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A2 noun #3,500 most common 11 min read

禁煙

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 禁煙 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 禁煙 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize '禁煙' primarily as a visual sign. It is one of the most important 'survival kanji' you will encounter in Japan. You will see it on doors of taxis, on restaurant windows, and in hotel lobbies. At this stage, you don't need to know complex grammar; just knowing that '禁煙 = No Smoking' is enough. You might also hear it in very simple sentences like 'Koko wa kin'en desu' (This place is non-smoking). It is important to distinguish the kanji 禁 (prohibit) from other signs. If you see a cigarette with a red line through it and these characters, you know the rule. This level focuses on immediate environment awareness and basic survival needs, such as asking for a non-smoking seat using 'Kin'en-seki' (Non-smoking seat).

At the A2 level, you begin to use '禁煙' in basic social interactions. You can express your preference for a non-smoking environment when booking a hotel or entering a cafe. You should be able to understand simple announcements on trains that use the word. You also start to use 'kin'en suru' as a verb to talk about your own habits or the habits of people you know. For example, 'Chichi wa kin'en shimashita' (My father quit smoking). You are moving from just recognizing a sign to using the word to communicate your needs and share simple facts about health or lifestyle. You should also be aware of the opposite word, 'kitsuen' (smoking), so you can choose the correct option in a dialogue.

At the B1 level, you can handle more complex situations involving '禁煙.' You can describe the reasons why you or someone else decided to quit smoking, using connectors like 'kara' (because) or 'noni' (although). You can understand more detailed explanations from a doctor or a public official about where smoking is prohibited. You should be familiar with compound words like 'kin'en-chū' (currently quitting) and 'kin'en-gairai' (smoking cessation clinic). At this stage, you can participate in a conversation about health trends in Japan and express an opinion on whether smoking should be banned in all public places. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the nuances of the word beyond just a simple 'no' sign.

At the B2 level, you can understand the societal and legal implications of '禁煙.' You can read news articles about the Health Promotion Act (Kōkō Zōshin Hō) and how it has expanded 'kin'en' zones across the country. You understand the formal register used in corporate policies and government announcements. You can debate the pros and cons of strict smoking bans on local businesses versus public health benefits. You are also expected to understand idiomatic or metaphorical uses of the word in literature or media. Your use of the word is precise, and you can distinguish between different levels of prohibition, such as 'kin'en' versus 'kitsuen-kinshi' (legal prohibition).

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the cultural evolution of '禁煙' in Japanese society. You can analyze how the meaning of the word has shifted from a mere suggestion to a strict social norm. You can discuss the psychological aspects of 'kin'en,' such as nicotine withdrawal and the social pressure to quit. You are comfortable using the word in professional settings, such as discussing workplace wellness programs or legal compliance for a new building. You can appreciate the word's use in creative writing to symbolize a character's growth or a change in the atmosphere of a setting. Your command of the word includes all its technical, medical, and legal collocations.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '禁煙' and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can engage in high-level academic or philosophical discussions about the 'smoke-free' era and its impact on Japanese social identity. You can interpret subtle nuances in how the word is used in political rhetoric or sophisticated advertising. You are aware of the historical etymology of the kanji and can discuss how the concept of 'prohibition' (禁) has been applied to various substances throughout Japanese history. You can switch effortlessly between the casual 'tabako o yameru' and the highly formal 'kin'en' depending on the audience, and you can even critique the effectiveness of different 'kin'en' campaigns using specialized vocabulary.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

禁煙 in 30 Seconds

Kin'en means 'No Smoking' or 'Quitting Smoking.' It is a formal term used everywhere in Japan.
It is a compound of 'Kin' (Prohibit) and 'En' (Smoke). Look for the kanji on signs.
Use it as a noun (Kin'en-seki) or a verb (Kin'en suru). It is essential for restaurants.
Since 2020, most indoor areas in Japan are strictly kin'en, making this word very common.

The Japanese word 禁煙 (kin'en) is a compound noun formed by two kanji characters: 禁 (kin), meaning 'prohibition' or 'ban,' and 煙 (en), meaning 'smoke.' Together, they literally translate to 'smoke prohibition.' In daily life, this word functions in two primary capacities. First, it serves as a public notice or regulation indicating that smoking is strictly forbidden in a specific area, such as a building, park, or restaurant. Second, it refers to the personal act of quitting smoking or abstaining from tobacco use. For English speakers, it is important to distinguish between these two uses because, in English, we might use 'No Smoking' for the sign and 'Quitting' for the habit, whereas Japanese uses kin'en for both.

Environmental Context: When you see this word on a sticker or sign in a public space, it is a directive. It informs you that lighting a cigarette is a violation of the rules of that establishment.

このレストランは全席禁煙です。(This restaurant is entirely non-smoking.)

