Using the conditional 'to' for natural consequences.

どの文明が一番古いですか？

Which civilization is the oldest?

Using 'dono' (which) and 'ichiban' (most/best).

文明の力で、病気を治します。

We cure diseases with the power of civilization.

Using 'de' to indicate a means or tool.

文明社会にはルールが必要です。

Rules are necessary in a civilized society.

Compound noun 'bunmei shakai'.

文明と文化の違いを説明してください。

Please explain the difference between civilization and culture.

Using 'to' to connect two nouns for comparison.

現代文明は多くのエネルギーを消費します。

Modern civilization consumes a lot of energy.

Using 'gendai' as a prefix for 'modern'.

科学の進歩が文明を支えています。

The progress of science supports civilization.

Using 'ga' for the subject and 'te-iru' for a state.

失われた文明を求めて、ジャングルへ行きました。

In search of a lost civilization, I went to the jungle.

Using 'ushinawareta' (lost) as a modifier.

文明の恩恵を十分に受けています。

We are fully receiving the benefits of civilization.

Using 'onkei' (benefit/blessing).

文明が崩壊する原因は何ですか？

What is the cause of a civilization collapsing?

Using 'houkai-suru' (to collapse) as a modifier.

この地域は文明化が進んでいます。

Civilization/modernization is progressing in this area.

Using the suffix '-ka' to mean '-ization'.

宇宙には、もっと高度な文明があるかもしれません。

There might be a more advanced civilization in space.

Using 'kamoshiremasen' to express possibility.

文明の興亡は、歴史の必然かもしれません。

The rise and fall of civilizations might be an inevitability of history.

Using the compound 'koubou' (rise and fall).

産業革命は、人類文明に劇的な変化をもたらしました。

The Industrial Revolution brought dramatic changes to human civilization.

Using 'ni... motarashita' (brought to...).

文明の名の下に、多くの自然が破壊されました。

In the name of civilization, much of nature has been destroyed.

Using 'no na no moto ni' (in the name of).

マヤ文明の天文学は非常に高度でした。

The astronomy of the Mayan civilization was extremely advanced.

Using 'hijou ni' (extremely).

文明がもたらす便利さと、失われる伝統のバランスが難しい。

The balance between the convenience brought by civilization and the traditions being lost is difficult.

Comparing two noun phrases with 'no baransu'.

文明の進歩とともに、倫理的な問題も生じています。

Along with the progress of civilization, ethical issues are also arising.

Using 'to tomo ni' (along with).

かつて、黄河文明は肥沃な土地で栄えました。

Once, the Yellow River civilization flourished in fertile land.

Using 'katsute' (once/formerly).

文明社会の一員として、責任を持つべきです。

As a member of a civilized society, one should take responsibility.

Using 'toshite' (as) and 'beki' (should).

ハンティントンは、冷戦後の世界を文明の衝突と定義した。

Huntington defined the post-Cold War world as a clash of civilizations.

Using 'to teigi-shita' (defined as).

文明の存続は、持続可能な開発にかかっています。

The survival of civilization depends on sustainable development.

Using 'ni kakatte-iru' (depends on).

高度な文明が必ずしも幸福をもたらすとは限らない。

A highly advanced civilization does not necessarily bring happiness.

Using 'to wa kagiranai' (not necessarily).

考古学者は、出土品から当時の文明のレベルを推測する。

Archaeologists infer the level of civilization at the time from excavated items.

Using 'kara... suisoku-suru' (infer from...).

文明の恩恵を享受する一方で、格差の問題も深刻化している。

While enjoying the benefits of civilization, the problem of inequality is also worsening.

Using 'ippou de' (on the other hand).

物質文明の極致において、精神的な豊かさが問われている。

At the height of material civilization, spiritual richness is being questioned.

Using 'kyokuchi' (height/pinnacle).

文明の転換点に立っているという自覚を持つ必要がある。

We need to be aware that we are standing at a turning point in civilization.

Using 'to iu jikaku' (awareness that...).

異なる文明圏が共生するための対話が求められている。

Dialogue for the coexistence of different civilizations is being called for.

Using 'tame no' (for the purpose of) and passive 'motomerarete-iru'.

文明のパラダイムシフトは、しばしば予期せぬ形で訪れる。

A paradigm shift in civilization often arrives in an unexpected form.

Using 'paradaimu shifuto' (paradigm shift).

技術文明の暴走を抑制するための国際的な枠組みが不可欠だ。

An international framework to restrain the runaway of technological civilization is indispensable.

Using 'bousou' (runaway/out of control) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

文明の本質は、単なる技術の集積ではなく、共生の知恵にある。

The essence of civilization lies not in the mere accumulation of technology, but in the wisdom of coexistence.

