講和 in 30 Seconds
- Kōwa is the formal process of ending a war through a legal treaty and diplomatic negotiation between nations.
- It differs from 'heiwa' (peace) because it refers to the specific act or agreement that creates peace.
- Commonly used in historical contexts, such as the San Francisco Peace Treaty after World War II.
- It is a formal noun often paired with verbs like 'musubu' (conclude) or 'motomeru' (seek).
The word 講和 (こうわ - kōwa) is a specialized Japanese noun that refers to the formal process of ending a state of war and restoring diplomatic relations between nations. Unlike the more common word for peace, 平和 (heiwa), which describes a general state of tranquility or the absence of conflict, 講和 specifically targets the legal and diplomatic mechanisms required to transition from active hostility to a settled peace. It is most frequently encountered in historical contexts, legal documents, and international news reports discussing the resolution of major conflicts. When you see this word, you should visualize high-ranking diplomats sitting around a large table, signing thick stacks of paper that define new borders, reparations, and future cooperation. It is the bridge between the battlefield and the boardroom.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The first kanji, 講 (kō), relates to lecturing, explaining, or negotiating. The second kanji, 和 (wa), signifies harmony, peace, or the Japanese spirit. Together, they literally mean 'negotiating for harmony.' This highlights that peace is not just something that happens; it is something that is actively discussed and agreed upon.
第二次世界大戦後、日本はサンフランシスコ講和条約に調印した。
In modern usage, 講和 is almost exclusively used in formal or academic settings. You would rarely use it in a casual conversation about a small fight between friends; for that, you would use 仲直り (nakanaori). Using 講和 implies a scale of national or international significance. It is a word that carries the weight of history and the gravity of international law. It is often paired with the verb 結ぶ (musubu), meaning 'to tie' or 'to conclude,' or 会議 (kaigi), meaning 'conference.'
- Historical Context
- The term gained immense prominence in Japanese history during the Meiji era and post-WWII reconstruction. The Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War, is referred to as the ポーツマス講和条約 (Pōtsumasu Kōwa Jōyaku). Understanding this word is essential for anyone studying Japanese history or political science.
両国はついに講和のテーブルについた。
Furthermore, the word is used to describe the internal political consensus required to end a war. If a government is divided between those who want to continue fighting and those who want to seek peace, the pro-peace faction is often called the 講和派 (kōwa-ha). This distinction is crucial in historical narratives about the end of the Pacific War, where the 講和派 struggled against the hardline military factions.
- Nuance in Diplomacy
- While 'peace' is a broad term, 講和 implies a mutual agreement. It suggests that both parties have come to terms, often involving compromises, land transfers, or financial payments. It is the legal seal on the end of a conflict.
彼は講和の条件を提示した。
中立国が講和を仲介した。
その会議の目的は、早期の講和であった。
Using 講和 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It is most commonly used in the construction 講和を結ぶ (kōwa o musubu), which means 'to conclude a peace treaty.' Because it is a highly specific term, it is rarely used as a standalone exclamation or in casual speech. It functions as the subject or object of sentences dealing with international relations, history, and conflict resolution.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. 講和を結ぶ (musubu): To conclude peace. 2. 講和を求める (motomeru): To seek peace. 3. 講和を仲介する (chūkai suru): To mediate peace. 4. 講和に反対する (hantai suru): To oppose peace (negotiations).
戦況が悪化し、政府は講和を模索し始めた。
In a sentence, 講和 acts as a noun that can be modified by adjectives or other nouns to specify the nature of the peace. For example, 単独講和 (tandoku kōwa) refers to a separate peace treaty made by one nation without its allies, while 全面講和 (zenmen kōwa) refers to a comprehensive peace involving all parties. These distinctions were historically significant in the debates following World War II regarding Japan's re-entry into the international community.
- Sentence Structure Examples
- Subject + は + 講和 + を + Verb. (The subject concludes/seeks peace.) 講和 + の + Noun. (Peace treaty, peace conditions, peace conference.)
国民は一日も早い講和を待ち望んでいた。
When writing about 講和, it is important to maintain a formal tone. Because the word itself is academic, the surrounding vocabulary should also be relatively high-level. Avoid using slang or overly casual particles. Instead, use formal conjunctions like および (and) or したがって (therefore) to match the register of the word.
講和条約の草案が作成された。
- Complex Usage
- In legal and political science texts, you might see '講和の成立' (the establishment of peace) or '講和の破棄' (the annulment of a peace agreement). These phrases describe the lifecycle of international agreements.
