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B1 noun 12 min read

政策

seisaku

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 政策 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 政策 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 政策 (seisaku) yourself. It's a bit too difficult for basic greetings and simple daily needs. However, you might see it on TV or in a newspaper. Just remember that it means 'a plan made by the government' or 'a big group's rule.' If you see the kanji 政 (government), think of a leader or a politician. If you see 策 (plan), think of a smart idea. Together, they mean a big official plan. For now, you can just use 'rule' (ルール) or 'promise' (やくそく) for your own life. When you see 政策, just think: 'Oh, this is something important the government is doing.' It is not a word for children or for talking about your hobbies. It is a serious word for adult topics. If you can recognize it, you are doing great!

At the A2 level, you are starting to understand more about society. You might hear the word 政策 (seisaku) when people talk about the news or their town. It means 'policy' or 'official plan.' For example, if your city decides to make the bus free for students, that is a 'policy' (政策). You can start to recognize compound words like 'Economic Policy' (経済政策 - keizai seisaku). You don't have to use it in every sentence, but if someone asks you, 'What do you think about the government?', you might hear them use this word. Remember: 政策 is for big groups like countries or cities. If you want to talk about your own rules, use 'ポリシー' (porishī). Knowing this word helps you understand that Japanese has different words for 'plans' depending on who is making them. It's a step up from basic vocabulary!

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 政策 (seisaku) to discuss social issues and news. This word is essential for talking about politics, the economy, and business strategies. You should know that it refers to a formal course of action. You can use it in sentences like 'The government's policy is...' (政府の政策は...) or 'I support this policy' (この政策を支持します). At this level, it's important to distinguish it from its homophones 制作 (making art) and 製作 (manufacturing). You should also be able to understand common pairings like 政策を打ち出す (to propose a policy) or 政策を批判する (to criticize a policy). Using 政策 shows that you are moving beyond simple personal topics and are ready to engage in more sophisticated, adult conversations about the world around you. It is a key vocabulary item for passing the JLPT N3 or N2 exams.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 政策 (seisaku) with nuance and precision. You should understand the difference between 政策 (the broad strategy) and 施策 (shisaku - the specific implementation measures). You should also be comfortable with academic and professional terms like 政策立案 (policy planning), 政策評価 (policy evaluation), and 政策転換 (policy shift). You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of various policies in detail, using formal grammar. For instance, you might analyze how a certain 経済政策 (economic policy) affects the inflation rate or how 雇用政策 (employment policy) impacts the labor market. You should also recognize the word in business contexts, such as 政策保有株 (strategic shareholdings). At this level, your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its formal register and its role in structured decision-making processes within large organizations.

At the C1 level, 政策 (seisaku) is a word you use to analyze complex societal structures. You should be able to discuss 'Policy Analysis' (政策分析) and the 'Policy-making Process' (政策決定過程) with ease. You understand the historical context of famous Japanese policies, such as the post-war industrial policies that led to the economic miracle. You can use the word in high-level debates, distinguishing between the ideological underpinnings of a 政策 and its practical outcomes. You are also aware of how the word is used in specialized fields, like 政策法務 (policy legal affairs) or 政策提言 (policy recommendations/advocacy). Your ability to use 政策 correctly in written essays or formal presentations is a hallmark of your advanced proficiency. You can also pick up on the subtle connotations when a politician uses 政策 vs. common synonyms to frame their agenda in a more authoritative or appealing way.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 政策 (seisaku) is equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical or technical discussions about the nature of 政策 in a globalized world. You might write academic papers on 政策学 (Policy Studies) or lead high-level negotiations where 政策 is a central theme. You understand the most subtle linguistic nuances, such as why a certain document uses 政策 instead of 施策 or 方針 to convey a specific level of legal or institutional commitment. You can critique the language of policy documents, identifying how word choices reflect underlying political strategies. For you, 政策 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for navigating and influencing the highest levels of Japanese society, government, and international relations. You are comfortable using it in any context, from spontaneous debate to formal legal drafting.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

政策 in 30 Seconds

政策 (seisaku) means 'policy' and refers to formal, high-level plans made by governments, political parties, or large organizations to achieve specific societal or strategic goals.
It is a formal noun, often used in compound words like 経済政策 (economic policy) or 環境政策 (environmental policy), and is distinct from personal rules or beliefs.
The word is ubiquitous in Japanese news, politics, and academic discourse, signaling a structured approach to governance and decision-making processes.
Commonly confused with homophones 制作 (artistic creation) and 製作 (manufacturing), so paying attention to the kanji 政 (government) and 策 (plan) is essential.