Historically, Japan was known for having very lenient smoking laws, with smoking allowed in many indoor spaces, including trains and offices. However, following the Health Promotion Act and the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the prevalence of kin'en zones increased dramatically. Today, almost all public transportation, hospitals, schools, and large restaurants are strictly kin'en. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating modern Japanese society without causing offense or breaking the law.

Personal Habit Context: When used with the verb suru (to do), as in kin'en suru, it translates to 'to quit smoking.' This reflects a proactive choice to stop the habit for health or financial reasons.

健康のために、今日から禁煙を始めます。(For my health, I will start quitting smoking today.)

The word is very formal. While you might hear people say 'tabako o yameru' (stopping cigarettes) in casual conversation, kin'en is the standard term used in medical settings, official documents, and polite conversation. If a doctor advises you to quit, they will invariably use the term kin'en. It carries a sense of discipline and adherence to a rule or a health regimen.

Visual Identification: The kanji 禁 (kin) is often seen on other signs like 進入禁止 (Shin'nyu kinshi - No Entry). Recognizing the 'kin' radical will help you identify prohibited actions quickly.

歩行中禁煙にご協力ください。(Please cooperate with the no-smoking rule while walking.)

駅の構内はすべて禁煙となっております。(The entire station premises are non-smoking.)

In summary, kin'en is a vital word for both your survival in public spaces and your ability to discuss lifestyle changes. Whether you are looking for a seat in a cafe or explaining your new year's resolution, this word bridges the gap between public policy and personal health. Its structure is logical, and its application is universal across Japan.

Using 禁煙 (kin'en) correctly depends on whether you are using it as a noun to describe a state or as a verb to describe an action. As a noun, it often appears before other nouns to modify them, or at the end of a sentence followed by the copula desu. For example, kin'en-seki means 'non-smoking seat.' Here, kin'en acts as a prefix defining the nature of the seat. Understanding this compounding nature is key for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural.

As a Predicate Noun: To say a place is non-smoking, use the pattern: [Place] wa kin'en desu. This is the most common way to state a rule.

このロビーは禁煙です。(This lobby is non-smoking.)

When you want to describe the act of quitting, you turn the noun into a Suru-verb: kin'en suru. This is functionally equivalent to 'to stop smoking.' You can use different tenses to indicate your progress. Kin'en shite imasu means 'I am currently quitting' or 'I am in the process of being a non-smoker.' This state-of-being usage is common when someone offers you a cigarette and you want to explain that you've given them up.

Verbal Usage: [Person] wa kin'en shite imasu. This indicates a continuous state of abstaining from smoking.

父は去年から禁煙しています。(My father has been quitting smoking since last year.)

Another important grammatical construction involves the particle chū (中), meaning 'in the middle of.' Kin'en-chū means 'currently quitting' or 'in the process of quitting.' This is often used as a self-introduction or a reason for being irritable (as a joke or excuse for withdrawal symptoms). In a more formal sense, it can also appear on signs to mean 'smoking is currently prohibited here' during specific hours.

Compound Phrases: Kin'en-shūkan (No-smoking week), Kin'en-gairai (Smoking cessation clinic), Kin'en-sha (Non-smoker).

私は今、禁煙中です。(I am currently quitting smoking.)

この車両は終日禁煙です。(This train car is non-smoking all day.)

Finally, when requesting a non-smoking environment, you can use the phrase kin'en de onegaishimasu. This is the standard, polite way to ask for a non-smoking room at a hotel or a table at a cafe. It is versatile and respectful, showing that you understand the rules while expressing your preference clearly. Mastery of these patterns ensures that you can handle almost any smoke-related situation in Japan with confidence.

The auditory landscape of Japan is filled with the word 禁煙 (kin'en). If you travel by train, particularly the Shinkansen (bullet train), you will hear regular announcements over the loudspeaker. The voice will calmly state that all cars are non-smoking, often adding 'including electronic cigarettes.' This is a key phrase to recognize, as it prevents you from making a costly mistake. The announcement usually goes: 'Zenseki kin'en to natte orimasu,' which uses the very formal keigo (honorific Japanese) to state the policy.

Public Transportation: Train stations and bus terminals frequently broadcast 'kin'en' reminders to maintain air quality and safety for all passengers.

車内での喫煙はご遠慮ください。全車禁煙です。(Please refrain from smoking inside the car. All cars are non-smoking.)

In the hospitality industry, kin'en is one of the first words you will encounter. Upon entering a restaurant that isn't completely non-smoking, the host will ask 'Kin'en-seki to kitsuen-seki, dochira ga yoroshii desu ka?' (Would you like a non-smoking or smoking seat?). Here, kin'en is contrasted with kitsuen (smoking). Even if you are not a smoker, knowing the sound of kin'en allows you to quickly reply 'Kin'en de' (Non-smoking, please), ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Dining Out: Hostesses and waiters use 'kin'en' as a standard part of their seating script in mixed-use establishments.