長年の紛争の末、ようやく講和が成立した。
政府内では、講和か継続かという議論が続いていた。
You are most likely to encounter 講和 in environments that prioritize history, politics, and formal education. It is a staple of Japanese junior high and high school history textbooks, particularly when discussing the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty, which ended the Allied occupation of Japan. This specific historical event is a cornerstone of modern Japanese identity, making 講和 a word that every Japanese adult knows, even if they don't use it in daily life.
- Media and News
- On NHK (Japan's public broadcaster) or in newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun, 講和 is used when reporting on long-standing international conflicts that are moving toward a diplomatic resolution. If a war in the Middle East or Eastern Europe reaches a point where treaties are being discussed, journalists will use 講和 to describe the formal peace process.
ニュースで「講和会議」という言葉を耳にした。
Another surprising place you might hear this word is in grand strategy video games or historical dramas (Taiga dramas). In games like Nobunaga's Ambition or Total War: Shogun 2, the player often has the option to propose 講和 to an enemy clan to avoid total destruction. In historical dramas, characters will debate the merits of 講和 versus fighting to the death, often using the word to signal their pragmatic or diplomatic nature.
- Academic Lectures
- In university lectures on International Relations (IR), professors use 講和 to discuss the 'Peace of Westphalia' or the 'Treaty of Versailles.' It is the standard academic term for the formal conclusion of wars in a global context.
歴史の授業で、ベルサイユ講和条約について学んだ。
In literature, especially historical novels or those dealing with wartime experiences, 講和 is used to describe the hope or the betrayal felt by characters as their nation negotiates an end to a conflict. It represents a turning point in the narrative, moving from the chaos of war to the uncertainty of a new peace.
将軍は、これ以上の犠牲を避けるために講和を決断した。
その島は講和の結果、返還された。
The most frequent mistake learners make with 講和 is confusing it with the general word for peace, 平和 (heiwa). While both involve the concept of peace, they are not interchangeable. 平和 is a state of being; 講和 is a legal and political action. You can 'live in peace' (平和に暮らす), but you cannot 'live in kōwa'. Conversely, you 'conclude a kōwa', but you 'maintain heiwa'.
- Mistake 1: Misusing the Scale
- Using 講和 for personal reconciliations. If you have a fight with your partner and make up, do not say '講和した'. This sounds like you are two warring nations signing a treaty over who does the dishes. Use 仲直り (nakanaori) instead.
Incorrect: 友達と喧嘩して、講和した。
Correct: 友達と喧嘩して、仲直りした。
Another common error is confusing 講和 with 休戦 (kyūsen - ceasefire) or 停戦 (teisen - truce). A ceasefire is a temporary stop to fighting, often for humanitarian reasons or as a prelude to negotiations. 講和 is the final, permanent legal settlement. A ceasefire might last only a few days, but a 講和 is intended to last indefinitely.
- Mistake 2: Grammar Misplacement
- Treating it as an adjective. 講和 is a noun. To say 'a peaceful treaty,' you must use the possessive 'no' (講和の条約) or the compound 講和条約. You cannot say '講和な条約'.
Incorrect: 講和な関係を結ぶ。
Correct: 講和を結び、平和な関係を築く。
Finally, ensure you don't confuse 講和 with 融和 (yūwa - reconciliation/harmony). 融和 is often used in social or racial contexts to describe different groups getting along better. 講和 is strictly about the legal cessation of war.
その条約は、過酷な講和条件を含んでいた。
彼は講和使節として派遣された。
Understanding 講和 is easier when you compare it to its synonyms and related terms. While 講和 is the standard formal term, other words might be more appropriate depending on the historical period or the specific nature of the agreement.
- 和睦 (Waboku)
- This is an older, more classical term for making peace. You will see it constantly in Samurai-era history or novels. While 講和 sounds modern and bureaucratic, 和睦 sounds like two warlords shaking hands after a bloody battle.
織田信長は本願寺と和睦した。
- 和平 (Wahei)
- This word is very similar to 講和 but focuses more on the 'peace' aspect than the 'negotiation' aspect. It is often used in terms like 和平交渉 (wahei kōshō - peace negotiations). 講和 is the treaty itself; 和平 is the goal.