The Japanese word 政策 (せいさく - seisaku) is a fundamental term in the realms of governance, economics, and organizational management. At its core, it refers to a formal course of action or a set of principles adopted by a government, political party, or business to achieve specific goals. While the English word 'policy' covers a broad range of meanings from 'insurance policy' to 'company policy,' the Japanese 政策 is more strictly aligned with strategic, high-level planning and administrative decisions. Understanding 政策 is crucial for anyone looking to engage with Japanese news, business discussions, or political discourse. It represents the 'what' and 'how' of societal direction.

Political Context: In politics, 政策 refers to the platform a candidate runs on or the legislative agenda a ruling party implements. For example, 'Economic Policy' (経済政策 - keizai seisaku) or 'Foreign Policy' (外交政策 - gaikō seisaku) are terms you will encounter daily in Japanese media.

政府は新しい環境政策を発表しました。(The government announced a new environmental policy.)

Business Context: Within a corporation, 政策 might refer to long-term strategic goals, such as 'Management Policy' (経営政策 - keiei seisaku). It implies a deliberate decision-making process rather than a mere rule.

The word is composed of two kanji: 政 (matsurigoto/sei), meaning government or administration, and 策 (saku), meaning a plan, scheme, or means. Together, they literally translate to 'administrative plan.' This etymological root explains why the word feels more 'official' than synonyms like 方針 (hōshin), which can be used for personal intentions. When a politician speaks of 政策, they are promising a structured approach to a problem. In academic settings, 政策学 (seisakugaku) refers to Policy Studies, a field that analyzes how these decisions are made and their impact on society. In everyday life, you might not use 政策 to describe why you decided to eat more vegetables (that would be an 'aim' or 'goal'), but you would use it to describe why a city council decided to install more bike lanes.

その政党の教育政策は多くの支持を得た。(That political party's education policy gained a lot of support.)

Usage Nuance: 政策 is often paired with verbs like 打ち出す (uchidasu - to set forth/propose), 実施する (jisshi suru - to implement), or 転換する (tenkan suru - to shift/change). It suggests a formal, often public, commitment to a direction.

Furthermore, 政策 is rarely used in a negative sense by the proposer, but it is frequently the target of criticism by the opposition. Phrases like '政策の失敗' (seisaku no shippai - policy failure) are common in political debates. Because the word carries a weight of authority, using it correctly shows a high level of Japanese proficiency, specifically at the B1 level and above, where learners move from daily conversation to discussing societal issues. It is a bridge between understanding 'what people do' and 'how society is organized.'

少子化対策は、日本にとって最も重要な政策の一つです。(Countermeasures against the declining birthrate are one of the most important policies for Japan.)

企業は競争力を高めるための新しい政策を検討している。(The company is considering new policies to increase competitiveness.)

外交政策の見直しが求められている。(A review of foreign policy is being called for.)

Using 政策 effectively requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It usually functions as the object of a sentence or as part of a compound noun. Because it represents a plan or a strategy, it is naturally paired with verbs that describe the lifecycle of a plan: creation, announcement, implementation, and evaluation. For English speakers, think of it as the 'blueprint' for how a large entity operates.

Compound Nouns (The most common usage): Japanese loves compounding 政策 with other nouns. Examples: 経済政策 (Economic policy), 金融政策 (Monetary policy), 雇用政策 (Employment policy), 福祉政策 (Welfare policy). In these cases, 政策 clarifies that you are talking about the strategic approach to that specific field.

政府の金融政策が市場に影響を与えた。(The government's monetary policy influenced the market.)

Another key aspect is the distinction between 政策 (seisaku) and 施策 (shisaku). While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, 政策 is the 'big picture' goal (e.g., 'Reducing poverty'), while 施策 refers to the specific measures or actions taken to achieve that goal (e.g., 'Increasing the minimum wage'). As a B1 learner, mastering 政策 first is essential, as it is the broader and more frequently used term in general discourse. You will often see 政策 followed by 'についての' (about) or 'に関する' (related to) when someone is giving a speech or writing an essay.

新しいエネルギー政策についての議論が行われた。(Discussions were held regarding the new energy policy.)