ただいまの時間、こちらのテラス席は禁煙となっております。(At this time, these terrace seats are non-smoking.)

In a medical or workplace context, you might hear colleagues or friends talking about their health. A common phrase is 'Kin'en ni shippai shita' (I failed at quitting smoking) or 'Kin'en-shīru o tsukatte iru' (I am using nicotine patches/smoking cessation stickers). In these personal conversations, the tone is less of a command and more of a shared struggle or achievement. If someone says 'Kin'en dekiru to ii ne' (It would be good if you could quit), they are offering encouragement.

Health and Wellness: Doctors and health-conscious friends use 'kin'en' when discussing longevity and lifestyle improvements.

医者に禁煙を強く勧められました。(The doctor strongly recommended that I quit smoking.)

この公園は、子供たちのために全面禁煙です。(This park is entirely non-smoking for the sake of the children.)

You will also hear it in news reports concerning the 'Tobacco Tax' (tabako-zei) or new city ordinances. The word is ubiquitous because the transition to a smoke-free society is a major social theme in 21st-century Japan. By listening for the distinctive 'Kin' sound followed by the nasal 'En,' you can stay informed about the rules of your immediate environment at all times.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 禁煙 (kin'en) is confusing it with its opposite, 喫煙 (kitsuen), which means 'smoking.' Because both words end in the same 'en' sound (though the kanji for 'en' is different), and both relate to cigarettes, beginners often mix them up. Imagine the embarrassment of asking for a smoking seat when you meant non-smoking, or vice versa! To avoid this, remember that Kin (禁) means 'Forbidden,' like the word 'Kin-shi.' If you see 'Kin,' it usually means 'Stop' or 'No.'

Phonetic Confusion: Mistaking 'Kin'en' (No Smoking) for 'Kitsuen' (Smoking). Remember: 'Kin' is 'No', 'Kitsu' is 'Consume/Smoke'.

❌ 喫煙席をお願いします。(Asking for a smoking seat when you wanted non-smoking.)

Another common error is using the wrong particle when saying you quit smoking. In English, we say 'quit smoking' (verb + object). In Japanese, kin'en is already a noun that includes the concept of 'smoking.' Therefore, saying 'Tabako o kin'en suru' is redundant (literally 'to do cigarette-no-smoking'). The correct way is simply kin'en suru or tabako o yameru. Using both together sounds unnatural to a native speaker.

Redundancy Errors: Don't say 'Tabako o kin'en suru.' Just use 'Kin'en suru' or 'Tabako o yameru' (I quit cigarettes).

❌ タバコを禁煙します。(Redundant: I will cigarette-no-smoking.)

Learners also struggle with the difference between kin'en and no-sumōkingu. While 'no smoking' is understood in Katakana, kin'en is the official and much more common term. Using the English loanword might make you sound like a tourist, whereas using kin'en shows a better grasp of the language. Furthermore, kin'en applies to the act of quitting, whereas no-sumōkingu only refers to the rule in a specific place.

Register and Nuance: Using Katakana English instead of 'Kin'en' can lead to a loss of nuance, especially in formal or medical contexts.

✅ 今日から禁煙することにしました。(I decided to quit smoking starting today.)

❌ ここは禁えです。(Incorrect pronunciation/spelling.)

Finally, some students confuse kin'en with kinshu (abstaining from alcohol). While they follow the same pattern (Kin + thing being prohibited), mixing them up can lead to confusing social situations. If you are at a bar and say you are kin'en-chū, people will think you just don't want a cigarette, not that you are avoiding the drinks! Always double-check which 'Kin' compound you are using to match your intended meaning.

While 禁煙 (kin'en) is the most standard term, several other words and phrases cover similar ground. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different levels of formality and specific situations. The most common casual alternative is tabako o yameru. This is the phrase you would use with close friends or family. It feels less like an 'official policy' and more like a personal lifestyle choice. In Japanese, yameru (to stop/quit) is very versatile, but kin'en sounds more determined and disciplined.

Kin'en vs. Tabako o Yameru: 'Kin'en' is a formal noun/verb for quitting or prohibition. 'Tabako o yameru' is a casual phrase for stopping the habit.

彼は健康のためにタバコをやめた。(He quit smoking for his health - Casual.)

Another related term is no-sumōkingu (ノースモーキング). As mentioned before, this is a loanword from English. You will see this primarily in modern, 'hip' cafes or on signs designed for tourists. It doesn't carry the same weight as the kanji-based kin'en. If you are in a traditional Japanese setting, like a ryokan (inn) or a temple, you will almost never see the Katakana version; you will only see kin'en.