国際社会は和平への道を模索している。
Comparing these terms side-by-side helps clarify their specific registers:
- Comparison Table
- - 講和: Formal, legal, modern (Peace Treaty). - 和睦: Historical, classical, samurai (Reconciliation). - 和平: General, diplomatic (Peace Process). - 仲直り: Personal, casual (Making up).
政府は講和案を拒絶した。
その国は他国との講和を急いだ。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The 'wa' (和) in Kōwa is the same 'wa' used for 'Japan' (Wagakuni). This reflects the deep cultural value placed on harmony in Japanese history.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Kō' as a short 'ko'.
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'Kowa' (scary).
- Adding an English 'r' sound to the end.
- Stress-accenting the second syllable like English 'ko-WA'.
- Mispelling it as 'Kowa' without the macron or long vowel indicator.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji '講' is complex, and the word is academic.
Writing '講' by hand is difficult for many learners.
Pronunciation is simple, but knowing when to use it is hard.
Easy to hear, but might be confused with 'Kowa' (scary).
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + を + 結ぶ (Conclusion of an agreement)
条約を結ぶ / 講和を結ぶ
Noun + を + 巡る (Surrounding/Concerning an issue)
講和を巡る議論
Noun + に + 基づく (Based on)
講和条約に基づく処理
Noun + に + 向けて (Toward/Heading for)
講和に向けて動き出す
Noun + と + して (As a/In the capacity of)
講和使節として派遣される
Examples by Level
日本は講和を結びました。
Japan concluded a peace treaty.
Simple Subject + wa + Object + o + Verb.
講和は大切です。
Peace (treaty) is important.
A is B structure.
王様は講和をしました。
The king made peace.
Suru-verb usage.
講和のニュースを見ました。
I saw news about the peace treaty.
Noun + no + Noun.
みんな講和を待っています。
Everyone is waiting for peace.
Present continuous form.
講和会議に行きます。
I will go to the peace conference.
Destination + ni + iku.
講和はいいことです。
Peace is a good thing.
Descriptive sentence.
講和の手紙を書きました。
I wrote a letter for peace.
Past tense verb.
長い戦争の後、講和が成立した。
After a long war, a peace settlement was established.
Noun + ga + Verb (intransitive).
彼らは講和の条件を話し合った。
They discussed the conditions for peace.
Talking about conditions.
政府は講和を求めている。
The government is seeking peace.
Seeking something.
講和条約にサインをしました。
I signed the peace treaty.
Compound noun + ni + Verb.
講和会議はスイスで行われました。
The peace conference was held in Switzerland.
Passive voice for 'held'.
私たちは講和を信じています。
We believe in the peace settlement.
Believing in something.
講和のために努力しましょう。
Let's work hard for peace.
Purpose + no tame ni.
講和のニュースが世界に流れた。
The news of the peace treaty spread to the world.
News spreading.
両国はついに講和を結ぶことで合意した。
The two countries finally agreed to conclude a peace treaty.
Agreement to do something.
講和の交渉は難航している。
Peace negotiations are facing difficulties.
Continuous state of difficulty.
中立国が講和の仲介役を務めた。
A neutral country served as a mediator for peace.
Serving a role.
講和が成立すれば、経済も回復するだろう。
If peace is established, the economy will likely recover.
Conditional 'ba' form.
歴史的な講和条約が結ばれた日だ。
It is the day the historical peace treaty was concluded.
Modifying a noun.
国民の多くが早期の講和を望んでいる。
Many citizens are wishing for an early peace settlement.
Wishing for something.
講和案には領土の返還も含まれていた。
The peace proposal included the return of territory.
Including something.
彼は講和使節としてワシントンへ向かった。
He headed to Washington as a peace envoy.
As a certain role.
政府内では、講和派と主戦派が激しく対立した。
Within the government, the pro-peace faction and the pro-war faction clashed fiercely.
Contrast between two groups.
サンフランシスコ講和条約によって日本の主権が回復した。
Japan's sovereignty was restored by the San Francisco Peace Treaty.
Restoration of sovereignty.
講和の条件として、多額の賠償金が要求された。
As a condition for peace, a large amount of reparations was demanded.
Passive demand.
彼は講和会議の全権委任者として出席した。
He attended the peace conference as a plenipotentiary.
High-level diplomatic role.
その条約は「屈辱的な講和」として歴史に刻まれた。
That treaty was carved into history as a 'humiliating peace'.
Quotation as a description.
講和の道を探るため、秘密裏に接触が図られた。
Secret contacts were made to explore the path to peace.