Verb Pairings: 1. 政策を支持する (To support a policy)
2. 政策を批判する (To criticize a policy)
3. 政策を推進する (To promote/push forward a policy)
4. 政策を撤回する (To withdraw a policy)

When writing, remember that 政策 is a formal word. If you are talking about your personal 'policy' of not eating after 8 PM, use 'マイルール' (my rule) or '自分の方針' (my policy/direction) instead. 政策 carries the weight of institutional power. In the passive voice, it is used to describe how people are affected: 'この政策によって、多くの人が救われた' (Many people were saved by this policy). This structure is common in history textbooks and news reports.

彼はその政策の立案に深く関わっている。(He is deeply involved in the planning of that policy.)

野党は政府の政策を激しく追及した。(The opposition party intensely questioned the government's policy.)

To sound more natural, pay attention to the particles. Use 'を' when you are the actor changing the policy, and 'が' when the policy itself is the subject of a change or state. For instance, '政策が変わった' (The policy changed) vs '政策を変えた' (Someone changed the policy). Mastering these nuances will help you navigate complex Japanese texts with ease.

持続可能な社会を作るための政策が必要だ。(Policies to create a sustainable society are necessary.)

The word 政策 is ubiquitous in Japanese public life. If you turn on the NHK news at 7 PM, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes. It is the bread and butter of political reporting. You will hear it during election cycles when candidates debate their '政策論争' (seisaku ronsō - policy debate). Each party will release a '政策集' (seisakushū - policy collection or manifesto) detailing their plans for the country. If you live in Japan, you might receive pamphlets from your local city office explaining '子育て支援政策' (child-rearing support policies). These are the practical applications of the word that affect your daily life, such as subsidies for daycare or medical expenses.

In the Media: Journalists use 政策 to frame their analysis of the government's performance. You'll see headlines like '政府、新たなIT政策を決定' (Government decides on new IT policy). In documentaries, experts discuss the historical impact of 政策, such as the '所得倍増政策' (Income Doubling Plan) of the 1960s which led to Japan's rapid economic growth.

ニュース番組で、専門家が政府の経済政策を解説している。(On the news program, an expert is explaining the government's economic policy.)

In universities, students majoring in law, economics, or sociology will encounter 政策 in almost every lecture. It is a core concept for understanding how theory is translated into practice. For example, '社会政策' (social policy) is a standard course title. Even in the tech world, 政策 is used when discussing things like 'セキュリティ政策' (security policy) or 'プライバシー政策' (privacy policy), though '方針' or 'ポリシー' are also common in those contexts. The choice of 政策 often signals that the policy is formal, documented, and potentially legally binding.

大学の講義で、戦後の日本の産業政策について学んだ。(In the university lecture, I learned about Japan's post-war industrial policy.)

Public Service Announcements: Local governments often hold town hall meetings to explain '地域振興政策' (regional revitalization policies). If you attend one, you'll hear officials use the word to describe their vision for the town's future, from building new parks to attracting tourists.

Finally, in the corporate world, 政策 is used in '政策保有株' (seisaku hoyū kabu), which refers to 'strategic shareholdings'—shares held for the purpose of maintaining business relationships rather than for pure investment. This is a very specific, high-level business term that highlights the 'strategic' nature of the word 政策. Whether you are listening to the Prime Minister's speech or reading a company's annual report, 政策 is the keyword that signals a serious, planned direction for the future.

その会社の政策保有株の削減が話題になっている。(The reduction of that company's strategic shareholdings is becoming a hot topic.)

選挙の公約として、減税政策を掲げている。(As an election promise, they are proposing a tax cut policy.)

住民は市の再開発政策に反対している。(The residents are opposing the city's redevelopment policy.)

One of the most common pitfalls for learners is confusing 政策 (seisaku) with its homophones, specifically 制作 and 製作. All three are pronounced 'seisaku,' but their meanings and kanji are completely different. 政策 (Policy) uses the kanji for government (政) and plan (策). 制作 (Creation) is used for artistic works like films, TV shows, and paintings. 製作 (Production/Manufacturing) is used for physical objects like machinery or furniture. Using the wrong 'seisaku' in writing is a very common mistake, even for Japanese people in a hurry, but in a formal context, it can lead to significant confusion.

Homophone Comparison: 1. 政策 (Seisaku): Government policy, political strategy.
2. 制作 (Seisaku): Producing a movie, creating a work of art.
3. 製作 (Seisaku): Manufacturing a product, building a ship.