Kin'en vs. No-sumōkingu: 'Kin'en' is the native, formal standard. 'No-sumōkingu' is a Westernized, informal loanword.

外に喫煙所があります。(There is a smoking area outside.)

In very formal or legal documents, you might encounter kitsuen-kinshi (喫煙禁止). This literally means 'smoking prohibited.' While kin'en is used for general 'no smoking' signs, kitsuen-kinshi is used when the ban is a strict legal order or a fire safety regulation. You might see this in factories or near hazardous materials. It is a 'harder' prohibition than the 'softer' kin'en, which is often framed as a request for cooperation.

Kin'en vs. Kitsuen-kinshi: 'Kin'en' is common for general areas. 'Kitsuen-kinshi' is a strict, often legal or safety-related, prohibition.

火気厳禁、喫煙禁止。(Flammables strictly prohibited; smoking forbidden.)

歩きタバコは禁止されています。(Smoking while walking is prohibited.)

Lastly, for those who use electronic cigarettes or 'heat-not-burn' devices like IQOS, the term denshi-tabako kin'en is becoming common. Even if a place allows traditional cigarettes (rare now), they might have specific rules for electronic ones, or vice versa. Usually, kin'en covers all forms of smoking, but the distinction is occasionally made in modern offices or tech-friendly spaces.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'En' (煙) has the 'Fire' radical (火) on the left, which visually represents the burning required to create smoke. The 'Kin' (禁) kanji has the 'Forest/Trees' radical (林) at the top, which historically related to sacred groves where entry was prohibited.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kʲiɴ.eɴ

US kɪn.ɛn

Flat (Heiban) - The pitch remains relatively level across the word, though it may start low and rise slightly.

Rhymes With

記念 (Kinen - Anniversary) 祈念 (Kinen - Prayer) 気炎 (Kien - High Spirits) 機縁 (Kien - Opportunity) 金円 (Kin-en - Gold/Money) 近縁 (Kin-en - Close Relation) 新円 (Shin-en - New Yen) 深淵 (Shin-en - Abyss)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Kinen' (Anniversary/Memory) by omitting the 'n' after 'ki'.
Pronouncing it as 'Kinyen' (adding a 'y' sound between the syllables).
Making the first 'n' too long like 'Kinn-en'.
Confusing the pitch with 'Kinen' which has a different accent pattern.
Dropping the final 'n' so it sounds like 'Kin-e'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are common but the 'En' character is slightly complex for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing the kanji 煙 correctly requires attention to the fire radical and the top-right components.

Speaking 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once the 'n' sounds are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Must be careful not to confuse it with 'Kitsuen' or 'Kinen'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

タバコ (Cigarette) 吸う (To smoke) 禁止 (Prohibition) 席 (Seat) 場所 (Place)

Learn Next

喫煙 (Smoking) 健康 (Health) 成功 (Success) 失敗 (Failure) 協力 (Cooperation)

Advanced

受動喫煙 (Second-hand smoke) 禁断症状 (Withdrawal symptoms) ニコチン依存症 (Nicotine addiction) 路上喫煙禁止条例 (Street smoking ban ordinance) 分煙 (Separation of smoking areas)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

禁煙する (To quit smoking)

Noun + no + Noun

禁煙の部屋 (Non-smoking room)

Te-form + kara

禁煙してから (Since quitting smoking)

Chū (During/Middle)

禁煙中 (Currently quitting)

Ni naru (Become)

禁煙になる (To become non-smoking)

Examples by Level

ここは禁煙です。

This place is no smoking.

Simple noun + copula 'desu'.

禁煙席はありますか？

Are there non-smoking seats?

Kin'en-seki (non-smoking seat) as a compound noun.

この部屋は禁煙です。

This room is non-smoking.

Topic marker 'wa' used with 'kin'en'.

禁煙をお願いします。

No smoking, please.

Requesting an action using 'o onegaishimasu'.

タクシーは禁煙です。

Taxis are non-smoking.

General statement about a category.

あ、禁煙ですね。

Ah, it's non-smoking, right?

Particle 'ne' used for confirmation.

禁煙マークを見ました。

I saw the no-smoking mark.

Kin'en used as a modifier for 'māku' (mark/sign).

ここは禁煙エリアです。

This is a non-smoking area.

Kin'en modifying 'eria' (area).

明日から禁煙します。

I will quit smoking from tomorrow.

Kin'en used as a suru-verb for future intent.

禁煙席でお願いします。

Non-smoking seats, please.

Standard phrase for choosing seating.

父は禁煙に成功しました。

My father succeeded in quitting smoking.

Kin'en used with the particle 'ni' and 'seikō suru' (to succeed).

禁煙のホテルを探しています。

I am looking for a non-smoking hotel.

Kin'en + 'no' + noun to describe a facility.