Secretive actions.
講和が遅れたことで、さらに多くの犠牲者が出た。
Because the peace settlement was delayed, even more casualties occurred.
Causality with negative result.
単独講和か全面講和かを巡って議論が紛糾した。
The debate over whether to have a separate peace or a comprehensive peace became complicated.
Debate surrounding a choice.
講和の成立は、東アジアの安全保障環境を劇的に変えた。
The establishment of peace dramatically changed the security environment in East Asia.
Impact on security environment.
戦勝国側は、過酷な講和条項を敗戦国に突きつけた。
The victorious nations thrust harsh peace terms upon the defeated nation.
Thrusting terms (figurative).
講和条約の第十四条には、賠償に関する規定がある。
Article 14 of the peace treaty contains provisions regarding reparations.
Specific legal reference.
外交官たちは、講和の糸口を見つけるために奔走した。
Diplomats busied themselves trying to find a clue for peace.
Metaphorical 'clue' or 'thread'.
講和後の処理を巡り、国内で暴動が発生した。
Riots broke out domestically over the post-peace settlement handling.
Post-treaty issues.
その講和会議は、近代国際法の発展に大きく寄与した。
That peace conference contributed greatly to the development of modern international law.
Contribution to a field.
講和のプロセスにおいて、世論の動向は無視できなかった。
In the peace process, the trends of public opinion could not be ignored.
Double negative 'could not ignore'.
不平等な講和条約の改正が、当時の外交の最優先課題だった。
The revision of unequal peace treaties was the top diplomatic priority at the time.
Priority task.
講和の成否は、地政学的なパワーバランスの変遷に委ねられていた。
The success or failure of the peace settlement was left to the transition of the geopolitical power balance.
Geopolitical terminology.
講和条約の批准を巡る議会での攻防は、憲政史上稀に見る激しさであった。
The struggle in the Diet over the ratification of the peace treaty was of an intensity rarely seen in constitutional history.
Constitutional history reference.
その講和は、単なる休戦ではなく、新たな国際秩序の構築を企図したものであった。
That peace settlement was not a mere ceasefire, but one that intended the construction of a new international order.
Not just A, but B.
講和の代償として、国家のアイデンティティの一部を喪失するという痛みを伴った。
As the price of peace, it accompanied the pain of losing part of the national identity.
Metaphorical price/sacrifice.
講和使節団の派遣は、主権国家としての再出発を象徴する出来事であった。
The dispatch of the peace mission was an event that symbolized a fresh start as a sovereign state.
Symbolism and sovereign statehood.
講和の条件を巡る瀬戸際外交が、最終局面で功を奏した。
The brinkmanship diplomacy over the peace conditions paid off in the final phase.
Brinkmanship (setogiwa gaikou).
講和条約の解釈を巡る論争は、現在に至るまで尾を引いている。
The controversy over the interpretation of the peace treaty has dragged on to the present day.
Dragging on (o o hiku).
講和の精神が、その後の半世紀にわたる平和の礎となったことは疑いようがない。
There is no doubt that the spirit of the peace settlement became the foundation of peace for the following half-century.
Foundation (ishizue) and double negative.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To sit at the peace negotiation table. It implies the start of formal talks.
両国はついに講和のテーブルについた。
— To find a clue or a starting point for peace negotiations.
外交官は講和の糸口を見出そうとした。
— To explore or search for a way to reach a peace settlement.
政府は秘密裏に講和を模索した。
— To take the decisive step toward making peace, often after hesitation.
ついに大統領は講和に踏み切った。
— The time or opportunity for peace is ripe.
ようやく講和の機が熟した。
— To refuse a peace proposal or negotiation.
反乱軍は政府の講和を拒絶した。
— To act as a middleman to help two warring parties reach peace.
国連が講和を仲介している。
— To formally sign a peace treaty.
代表団が講和条約に調印した。
— To approach or influence someone to pursue peace.
周辺国が両国に講和を働きかけた。
— There is a prospect or outlook for reaching peace.
ようやく講和の目処が立った。
Often Confused With
Heiwa is the state of peace; Kōwa is the treaty/act of making peace.
Wakai is general reconciliation (friends, court); Kōwa is specifically for war.
Waboku is the archaic/historical version of Kōwa.
Idioms & Expressions
— A messenger of peace. Someone sent to negotiate the end of a conflict.