❌ 映画の政策に関わる。
✅ 映画の制作に関わる。(To be involved in the production of a movie.)

Another mistake is using 政策 for personal habits or rules. As mentioned before, if you say 'My 政策 is to wake up at 5 AM,' it sounds like you are a small government body managing your own life. While humorous, it is technically incorrect. Use 'ポリシー' (porishī) or '自分なりのルール' (jibun nari no rūru) for personal convictions. Similarly, '政策' is usually too formal for small-scale operations. A tiny club or a group of friends wouldn't have a 政策; they would have '方針' (hōshin) or 'きまり' (kimari).

❌ 私の政策は毎日運動することです。
✅ 私のポリシーは毎日運動することです。(My policy is to exercise every day.)

Contextual Over-formalization: Avoid using 政策 when discussing simple instructions. If a teacher tells students to use a blue pen, that's an instruction (指示 - shiji), not a 政策. 政策 implies a larger goal or an ideological framework behind the action.

Finally, learners often struggle with the distinction between 政策 (seisaku) and 対策 (taisaku). 政策 is a proactive, broad strategy (e.g., environmental policy). 対策 is a reactive countermeasure to a specific problem (e.g., flood countermeasures). If there is a problem that needs solving immediately, 対策 is the better word. If you are talking about the long-term vision of a nation, 政策 is the one. Mixing these up can make your Japanese sound slightly 'off' to native speakers, though they will likely understand your meaning.

地震の対策を講じる。(To take countermeasures against earthquakes - Here, 政策 would be too broad.)

政府は経済政策の一環として、減税を行う。(The government is conducting tax cuts as part of its economic policy.)

❌ この問題の政策を考えましょう。
✅ この問題の対策を考えましょう。(Let's think of a countermeasure for this problem.)

To truly master 政策, you must understand how it sits alongside other words meaning 'plan' or 'direction.' Each has a specific nuance that determines its usage. 政策 is the most formal and political. Let's look at the alternatives and how they compare.

方針 (Hōshin) vs 政策 (Seisaku): 方針 is a 'direction' or 'objective.' It is less formal than 政策 and can be used for individuals or small groups. While 政策 is a structured plan, 方針 is the guiding principle. Example: 'Education policy' is 教育政策, but 'My education philosophy/direction' is 教育方針.

対策 (Taisaku) vs 政策 (Seisaku): 対策 means 'countermeasure.' It is always reactive. You have a problem (like pollution), and you create a 対策 to fix it. 政策 is the overall strategy that might include many 対策. For example, a 'Climate Change Policy' (気候変動政策) would include 'Carbon Tax Countermeasures' (炭素税対策).

施策 (Shisaku) vs 政策 (Seisaku): 施策 refers to specific 'measures' or 'actions.' 政策 is the abstract goal, while 施策 is the concrete implementation. A politician proposes a 政策, and a bureaucrat designs the 施策 to make it happen.

政府は少子化問題に対し、具体的な施策を講じている。(The government is taking specific measures against the declining birthrate.)

Then there is '戦略' (senryaku - strategy). While 政策 is administrative, 戦略 is often competitive. You have a 'Marketing Strategy' (マーケティング戦略) to beat a competitor, but a 'Trade Policy' (通商政策) to manage international relations. Lastly, '計画' (keikaku - plan) is the most general term. A 政策 is a type of 計画, but a 計画 can be as simple as a weekend trip. Using 政策 instead of 計画 instantly elevates your speech to a more professional, institutional level. Choosing the right word demonstrates that you understand the hierarchical and functional differences between various types of planning in Japanese society.

会社の方針に従って、新しい政策を導入した。(Following the company's direction, we introduced a new policy.)

平和的な外交政策が望まれている。(A peaceful foreign policy is desired.)

この政策は、国民の生活に直結している。(This policy is directly linked to the lives of the citizens.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 策 (saku) also means 'whip.' In ancient times, it referred to the whip used to drive horses, which evolved metaphorically into the 'means' or 'strategy' to drive a country forward.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /seɪ.sæ.kuː/

US /seɪ.sɑː.kuː/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. For 政策, the pitch is Low-High-High-High (Heiban style).