ここは禁煙ですか、喫煙ですか？

Is this non-smoking or smoking?

Contrasting kin'en with kitsuen.

禁煙を始めたばかりです。

I have just started quitting smoking.

Using 'bakari' to indicate a recent action.

この病院は全面禁煙です。

This hospital is entirely non-smoking.

Zemmen (entirely) + kin'en.

禁煙するのは難しいです。

Quitting smoking is difficult.

Nominalizing the verb phrase with 'no wa'.

禁煙してから、ご飯が美味しくなりました。

Since I quit smoking, food has become delicious.

Kin'en shite kara (since doing...).

健康のために禁煙を勧められました。

I was advised to quit smoking for my health.

Passive form 'susumerareta' (was recommended).

禁煙中なので、イライラしています。

I'm currently quitting smoking, so I'm irritable.

Kin'en-chū (currently in the middle of quitting).

このレストランは夜だけ禁煙になります。

This restaurant becomes non-smoking only at night.

Ni naru (to become).

禁煙を続けるのは大変ですが、頑張ります。

Continuing to quit smoking is hard, but I'll do my best.

Kin'en o tsuzukeru (to continue quitting).

駅のホームはすべて禁煙になりました。

All station platforms have become non-smoking.

Subete (all) emphasizing the scope.

禁煙外来に行ってみようと思います。

I think I will try going to a smoking cessation clinic.

Kin'en-gairai (specialized clinic).

彼女は禁煙パイポを使っています。

She is using a smoking cessation pipe (nicotine-free).

Kin'en-paipo is a specific Japanese product.

東京都では、路上での禁煙が義務付けられています。

In Tokyo, non-smoking on the streets is mandatory.

Gimu-zukerarete iru (is made mandatory).

禁煙による経済的メリットは非常に大きいです。

The economic benefits of quitting smoking are very large.

Niyoru (due to/by means of).

多くの企業が、勤務時間中の禁煙を導入しています。

Many companies are introducing no-smoking rules during work hours.

Dōnyū suru (to introduce/implement).

禁煙ポスターのデザインを公募しています。

They are publicly inviting designs for no-smoking posters.

Kōbo suru (to invite public applications).

禁煙が進む一方で、喫煙者の居場所がなくなっています。

While non-smoking is progressing, smokers are losing their places.

Ippō de (on the other hand).

受動喫煙を防ぐために、全面禁煙が望ましいです。

To prevent second-hand smoke, total non-smoking is desirable.

Judō-kitsuen (second-hand smoke).

彼は禁煙の禁断症状に苦しんでいるようです。

It seems he is suffering from smoking withdrawal symptoms.

Kindan-shōjō (withdrawal symptoms).

この法律により、学校内はすべて禁煙となりました。

By this law, all school grounds became non-smoking.

Niyori (due to/by).

禁煙キャンペーンの成功は、国民の意識改革にかかっています。

The success of the no-smoking campaign depends on a change in public awareness.

Ishiki-kaikaku (consciousness reform).

禁煙を社会的な義務と捉える風潮が強まっています。

There is a growing trend to view quitting smoking as a social obligation.

To toraeru (to perceive as).

禁煙補助薬の副作用について、医師に詳しく尋ねた。

I asked the doctor in detail about the side effects of smoking cessation aids.

Kin'en-hojoyaku (cessation aids).

禁煙を推奨する科学的根拠は枚挙にいとまがありません。

There are too many scientific grounds for recommending quitting smoking to count.

Maikyo ni itoma ga arimasen (too numerous to mention).

彼は禁煙の決意を新たにし、周囲にも宣言した。

He renewed his resolve to quit smoking and declared it to those around him.

Ketsui o arata ni suru (to renew one's resolve).

禁煙区域での喫煙は、過料の対象となる場合があります。

Smoking in non-smoking zones may be subject to an administrative fine.

Karyō (administrative fine).

禁煙文化の定着により、街の景観が清潔に保たれている。

With the establishment of a non-smoking culture, the city scenery is kept clean.

Teichaku (becoming established).

禁煙を強いるのではなく、自発的な行動を促すことが重要だ。

It is important to encourage voluntary action rather than forcing non-smoking.

Shiiru (to force) vs. unagasu (to encourage).

禁煙というパラダイムシフトが、公共空間の在り方を根本から変えた。

The paradigm shift of non-smoking has fundamentally changed the nature of public spaces.

Paradimu-shifuto (paradigm shift).

文学作品における煙草は、かつては虚無感の象徴だったが、今は禁煙の対象に過ぎない。

Cigarettes in literature once symbolized nihilism, but now they are merely objects of prohibition.

Kyomukan (nihilism).

禁煙政策の是非を巡る議論は、個人の自由と公共の福祉の対立を浮き彫りにした。

The debate over the merits of no-smoking policies highlighted the conflict between personal freedom and public welfare.