彼は講和の使者として敵陣に向かった。
Formal/Literary— To flatly reject a peace offer. 'Keru' means to kick.
軍部は講和案を蹴った。
Informal/Strong— The time for peace. 'Toki' can be written as 'Aki' in poetic contexts.
ついに講和の秋（とき）が来た。
Poetic— To drink a toast to peace. Symbolizes the end of hostilities.
両将軍は講和の杯を交わした。
Literary/Archaic— The path to peace is long and difficult.
未だに講和の道は遠い。
General— To use peace as a pretext for something else (often negative).
講和に名を借りた再軍備。
Critical/Political— To call for peace publicly.
民衆は講和の声を上げた。
General— To raise the flag of peace; to declare one's intention for peace.
彼は講和の旗を掲げて立ち上がった。
Literary— To reject a peace proposal instantly and completely.
独裁者は講和を一蹴した。
Strong/Formal— To lay the foundation for a peace settlement.
この会談が講和の礎を築くだろう。
FormalEasily Confused
Identical pronunciation.
講和 is a peace treaty; 講話 is a lecture or talk.
先生の講話を聞く (Listen to teacher's talk) vs 講和を結ぶ (Conclude peace).
Identical pronunciation.
Rarely used, but relates to public harmony.
N/A
Identical pronunciation.
Rarely used, relates to mutual harmony.
N/A
Similar meaning.
Heiwa is a state of being; Kōwa is a formal act.
平和な国 (A peaceful country) vs 講和の条件 (Conditions for peace).
Related to ending war.
Teisen is a temporary stop; Kōwa is a permanent legal end.
一時的な停戦 (A temporary ceasefire) vs 永久的な講和 (A permanent peace).
Sentence Patterns
[Country] は 講和 を しました。
日本は講和をしました。
[Event] の 後、講和 が 成立した。
戦争の後、講和が成立した。
[Country A] と [Country B] は 講和 を 結んだ。
イギリスとフランスは講和を結んだ。
講和 の 条件 と して、[Condition] が 提示された。
講和の条件として、領土の返還が提示された。
講和 を 巡る [Issue] が、外交 の 焦点 と なった。
講和を巡る賠償問題が、外交の焦点となった。
講和 の 糸口 を [Verb] ために、[Action]。
講和の糸口を見出すために、秘密会談が行われた。
講和 の 成否 は、[Factor] に 委ねられている。
講和の成否は、各国の利害調整に委ねられている。
[Condition] なくして、講和 の 成立 は あり得ない。
相互信頼なくして、講和の成立はあり得ない。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Low in daily speech, High in news and history books.
-
Using 'Kōwa' for personal arguments.
→
仲直り (Nakanaori)
'Kōwa' is strictly for international or large-scale conflicts.
-
Saying 'Kōwa na' as an adjective.
→
講和の (Kōwa no)
'Kōwa' is a noun and cannot take 'na'.
-
Confusing 'Kōwa' with 'Teisen' (Ceasefire).
→
講和 is permanent; 停戦 is temporary.
A ceasefire stops the shooting; a peace treaty ends the war legally.
-
Pronouncing it as 'Kowa' (short 'o').
→
Kōwa (long 'o').
'Kowa' sounds like 'scary' or 'stiff'.
-
Writing 'Kōwa' with the wrong 'Kō'.
→
講和 (Not 構和 or 考和).
The 'Kō' must have the speech radical.
Tips
Historical Context
Always associate 'Kōwa' with history class. It helps you remember its formal register.
The 'Wa' Radical
Notice the 'Wa' (和) kanji. It's the same as in 'Heiwa' (平和) and 'Yamato' (大和). It always means peace or Japan.
Verb Pairing
Memorize '講和を結ぶ' as a single set phrase. It's the most natural way to use the word.
News Keywords
In news, 'Kōwa' often appears with 'Jōyaku' (treaty) or 'Kaikyō' (situation).
Faction Names
Learn '講和派' (Kōwa-ha) to understand historical political divisions.
Legal Tone
When using 'Kōwa', avoid casual particles like 'yo' or 'ne' at the end of sentences.
Treaty Names
Many famous treaties in Japanese history end in 'Kōwa Jōyaku'.
Academic Setting
Use this word in university presentations about international relations to sound professional.
Speech for Peace
The left side of 'Kō' is 'speech' (言). Think: 'Speeches' are made to reach 'Peace' (和).