Rhymes With

制作 (Seisaku) 製作 (Seisaku) 成作 (Seisaku) 精査 (Seisa) 計画 (Keikaku) 連絡 (Renraku) 性格 (Seikaku) 正確 (Seikaku)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'say-sah-kyoo' (confusing it with words like kyo). It's 'ku'.
Adding an English-style stress on the first syllable. Keep it flat.
Confusing the vowel length; it's 'seisaku', not 'seisāku'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require knowledge of the 'government' and 'plan' radicals.

Writing 4/5

Writing 政策 correctly is tricky because of the homophones 制作 and 製作.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but using it in the right context takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized in news, but must be distinguished from homophones via context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

政治 (Politics) 計画 (Plan) ルール (Rule) 政府 (Government) 社会 (Society)

Learn Next

施策 (Measures) 対策 (Countermeasures) 立案 (Drafting/Planning) 実施 (Implementation) 評価 (Evaluation)

Advanced

地政学 (Geopolitics) マクロ経済 (Macroeconomics) 法整備 (Legal development) イデオロギー (Ideology) 官僚制度 (Bureaucracy)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に関する (Related to...)

政策に関するニュースを見る。

Noun + に基づく (Based on...)

新しい政策に基づく計画。

Verb stem + つつある (In the process of...)

政策が変わりつつある。

〜によって (By/Due to...)

この政策によって生活が良くなった。

〜べきだ (Should...)

政策を早急に実施すべきだ。

Examples by Level

政府の政策は大切です。

The government's policy is important.

Noun + は + Adjective.

新しい政策があります。

There is a new policy.

Noun + があります (There is).

この政策はいいです。

This policy is good.

Subject + は + Adjective.

政策を読みます。

I read the policy.

Object + を + Verb.

国の政策を聞きました。

I heard about the country's policy.

Noun + の + Noun.

政策はむずかしいです。

Policies are difficult.

Topic + は + Adjective.

これが政府の政策ですか？

Is this the government's policy?

Question form with ですか.

政策を勉強します。

I will study the policy.

Object + を + Verb.

町の新しい政策を知っていますか？

Do you know the town's new policy?

Verb + ていますか (Do you know?)

政府は新しい経済政策を作りました。

The government made a new economic policy.

Compound noun: 経済政策.

この政策はみんなに役立ちます。

This policy is useful for everyone.

Verb 役立ちます (to be useful).

選挙で政策を比べます。

We compare policies in elections.

Verb 比べます (to compare).

教育政策について話しましょう。

Let's talk about education policy.

〜について (about).

環境政策はとても重要です。

Environmental policy is very important.

Compound noun: 環境政策.

彼は市の政策に反対しました。

He opposed the city's policy.

〜に反対する (to oppose).

新しい政策が決まりました。

A new policy has been decided.

Intransitive verb 決まります.

政府は少子化対策のための新しい政策を打ち出した。

The government set forth a new policy for countermeasures against the declining birthrate.

Verb 打ち出す (to set forth/propose).

その政党の外交政策は現実的ではない。

That political party's foreign policy is not realistic.

Adjective + ではない (is not).

多くの国民がその経済政策を支持している。

Many citizens support that economic policy.

Verb 支持する (to support).

政策の失敗が景気の悪化を招いた。

Policy failure led to the worsening of the economy.

Noun + の + Noun.

環境保護のための政策を推進すべきだ。

We should promote policies for environmental protection.

〜すべきだ (should do).

次の選挙では、各党の政策をよく検討する必要がある。

In the next election, it's necessary to carefully examine each party's policies.

〜必要がある (there is a need to).

この政策は、若者の雇用を増やすことを目的としている。

This policy aims to increase youth employment.

〜を目的としている (aims for).

政府はエネルギー政策の転換を迫られている。

The government is being pressured to change its energy policy.

Passive voice + 迫られている (being pressured).

政府は持続可能な社会の実現に向けた政策を立案した。

The government drafted a policy aimed at realizing a sustainable society.

Verb 立案する (to draft/plan).

中央銀行の金融政策が円高に拍車をかけた。

The central bank's monetary policy accelerated the appreciation of the yen.

Idiom 拍車をかける (to accelerate/spur on).

野党は政府の福祉政策を厳しく批判した。

The opposition party harshly criticized the government's welfare policy.

Adverb + 批判した.

政策の実施には、莫大な予算が必要となる。

Implementing the policy requires a massive budget.

Noun + には (for the purpose of).

この政策が社会にどのような影響を及ぼすか、評価が必要だ。

It's necessary to evaluate what kind of impact this policy will have on society.