Using 'dewa naku... ni aru' (not... but lies in...).

人類が築き上げた文明を、自らの手で破壊してはならない。

We must not destroy the civilization that humanity has built with our own hands.

Using 'kizuki-ageta' (built up) and 'te wa naranai' (must not).

文明の成熟度は、弱者に対する配慮の深さで測られるべきだ。

The maturity of a civilization should be measured by the depth of consideration for the weak.

Using 'seishukudo' (maturity) and 'de hakarareru' (measured by).

デジタル文明の進展により、プライバシーの概念が再定義されている。

With the progress of digital civilization, the concept of privacy is being redefined.

Using 'ni yori' (due to/by) and 'saiteigi-sarete-iru' (being redefined).

文明の黄昏を感じさせるような、退廃的な雰囲気が漂っている。

There is a decadent atmosphere drifting, making one feel the twilight of civilization.

Using 'tasogare' (twilight) and 'kanjisaseru' (make feel).

宇宙文明の探査は、人類の自己理解を深める旅でもある。

The search for extraterrestrial civilizations is also a journey to deepen humanity's self-understanding.

Using 'tansa' (exploration) and 'demo aru' (is also).

동의어

文化社会開化世の中人間社会

반의어

野蛮未開原始

자주 쓰는 조합

古代文明

現代文明

文明の利器

四大文明

文明の衝突

文明化する

物質文明

文明の興亡

高度な文明

文明の恩恵

자주 쓰는 구문

文明の利器

— Modern conveniences. Refers to items like smartphones, cars, or electricity.

文明の利器がない生活は考えられない。(I can't imagine life without modern conveniences.)

文明開化

— The movement in the Meiji era to modernize and Westernize Japan.

明治時代、日本は文明開化を迎えました。(In the Meiji era, Japan welcomed civilization and enlightenment.)

失われた文明

— A lost civilization. Often used in adventure stories or archaeology.

失われた文明の遺跡を探す。(Search for the ruins of a lost civilization.)

文明の崩壊

— The collapse of civilization. Often used in dystopian or historical contexts.

文明の崩壊を防がなければならない。(We must prevent the collapse of civilization.)

文明社会

— Civilized society. Refers to a society with laws, order, and technology.

文明社会の一員としての自覚。(Awareness as a member of a civilized society.)

精神文明

— Spiritual civilization. Refers to progress in morals, philosophy, and religion.

物質文明だけでなく、精神文明も大切だ。(Not just material civilization, but spiritual civilization is also important.)

宇宙文明

— Space civilization. Refers to societies living on other planets.

宇宙文明との交信を試みる。(Attempt to communicate with a space civilization.)

文明の進歩

— The progress of civilization. Refers to how society develops over time.

文明の進歩には犠牲も伴う。(The progress of civilization also involves sacrifice.)

文明圏

— A cultural/civilization sphere. A region sharing the same civilization.

漢字文明圏の国々。(Countries in the Kanji civilization sphere.)

文明的

— Civilized or pertaining to civilization.

もっと文明的な解決策を考えよう。(Let's think of a more civilized solution.)

자주 혼동되는 단어

文明 vs 文化 (Bunka)

Bunka is culture (art, tradition), while Bunmei is civilization (technology, systems).

文明 vs 社会 (Shakai)

Shakai is society (the group of people), while Bunmei is the state of their advancement.

文明 vs 近代 (Kindai)

Kindai is a specific time period (modern era), while Bunmei is the concept of civilization itself.

관용어 및 표현

"文明の利器"

— Conveniences of modern life. Used to express how technology makes life easier.

電子レンジは本当に文明の利器だ。(The microwave is truly a tool of civilization.)

Neutral

"文明開化の音がする"

— Literally 'the sound of civilization and enlightenment.' Used to describe rapid modernization.

新しいビルが建つたびに、文明開化の音がする。(Every time a new building goes up, it sounds like modernization.)

Historical/Idiomatic

"文明の病"

— Diseases of civilization. Refers to health problems caused by modern lifestyles (stress, obesity).

不眠症は現代文明の病と言える。(Insomnia can be called a disease of modern civilization.)

Medical/Social

"文明の十字路"

— Crossroads of civilization. A place where different cultures and civilizations meet.

その都市は文明の十字路として栄えた。(The city flourished as a crossroads of civilization.)

Historical

"文明の果て"

— The edge of civilization. A place very remote or undeveloped.

彼は文明の果てにある島で暮らしている。(He lives on an island at the edge of civilization.)

Literary

"文明の灯"

— The light of civilization. Refers to the presence or influence of society.

遠くに文明の灯が見えた。(I saw the light of civilization in the distance.)

Literary

"文明を築く"

— To build a civilization. Refers to the collective effort of creating a society.