Post-war Identity
Understand that 'Kōwa' is a very emotional word for the older generation in Japan.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Lecture' (講 - Kō) about 'Peace' (和 - Wa). You have to talk (lecture) to get the treaty signed.
Visual Association
Imagine two leaders sitting at a giant wooden table (the 'Kō' part) signing a paper with a large 'Wa' (Harmony) symbol on it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write a sentence using '講和' and '平和' together to show you know the difference. (Example: 講和を結んだおかげで、平和が戻った。)
Word Origin
The word '講和' is composed of two kanji: '講' (kō), meaning to lecture, explain, or negotiate, and '和' (wa), meaning harmony or peace. It originated as a term to describe the formal discussions held to reach a peaceful agreement.
Original meaning: Negotiating for harmony.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing 'Kōwa' in the context of WWII with people from countries that were occupied by Japan, as the terms of these treaties are still sometimes debated.
In English, we usually just say 'Peace Treaty'. 'Kōwa' is more specific to the act of settling the peace.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
History Class
- 講和条約の内容
- 講和会議の場所
- 講和に反対するデモ
- 講和の歴史的意義
News/Politics
- 講和の兆し
- 講和に向けた動き
- 講和の仲介役
- 講和の条件交渉
International Law
- 講和の成立要件
- 講和条約の批准
- 講和による主権回復
- 講和と賠償
Video Games (Strategy)
- 講和を申し込む
- 講和を受け入れる
- 講和の対価
- 講和を破る
Historical Novels
- 講和の使者
- 和睦（講和）の儀
- 講和を勧める
- 講和の杯
Conversation Starters
"歴史の授業でサンフランシスコ講和条約について習いましたか？"
"現在の紛争において、講和の可能性はあると思いますか？"
"講和の条件として最も重要なものは何だと思いますか？"
"もしあなたが外交官なら、どのように講和を仲介しますか？"
"「講和」と「平和」の違いを説明できますか？"
Journal Prompts
もし世界中の戦争が今日講和を結んだら、世界はどう変わるでしょうか？
あなたが読んだ本や見た映画の中で、印象的な「講和」のシーンはありますか？
歴史上の講和条約の中で、最も不公平だと思うものはどれですか？その理由は？
国同士が講和を結ぶために必要な「信頼」について、自分の考えを書いてください。
「講和」という言葉から連想するイメージを、詳しく描写してください。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's too formal. Use 'Nakanaori' (仲直り). Using 'Kōwa' would sound like you are treating your friendship like a war between two countries.
The San Francisco Peace Treaty (サンフランシスコ講和条約) of 1951 is the most famous, as it restored Japan's independence after WWII.
It is a noun, but you can add 'suru' to make it a verb (講和する), meaning 'to make peace formally'.
The kanji '講' has 17 strokes. It consists of the speech radical (言) on the left and a complex component on the right. Practice it slowly!
'Wahei' (和平) is often used for the general 'peace process' or 'peace negotiations', while 'Kōwa' (講和) specifically refers to the formal legal settlement or treaty.
Yes, but only for major international conflicts. For smaller disputes or domestic issues, other words like 'Wakai' are used.
Yes, it is typically considered an N1 level vocabulary word because of its formal and academic nature.
Yes, though 'Waboku' (和睦) is often preferred for periods like the Sengoku era to give a more authentic feel.
It means 'Separate Peace'. It's when one country in an alliance makes peace with the enemy on its own.
In 99% of cases, yes. It implies a formal, legal agreement.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence using '講和' and '日本'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 講和 and 平和 in Japanese.
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Write a formal sentence about a peace conference.
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Translate: 'The government is seeking a path to peace.'
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Write a sentence using '講和使節'.
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Translate: 'A peace treaty was finally concluded.'
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Use '講和' in a historical context.
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Write a sentence about 'conditions for peace'.
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Translate: 'The people are waiting for peace.'
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Write a sentence using '講和会議'.
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Translate: 'The separate peace was controversial.'
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Write a sentence about 'mediating peace'.
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Translate: 'Peace negotiations are difficult.'
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Write a sentence about 'signing a treaty'.
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Translate: 'The war ended with a peace settlement.'
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Write a sentence using '講和派'.
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Translate: 'The path to peace is long.'
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Write a sentence about 'reparations'.
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Translate: 'A clue for peace was found.'
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Write a sentence about 'sovereignty'.
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Say 'Peace Treaty' in Japanese.
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Say 'To conclude peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Peace conference' in Japanese.