Indirect question with 〜か.

地方自治体は独自の観光政策を展開している。

Local governments are developing their own unique tourism policies.

Verb 展開する (to develop/expand).

科学技術政策の遅れが、国際競争力の低下を招いている。

Delays in science and technology policy are leading to a decline in international competitiveness.

Noun + の + 遅れ (delay in...).

企業は、政府の新しい税制政策に対応しなければならない。

Companies must respond to the government's new taxation policy.

〜なければならない (must).

政策決定過程の透明性を高めることが、民主主義には不可欠だ。

Increasing transparency in the policy-making process is essential for democracy.

Nominalized phrase + は不可欠だ.

戦後の産業政策が、日本の高度経済成長の礎となった。

Post-war industrial policy became the foundation of Japan's rapid economic growth.

Metaphor 礎となった (became the foundation).

現行の教育政策は、グローバル化する社会のニーズに応えきれていない。

Current education policies are failing to fully meet the needs of a globalizing society.

Verb stem + きれていない (cannot fully...).

その論文は、環境政策が企業のイノベーションに与える影響を論じている。

The paper discusses the impact that environmental policy has on corporate innovation.

Relative clause modifying 影響.

政府は世論の反発を受けて、一部の政策を撤回せざるを得なかった。

Faced with public backlash, the government had no choice but to withdraw some policies.

〜ざるを得ない (have no choice but to).

多文化共生政策の充実は、今後の日本社会にとって喫緊の課題である。

Enhancing multicultural coexistence policies is an urgent task for future Japanese society.

Formal expression 喫緊の課題.

マクロ経済政策の整合性を保つことは、極めて困難な作業である。

Maintaining the consistency of macroeconomic policies is an extremely difficult task.

Adverb 極めて (extremely).

政策提言を行うシンクタンクの役割が、近年ますます重要視されている。

The role of think tanks that make policy recommendations has been increasingly emphasized in recent years.

Passive voice 重要視されている.

地政学的なリスクを考慮した外交政策の再構築が、今まさに求められている。

A restructuring of foreign policy that takes geopolitical risks into account is what is being called for right now.

Compound modifier + 再構築.

その学者は、新自由主義的な政策が格差社会を助長したと鋭く指摘した。

The scholar sharply pointed out that neoliberal policies exacerbated the divided society.

Quotative と + 鋭く指摘した.

政策保有株の解消は、コーポレートガバナンス改革の試金石と言えるだろう。

The dissolution of strategic shareholdings could be called a touchstone of corporate governance reform.

Metaphor 試金石 (touchstone).

財政再建と景気刺激という、相反する政策目標のバランスをどう取るかが鍵となる。

The key is how to balance the conflicting policy goals of fiscal reconstruction and economic stimulus.

Noun + という (called/defined as).

デジタル政策の成否が、国家の将来の命運を左右すると言っても過言ではない。

It is no exaggeration to say that the success or failure of digital policy will determine the future fate of the nation.

Idiom 〜と言っても過言ではない.

各国の利害が複雑に絡み合う中で、国際的な協調政策を確立するのは容易ではない。

Amidst the complex intertwining of various countries' interests, establishing international cooperative policies is not easy.

Adverbial phrase 〜中で.

政策の連続性を担保しつつ、大胆な改革を断行するリーダーシップが不可欠だ。

Leadership that ensures policy continuity while carrying out bold reforms is essential.

Verb stem + つつ (while).

本稿では、福祉国家の変容に伴う政策パラダイムの転換について考察する。

In this paper, we will examine the shift in the policy paradigm accompanying the transformation of the welfare state.

Formal verb 考察する.

Synonyms

方針策施策方策ストラテジー

Antonyms

無策行き当たりばったり

Common Collocations

政策を立てる

政策を実行する

経済政策

外交政策

政策を打ち出す

政策の転換

政策を支持する

政策を批判する

政策決定

雇用政策

Common Phrases

政策の一環として

— As part of a policy. Used to explain that a specific action is tied to a larger plan.

政策の一環として、補助金が支給される。

政策の整合性

— Policy consistency. Refers to how well different policies work together without contradicting each other.

政策の整合性を保つことが重要だ。

政策の目玉

— The centerpiece of a policy. The most important or attractive part of a plan.

この政策の目玉は消費税の減税だ。

政策立案

— Policy planning/drafting. The act of creating a policy.