Ukibori ni suru (to highlight/bring into relief).

禁煙を美徳とする現代社会において、喫煙は一種の逸脱行為と見なされがちである。

In modern society where non-smoking is a virtue, smoking tends to be viewed as a type of deviant behavior.

Itsudatsu-kōi (deviant act).

禁煙がもたらす清浄な空気は、都市生活の質を向上させる不可欠な要素である。

The clean air brought about by non-smoking is an essential element in improving the quality of urban life.

Seijōna (clean/pure).

禁煙の徹底は、グローバルな健康基準に準拠するための必然的なステップであった。

The thorough implementation of no-smoking was an inevitable step toward complying with global health standards.

Junkyo (compliance/conformity).

禁煙を巡る言説の変遷を辿ることで、戦後日本社会の変容を読み解くことができる。

By tracing the transition of discourse surrounding non-smoking, one can decipher the transformation of post-war Japanese society.

Gensetsu (discourse).

禁煙という行為が、単なる習慣の打破を超えて、自己規律の象徴へと昇華された。

The act of quitting smoking has been sublimated into a symbol of self-discipline, transcending the mere breaking of a habit.

Shōka (sublimation).

Common Collocations

禁煙席

禁煙中

全面禁煙

禁煙外来

禁煙週間

禁煙車

禁煙ルーム

禁煙補助薬

禁煙パイポ

路上禁煙

Common Phrases

禁煙にご協力ください

— Please cooperate with the no-smoking rule. A standard polite request.

館内禁煙にご協力ください。

禁煙の誓い

— A vow to quit smoking. Often used for New Year's resolutions.

禁煙の誓いを立てた。

終日禁煙

— No smoking all day long. Some places allow smoking only at certain times.

このカフェは終日禁煙です。

歩行中禁煙

— No smoking while walking. Common on city street signs.

歩行中禁煙を守りましょう。

禁煙を破る

— To break one's resolve and smoke after trying to quit.

ついに禁煙を破ってしまった。

全席禁煙

— All seats are non-smoking. Very common in modern Japanese restaurants.

当店は全席禁煙となっております。

禁煙エリア

— A designated non-smoking area in a larger space.

ここから先は禁煙エリアです。

禁煙サイン

— A no-smoking sign or signal.

禁煙サインが点灯した。

禁煙に失敗する

— To fail at quitting smoking.

何度も禁煙に失敗している。

禁煙のメリット

— The benefits of quitting smoking.

禁煙のメリットを説明する。

Often Confused With

禁煙 vs 記念 (Kinen)

Means 'Anniversary' or 'Commemoration.' It sounds very similar but lacks the nasal 'n' between 'ki' and 'en'.

禁煙 vs 禁酒 (Kinshu)

Means 'abstaining from alcohol.' Follows the same 'Kin-' pattern but for a different substance.

禁煙 vs 喫煙 (Kitsuen)

The direct opposite: 'Smoking.' Beginners often mix these up because they both relate to tobacco.

Idioms & Expressions

"禁煙は世界で一番簡単だ。私は何千回もやった。"

— A Japanese translation of the Mark Twain quote about the difficulty of staying quit.

彼はその冗談を言ってまた煙草を吸った。

Humorous

"禁煙三日坊主"

— Quitting smoking for only three days (giving up quickly).

また禁煙三日坊主だったね。

Informal

"煙草を置く"

— To put down the cigarette (figuratively meaning to quit).

彼はついに煙草を置いた。

Literary

"禁煙の壁"

— The 'wall' or hurdle one faces when trying to quit smoking.

一週間目の禁煙の壁を越えた。

Neutral

"煙のない社会"

— A smoke-free society (often related to 'kin'en' goals).

禁煙を推進し、煙のない社会を作る。

Formal

"禁煙の鬼"

— Someone who is extremely strict about staying quit or enforcing rules.

彼は禁煙の鬼として知られている。

Colloquial

"一本の誘惑"

— The temptation of 'just one cigarette' while quitting.

禁煙中、一本の誘惑に負けた。

Neutral

"禁煙の道は遠い"

— The road to successfully quitting smoking is long and difficult.

まだまだ禁煙の道は遠いようだ。

Neutral

"禁煙セラピー"

— Smoking cessation therapy (often referring to the famous book/method).

禁煙セラピーを読んで成功した。

Neutral

"禁煙のすすめ"

— A recommendation to quit smoking (often a title of an article).

医者から禁煙のすすめを受けた。

Formal

Easily Confused

禁煙 vs 喫煙

Phonetically similar ending and same context.

Kin'en is NO smoking; Kitsuen is SMOKING. 'Kin' is the 'No' part.

喫煙所 (Smoking area) vs 禁煙席 (Non-smoking seat).