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Describe the San Francisco Peace Treaty in one sentence.
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Say 'Conditions for peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'To seek peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'To mediate peace' in Japanese.
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Explain why 講和 is important in history.
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Say 'The pro-peace faction' in Japanese.
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Say 'A clue for peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Ratification of the treaty' in Japanese.
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Say 'Sovereignty was restored' in Japanese.
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Say 'The price of peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Comprehensive peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Separate peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Peace envoy' in Japanese.
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Say 'The peace table' in Japanese.
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Say 'To explore peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Establishment of peace' in Japanese.
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Say 'Peace was established' in Japanese.
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Listen and identify: 講和条約 (Kōwa Jōyaku)
Listen and identify: 講和会議 (Kōwa Kaigi)
Listen and identify: 講和を結ぶ (Kōwa o musubu)
Listen and identify: 講和の条件 (Kōwa no jōken)
Listen and identify: 講和を求める (Kōwa o motomeru)
Listen and identify: 講和派 (Kōwa-ha)
Listen and identify: 単独講和 (Tandoku Kōwa)
Listen and identify: 全面講和 (Zenmen Kōwa)
Listen and identify: 講和使節 (Kōwa shisetsu)
Listen and identify: 講和の糸口 (Kōwa no itoguchi)
Listen and identify: 講和の成立 (Kōwa no seiritsu)
Listen and identify: 講和を仲介する (Kōwa o chūkai suru)
Listen and identify: 講和条約の批准 (Kōwa jōyaku no hijun)
Listen and identify: 講和を模索する (Kōwa o mosaku suru)
Listen and identify: 講和の代償 (Kōwa no daishō)
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '講和' (kōwa) is your go-to term for 'peace treaty' or 'peace settlement' in a formal or historical context. Example: '講和を結ぶ' (to conclude a peace treaty) marks the official end of hostilities.
- Kōwa is the formal process of ending a war through a legal treaty and diplomatic negotiation between nations.
- It differs from 'heiwa' (peace) because it refers to the specific act or agreement that creates peace.
- Commonly used in historical contexts, such as the San Francisco Peace Treaty after World War II.
- It is a formal noun often paired with verbs like 'musubu' (conclude) or 'motomeru' (seek).
Historical Context
Always associate 'Kōwa' with history class. It helps you remember its formal register.
The 'Wa' Radical
Notice the 'Wa' (和) kanji. It's the same as in 'Heiwa' (平和) and 'Yamato' (大和). It always means peace or Japan.
Verb Pairing
Memorize '講和を結ぶ' as a single set phrase. It's the most natural way to use the word.
News Keywords
In news, 'Kōwa' often appears with 'Jōyaku' (treaty) or 'Kaikyō' (situation).
Example
講和条約です。
Related Content
More Politics words
情勢
A1Refers to the current state of affairs or the prevailing situation, particularly regarding politics, society, or the economy. It describes how circumstances are shifting or developing at a given moment.
革命
A1A fundamental and sudden change in political power or social structure, often involving a shift in governance. It also refers to a major, transformative shift in technology, thought, or a specific field that completely alters how things are done.
連合
A1A combination or alliance of two or more groups, organizations, or nations formed for a common purpose. It often describes a formal union where members maintain their individual identities while working together.
大臣
A1A high-ranking government official who is the head of a specific department or ministry. In the Japanese government, these ministers are part of the Cabinet and are appointed by the Prime Minister.
施策
B2A specific measure, plan, or policy implemented by an organization or government to achieve a goal. It is more concrete than a general 'policy'.
紛争
A1A dispute or conflict between individuals, groups, or nations, often regarding rights, territory, or resources. It refers to both legal disagreements and armed struggles that are not yet classified as full-scale wars.
国家
A1A formal term referring to a country as a sovereign political entity or 'the state'. It describes a nation in terms of its government, borders, and legal system rather than just a geographical place.
和平
A1和平 (wahei) refers to a state of peace or the restoration of peace, specifically in a diplomatic or formal context between conflicting parties. Unlike the more general word for peace (平和), it often implies the process of ending a war or dispute through negotiation.
同盟
A1A formal agreement or treaty between two or more parties, organizations, or nations to cooperate for specific purposes. It implies a strong bond where members support each other to achieve mutual goals or defense.
政治家
A1A politician is a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office or someone seeking such a position. They are responsible for making laws, managing government affairs, and representing the public's interests.