彼は政策立案のプロフェッショナルだ。

政策評価

— Policy evaluation. Reviewing whether a policy was successful.

年に一度、政策評価が行われる。

政策提言

— Policy recommendation. Proposing a plan to a governing body.

若手研究者が政策提言を行った。

政策論争

— Policy debate. A formal argument about which plan is better.

選挙前には激しい政策論争が繰り広げられた。

政策の失敗

— Policy failure. When a plan does not achieve its goals.

政策の失敗を認めるべきだ。

政策課題

— Policy agenda/issue. A problem that a policy needs to address.

高齢化社会は日本最大の政策課題だ。

政策の柱

— The pillar of a policy. One of the main components of a strategy.

教育改革がこの政策の柱となっている。

Often Confused With

政策 vs 制作 (Seisaku)

Used for making creative works like movies or art. Pronounced the same, but the kanji differ.

政策 vs 製作 (Seisaku)

Used for manufacturing physical objects like machines. Pronounced the same, but the kanji differ.

政策 vs 対策 (Taisaku)

Means 'countermeasure.' It's a specific fix for a problem, whereas 政策 is a broad strategy.

Idioms & Expressions

"政策の二枚看板"

— Two main pillars of a policy. Like two main attractions at a show.

減税と規制緩和が、今回の政策の二枚看板だ。

Journalistic

"政策の袋小路"

— A policy dead-end. A situation where a policy has no way forward.

今の経済政策は袋小路に入っている。

Formal/Metaphorical

"政策の舵を切る"

— To steer the policy in a new direction. Like steering a ship.

政府は増税へと政策の舵を切った。

Journalistic

"政策の隙間"

— Policy gaps. Areas or people not covered by existing rules.

政策の隙間に落ちた人々を救う必要がある。

Social/Formal

"政策を丸呑みする"

— To swallow a policy whole. To accept another party's plan without change.

野党は政府の政策を丸呑みせざるを得なかった。

Political/Informal

"政策の焼き直し"

— A rehash of an old policy. Presenting an old plan as if it were new.

今回の案は、以前の政策の焼き直しに過ぎない。

Critical

"政策の看板を下ろす"

— To take down the policy sign. To abandon a major policy goal.

首相はついに看板政策の撤回を決めた。

Journalistic

"政策の旗を振る"

— To wave the policy flag. To lead or champion a specific policy.

彼はデジタル化政策の旗を振っている。

Neutral/Positive

"政策にメスを入れる"

— To take a scalpel to a policy. To perform a radical operation or reform on a failing plan.

古い福祉政策にメスを入れる時が来た。

Journalistic/Critical

"政策の風通しを良くする"

— To improve the ventilation of a policy. To make the policy-making process more open and transparent.

政策決定の風通しを良くする必要がある。

Neutral/Metaphorical

Easily Confused

政策 vs 方針 (Hōshin)

Both mean 'policy' or 'direction.'

政策 is formal and institutional (government/large group). 方針 is more general and can be personal or small-scale.

政府の政策 (Government policy) vs. 私の方針 (My direction).

政策 vs 施策 (Shisaku)

Both refer to government actions.

政策 is the high-level plan or goal. 施策 refers to the specific, practical measures taken to achieve that goal.

少子化政策 (Birthrate policy) vs. 子育て支援施策 (Child-care support measures).

政策 vs 策略 (Sakuryaku)

Both involve planning.

政策 is official and public. 策略 is often secret, manipulative, or a 'scheme' to get an advantage.

外交政策 (Foreign policy) vs. 彼の策略 (His scheme).

政策 vs 計画 (Keikaku)

Both mean 'plan.'

計画 is a general word for any plan. 政策 is a specific type of plan related to governance and strategic principles.

旅行の計画 (Travel plan) vs. 経済政策 (Economic policy).

政策 vs 国策 (Kokusaku)

Both are government policies.

国策 specifically means 'national policy' or 'policy of national importance,' often with a more grandiose or historical weight.

宇宙開発は国策だ (Space development is a national policy).