禁煙 vs 記念

Very similar pronunciation.

Kin-en (2 syllables for the first part) vs Ki-nen (1 syllable for the first part).

結婚記念日 (Wedding anniversary) vs 禁煙日 (No-smoking day).

禁煙 vs 禁止

Both start with 'Kin'.

Kinshi is a general 'Prohibition'; Kin'en is specific to smoking.

立入禁止 (No Entry) vs 禁煙 (No Smoking).

禁煙 vs 気炎

Pronounced 'Kien'.

Kin'en has an extra 'n' sound. Kien means high spirits or big talk.

気炎を吐く (To speak boastfully).

禁煙 vs 近縁

Pronounced 'Kin'en'.

Same pronunciation, different kanji and meaning (close biological relation).

近縁種 (Closely related species).

Sentence Patterns

ここは[Place]禁煙です。

ここは禁煙です。

[Noun]は禁煙ですか？

このカフェは禁煙ですか？

[Time]から禁煙します。

明日から禁煙します。

[Reason]ので禁煙しています。

健康のため、禁煙しています。

[Place]は全面禁煙になりました。

駅は全面禁煙になりました。

[Noun]により禁煙が義務付けられた。

条例により禁煙が義務付けられた。

禁煙を[Verb-Passive]。

禁煙を強く推奨されています。

禁煙という[Concept]が[Result]。

禁煙というパラダイムが浸透した。

Word Family

Nouns

禁煙 (Kin'en - No smoking)

喫煙 (Kitsuen - Smoking)

禁煙席 (Kin'en-seki - Non-smoking seat)

禁煙車 (Kin'en-sha - Non-smoking car)

Verbs

禁煙する (Kin'en suru - To quit smoking)

煙草を吸う (Tabako o suu - To smoke cigarettes)

煙草をやめる (Tabako o yameru - To quit cigarettes)

Adjectives

禁煙の (Kin'en no - Non-smoking [modifier])

禁止 (Kinshi - Prohibition)

煙 (Kemuri - Smoke)

健康 (Kenkō - Health)

習慣 (Shūkan - Habit)

ニコチン (Nikochin - Nicotine)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, signage, and health contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Tabako o kin'en suru'. → Kin'en suru.
Kin'en already includes the concept of tobacco/smoking. Adding 'tabako o' is redundant.
Confusing 'Kin'en' with 'Kinen'. → Kin'en (禁煙).
'Kinen' means anniversary. Omitting the middle 'n' sound completely changes the meaning.
Confusing 'Kin'en' with 'Kitsuen'. → Kin'en (No Smoking).
Kitsuen is the opposite (Smoking). This is a high-stakes mistake in restaurants!
Saying 'Kin'en-shitsu' for a person who doesn't smoke. → Hi-kitsuen-sha.
Kin'en-shitsu is a non-smoking ROOM. A non-smoking PERSON is a 'hi-kitsuen-sha' or 'kin'en-sha'.
Writing the fire radical (火) on the right side of 煙. → Writing it on the left.
In 煙, the fire radical is the 'hen' (left-side element).

Tips

Using 'Kin'en' as a Modifier

When you want to describe a noun as 'non-smoking,' use the particle 'no.' For example, 'Kin'en no mise' (a non-smoking shop).

Look for the Red Circle

In Japan, 'Kin'en' signs are often accompanied by a red circle with a slash over a cigarette. This is universal.

Master the Moraic Nasal

The 'n' in 'Kin' and the 'n' in 'en' are both important. Make sure you don't skip the middle 'n' sound.

Polite Refusal

If offered a cigarette, you can say 'Kin'en-chū nan desu' (I'm currently quitting) as a polite and respected reason to decline.

Medical Context

Doctors in Japan use 'Kin'en' exclusively. If you see this on a medical form, it's asking if you smoke or have quit.

Shinkansen Rules

On most Shinkansen trains, smoking is only allowed in tiny, ventilated 'smoking rooms.' The rest of the train is 'Kin'en'.

Compound Power

Learn 'Kin'en-seki' (seat) and 'Kin'en-shitsu' (room) first, as these are the most useful for travelers.

Kanji Components

The kanji for 'En' (煙) contains 'Fire' (火) and 'Western' (西) and 'Earth' (土). It's a complex character, so practice it often.

The Meaning of 'Kin'

The character 禁 is used in 'Kin-shi' (Prohibited). Any time you see this, pay attention—it's a rule!

Contrast and Learn

Always learn 'Kin'en' alongside 'Kitsuen.' Knowing both makes you much more confident in restaurants.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kin' as 'King' and 'En' as 'End.' The King wants to End all smoking in his castle. King-End = Kin-en.

Visual Association

Visualize a 'No Smoking' sign. The red circle with a slash is the 'Kin' (Prohibition), and the cigarette smoke is the 'En.'