人類は何千年もかけて文明を築いてきた。(Humanity has spent thousands of years building civilization.)

Formal

"文明に背を向ける"

— To turn one's back on civilization. To choose to live without modern technology.

彼は文明に背を向けて森で生活している。(He turned his back on civilization and is living in the forest.)

Literary

"文明の波"

— The wave of civilization. Refers to the inevitable spread of modernization.

その村にも文明の波が押し寄せている。(The wave of civilization is also reaching that village.)

Neutral

"文明の揺りかご"

— The cradle of civilization. The place where civilization first began.

メソポタミアは文明の揺りかごと呼ばれている。(Mesopotamia is called the cradle of civilization.)

Academic

혼동하기 쉬운

文明 vs 文化 (Bunka)

Both relate to human society and progress.

Bunka focuses on the internal/spiritual (art, food, values). Bunmei focuses on the external/material (tech, cities, laws). You can have many cultures within one civilization.

日本の文化（茶道）と、日本の文明（新幹線）。

文明 vs 社会 (Shakai)

Both describe organized groups of humans.

Shakai is the 'who' and 'how' (the community and its interactions). Bunmei is the 'what' (the level of technological and structural achievement).

社会のルールを守る。文明の利器を使う。

文明 vs 近代 (Kindai)

Modern civilization is often just called 'modern times.'

Kindai is a temporal category (the era after the industrial revolution). Bunmei is a qualitative category (the state of being civilized).

近代の歴史。高度な文明。

文明 vs 開化 (Kaika)

Both relate to becoming 'civilized.'

Kaika is the process of enlightenment or opening up (becoming civilized). Bunmei is the resulting state.

文明開化の時代。

文明 vs 発展 (Hatten)

Both imply growth and progress.

Hatten is a verb/process of developing. Bunmei is the noun representing the structure itself.

文明が発展する。

문장 패턴

[Noun] は文明です。

これはエジプトの文明です。

[Noun] は文明の利器です。

スマホは文明の利器です。

[Noun] は文明が進んでいます。

この国は文明が進んでいます。

文明の進歩とともに [Result]。

文明の進歩とともに、生活が便利になった。

文明の [Noun] が問われている。

文明のあり方が問われている。

文明の [Noun] に立脚する。

現代文明の基盤に立脚する。

文明と文化の [Noun]。

文明と文化の違いを学ぶ。

文明から [Verb]。

文明から離れて暮らす。

어휘 가족

명사

文明 (bunmei - civilization)

文明社会 (bunmei shakai - civilized society)

文明人 (bunmeijin - civilized person)

文明圏 (bunmeiken - civilization sphere)

동사

文明化する (bunmeika suru - to civilize/modernize)

형용사

文明的な (bunmei-teki na - civilized/pertaining to civilization)

사용법

frequency

High, especially in educational, scientific, and historical media.

자주 하는 실수

Using 文明 for 'culture' (e.g., Japanese food). → 文化 (Bunka)
Food and art are 'culture,' not 'civilization' in Japanese usage.
Saying 文明する to mean 'to civilize.' → 文明化する (Bunmeika suru)
You need the suffix '-ka' to turn the noun into a 'process' verb.
Using 文明 to describe a small group of people. → コミュニティ (Community) or 文化 (Culture)
Civilization implies a large-scale, organized society with cities.
Writing the kanji '明' with the wrong radical. → 明 (Sun + Moon)
Make sure the left side is 'Sun' (日), not 'Eye' (目).
Confusing 文明 with 運命 (Unmei - fate). → 文明 (Bunmei)
They sound similar, but 'Unmei' starts with 'U' and 'Bunmei' starts with 'B'.

팁

Material vs. Spiritual

Remember: Bunmei = Material progress (machines, cities). Bunka = Spiritual progress (art, heart). This is the key to using it like a native.

Convenience is Civilization

If you're thankful for your air conditioner on a hot day, say '文明の利器ですね' (It's a tool of civilization, isn't it?). It's a great conversation filler.

Meiji Era Context

If you see the word in a museum, it likely refers to the 'Bunmei Kaika' period when Japan westernized.

Ancient Civilizations

When studying history, '文明' always comes after the name of the place: 'Inca Bunmei', 'Maya Bunmei'.

Adjectival Use

Use '文明的な' (bunmei-teki na) to say something is 'civilized' or 'sophisticated' in a modern way.

NHK Keywords

Watch NHK history specials; you will hear 'bunmei' every few minutes. It's great listening practice.

Kanji Meaning

Focus on the 'bright' (明) part of the kanji to remember that civilization brings the 'light' of knowledge.

Clash of Civilizations

In political news, '文明の衝突' is a common phrase for international conflicts.

Space Talk

If you like anime like Gundam or Macross, look for the word '宇宙文明' (Uchuu Bunmei).