Word Web

禁煙 (Kin'en) 禁煙席 (Seat) 禁煙車 (Car) 禁煙中 (Currently) 禁煙外来 (Clinic) 禁煙補助薬 (Medicine) 禁煙失敗 (Failure) 禁煙成功 (Success)

Challenge

Try to find three '禁煙' signs in a Japanese street view or photo. Say 'Koko wa kin'en desu' out loud each time you find one.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two Sino-Japanese (Kango) characters. 'Kin' (禁) originates from ancient Chinese meanings related to sacred prohibitions or things that are 'taboo.' 'En' (煙) refers to smoke, specifically the smoke from fire or tobacco.

Original meaning: Prohibiting the act of producing smoke through the burning of substances.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese compound).

Cultural Context

While smoking is becoming less common, it is still a significant part of some subcultures in Japan. Be polite when pointing out 'kin'en' signs to others.

In English, 'No Smoking' is a command, whereas 'Kin'en' can be both a command and a personal status. English speakers should be careful not to just say 'No Smoking' when they mean 'I quit.'

The 'Kin'en Paipo' commercials in the 1980s are legendary in Japan ('Watashi wa kore de tabako o yamemashita'). World No Tobacco Day (May 31st) is celebrated in Japan as 'Sekai Kin'en Day'. The manga/anime 'Nana' features characters struggling with smoking and quitting.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

禁煙席をお願いします。
ここは禁煙ですか？
全席禁煙です。
喫煙所はどこですか？

At a Hotel

禁煙ルームを予約しました。
この部屋は禁煙ですか？
禁煙の部屋に変えてください。
ベランダも禁煙ですか？

Public Transport

この車両は禁煙です。
駅のホームは禁煙です。
車内禁煙にご協力ください。
電子タバコも禁煙です。

Medical Check-up

禁煙したほうがいいですよ。
禁煙外来を紹介します。
禁煙してから調子がいいです。
禁煙補助薬を使いますか？

Street Walking

ここは路上禁煙地区です。
禁煙のサインがあります。
タバコは喫煙所で吸ってください。
歩きタバコは禁止です。

Conversation Starters

"最近、禁煙している人は多いですね。 (Many people are quitting smoking lately, aren't they?)"

"禁煙席と喫煙席、どちらがいいですか？ (Which do you prefer, a non-smoking or smoking seat?)"

"いつから禁煙を始めたんですか？ (When did you start quitting smoking?)"

"日本のレストランは最近、ほとんど禁煙になりましたね。 (Almost all Japanese restaurants have become non-smoking recently, haven't they?)"

"禁煙に成功するための秘訣は何ですか？ (What is the secret to successfully quitting smoking?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、街で見つけた禁煙のサインについて書いてください。 (Write about the no-smoking signs you found in town today.)

もしあなたがタバコを吸うなら、禁煙したいと思いますか？吸わないなら、禁煙の場所が増えることについてどう思いますか？ (If you smoke, do you want to quit? If not, what do you think about the increase in no-smoking areas?)

自分の健康のために、禁煙以外に何をしていますか？ (Besides quitting smoking, what are you doing for your health?)

禁煙席がなくて困った経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had trouble because there were no non-smoking seats?)

将来、タバコが完全に禁止される社会になると思いますか？ (Do you think society will completely prohibit cigarettes in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in modern Japan, the term 'Kin'en' almost always includes e-cigarettes and 'heat-not-burn' devices like IQOS. If a sign says 'Kin'en,' you should assume all forms of smoking are prohibited unless stated otherwise.

You can say 'Kin'en-shitsu o onegaishimasu' or 'Kin'en no heya wa arimasu ka?' This is very common and staff will understand immediately.

Kin'en is the general term for 'No Smoking.' Kitsuen-kinshi is more formal and often implies a legal or safety-related ban, like 'Smoking Forbidden' in a factory.

It depends on the relationship. Using 'Kin'en shita hō ga ii desu yo' is a polite way to suggest it for health reasons, but 'Kin'en shiro!' is a very rude command.

Yes, almost all taxis in Japan's major cities are 'Zemmen Kin'en' (Entirely Non-smoking). You will see a sticker on the window.

It means 'currently in the process of quitting smoking.' People use this to explain why they aren't smoking or why they might be feeling stressed.

Many wards in cities like Tokyo have 'Rōjō-kin'en' (Street No-smoking) rules. You should only smoke in designated 'Kitsuen-jo' (Smoking areas).

It can mean two things: a 'non-smoker' (person) or a 'non-smoking car' (on a train or a rental car).

It is a noun that can be turned into a verb by adding 'suru' (to do). For example, 'Kin'en suru' means 'to quit smoking'.

You can say 'Ichi-nen-kan, kin'en shite imasu.' This shows the continuous state of not smoking.