Bright Books

Bun (文 - writing/books) + Mei (明 - bright). Books make the world bright. That's civilization!

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Bun' as a 'Book' (writing) and 'Mei' as 'May' (a bright spring month). A civilization is a place where people write books (Bun) to reach a bright (Mei) future.

시각적 연상

Imagine a dark forest (primitive state) and then a bright, glowing city appearing in the middle. The city is the 'Bunmei' – the bright light of human writing and progress.

Word Web

History Technology Cities Laws Egypt Modernity Progress Infrastructure

챌린지

Try to find three things in your room that are '文明の利器' (tools of civilization) and say their names in Japanese followed by 'は文明の利器です'.

어원

The term '文明' originates from classical Chinese texts, particularly the 'I Ching' (Book of Changes). It was used to describe a state of enlightenment where 'patterns' (文 - bun) were 'clear' (明 - mei).

원래 의미: Enlightened or clear patterns/culture.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'bunmei' to describe smaller, indigenous cultures; 'bunka' (culture) is usually more respectful and accurate.

In English, 'civilization' can sometimes have a colonialist undertone (civilized vs. uncivilized). In Japanese, while 'bunmeika' (civilizing) was used similarly in the past, 'bunmei' today is more focused on technological and historical scale.

Fukuzawa Yukichi's 'An Outline of a Theory of Civilization' (文明論之概略). The 'Civilization' video game series (popular in Japan). The phrase 'Bunmei Kaika' used in many period dramas (Taiga drama).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

History Class

古代文明 (Ancient civilization)
文明が栄える (Civilization flourishes)
文明の起源 (Origin of civilization)
四大文明 (Four great civilizations)

Technology Discussions

文明の利器 (Tools of civilization)
技術文明 (Technological civilization)
文明の進歩 (Progress of civilization)
デジタル文明 (Digital civilization)

Environmental Issues

現代文明の弊害 (Evils of modern civilization)
持続可能な文明 (Sustainable civilization)
文明の崩壊 (Collapse of civilization)
自然と文明 (Nature and civilization)

Travel and Exploration

文明から離れる (Go away from civilization)
失われた文明 (Lost civilization)
文明の地 (Civilized land)
文明の果て (Edge of civilization)

Science Fiction

宇宙文明 (Space civilization)
高度な文明 (Advanced civilization)
文明の再建 (Rebuilding civilization)
異星文明 (Alien civilization)

대화 시작하기

"どの古代文明が一番面白いと思いますか？ (Which ancient civilization do you think is the most interesting?)"

"文明の利器の中で、一番大切なものは何ですか？ (Among the tools of civilization, what is the most important one?)"

"現代文明は100年後も続いていると思いますか？ (Do you think modern civilization will still be around in 100 years?)"

"文明から離れて暮らしてみたいと思ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever thought about wanting to live away from civilization?)"

"AIは人類の文明をどう変えると思いますか？ (How do you think AI will change human civilization?)"

일기 주제

もし文明が崩壊したら、あなたはどうやって生き残りますか？ (If civilization collapsed, how would you survive?)

あなたにとっての『文明の利器』を3つ挙げ、その理由を書きなさい。 (List three 'tools of civilization' for you and write the reasons why.)

古代文明の遺跡を訪れた時のことを想像して書きなさい。 (Imagine and write about a time you visited the ruins of an ancient civilization.)

『文化』と『文明』の違いについて、自分の考えをまとめなさい。 (Summarize your thoughts on the difference between 'culture' and 'civilization'.)

1000年後の人類の文明はどのような姿をしていると思いますか？ (What do you think human civilization will look like 1000 years from now?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, while it's very common in history, it's also used to describe modern technological society. For example, '現代文明' refers to our world today.

You can use '文明人' (bunmeijin) to mean a 'civilized person,' but it's a bit formal and sometimes sounds slightly elitist.

Think of '文明' as the hardware (tech, buildings, laws) and '文化' as the software (art, traditions, values) of a society.

Yes, it's very common! It's used to refer to any modern convenience that makes life easier, like a smartphone or a vacuum cleaner.

You say '失われた文明' (ushinawareta bunmei) or '古代文明' (kodai bunmei) if it's ancient.

Yes, '日本の文明' is correct, but usually people say '日本の文化' unless they are talking about Japan's historical or technical development.

They are the '世界四大文明' (Sekai Yon-dai Bunmei): Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, and Yellow River.

The kanji are N3 level. '文' is easy, but '明' requires careful stroke order. Practice is recommended.

No, it's a noun. To say 'to civilize,' you must say '文明化する' (bunmeika suru).

It comes from ancient Chinese philosophy, meaning 'enlightened patterns,' and was popularized in Japan during the Meiji era.

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