Sentence Patterns

政府は[Noun]政策を作りました。

政府は新しい教育政策を作りました。

[Noun]政策を[Verb: 支持する/批判する]。

私は政府の環境政策を支持します。

政策の一環として[Action]を行う。

政策の一環として減税を行う。

[Noun]政策の[立案/実施]を急ぐ。

雇用政策の実施を急ぐ必要がある。

政策が[Noun]に与える影響を検討する。

政策が市場に与える影響を検討する。

政策決定過程における[Noun]の役割。

政策決定過程における世論の役割。

[Noun]に伴う政策の転換。

グローバル化に伴う政策の転換。

政策の整合性を担保しつつ、改革を断行する。

政策の整合性を担保しつつ、構造改革を断行する。

Word Family

Nouns

政策 (Policy)

政治 (Politics)

政権 (Administration/Power)

政党 (Political Party)

施策 (Measure)

対策 (Countermeasure)

Verbs

政策を立てる (To set a policy)

政策を実行する (To implement a policy)

政策を打ち出す (To propose a policy)

Adjectives

政策的な (Policy-related/Strategic)

無策な (Planless/Incompetent)

行政 (Administration)

立法 (Legislation)

予算 (Budget)

公約 (Election promise)

戦略 (Strategy)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in news, politics, and business reports. Lower in casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

Using 政策 for personal habits. → 私のポリシーは...
政策 is reserved for institutional and strategic plans, not personal routines.
Writing 制作 (Seisaku) when meaning 'policy.' → 政策
制作 is for art and films. 政策 is for government and strategy.
Saying 政策する (to policy). → 政策を立てる / 政策を実施する
政策 is a noun and cannot be turned into a verb simply by adding する. It needs an action verb.
Confusing 政策 with 対策. → 環境政策 (Policy) vs. 公害対策 (Countermeasure).
Use 政策 for the overarching goal and 対策 for the reaction to a specific problem.
Using 政策 for simple rules. → 教室の規則 (Classroom rules).
政策 is too grand for minor regulations. Use 規則 or ルール for small-scale settings.

Tips

Compound Nouns

Always look for words attached to the front of 政策. They tell you exactly what kind of policy is being discussed (e.g., 経済 + 政策 = Economic Policy).

Bureaucracy

Remember that in Japan, 政策 is often drafted by bureaucrats (Kanryō), not just politicians. This gives policies a very technical feel.

Kanji Precision

Double-check the kanji 政. It looks like a person sitting with a task. This represents government work.

Formal Register

When using 政策, try to use other formal words in the sentence to keep the register consistent.

News Keywords

政策 is a 'trigger word' in news broadcasts. When you hear it, prepare for a segment on government or social issues.

Taisaku vs Seisaku

If you are fixing a problem, use 対策. If you are planning for the future, use 政策.

Saku Radicals

The kanji 策 has the 'bamboo' radical on top. Ancient plans were written on bamboo slats.

Headline Japanese

In news headlines, 政策 is often shortened or used in compounds to save space. Look for it at the end of long strings of kanji.

Avoid Personal Use

Don't say 'It's my 政策 to be nice.' People will think you are acting like a king or queen. Use ポリシー instead.

The 'Sei' Connection

Connect 政策 (Seisaku) to 政治 (Seiji). Both start with the 'Sei' for government.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Say-Saku' (政策). A politician has to 'Say' their 'Saku' (smart plan) to get votes. If they don't have a Seisaku, they have No-Saku (Musaku).

Visual Association

Imagine a politician standing on a podium (政) holding a scroll with a secret plan (策). The scroll has the word 'Blueprints' on it.

Word Web

Politics Government Economy Strategy Law Environment Education Health

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a policy you would create if you were the Prime Minister of Japan. Use 政策 in each one.

Word Origin

The word 政策 is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. It was popularized during the Meiji era as Japan modernized its legal and political systems, though the individual kanji have ancient roots in Chinese political philosophy.

Original meaning: 政 (Sei) originally referred to the correct management of the state's affairs, while 策 (Saku) referred to bamboo slats used for writing plans or strategies.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when criticizing 政策 in formal business settings; it can be seen as an attack on the leadership's wisdom.

In English, 'policy' can mean insurance or a simple rule. In Japanese, 政策 is almost always formal and strategic.

Income Doubling Plan (所得倍増政策) - 1960s economic success. Abenomics (アベノミクス) - A famous set of economic policies. Cool Japan (クールジャパン政策) - A policy to promote Japanese culture abroad.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Watching the News

政策を発表する
政策を転換する
政策の失敗
政策論争

Political Elections

公約としての政策
政策を比べる
政策集を読む
政策を支持する

Business Strategy Meetings

経営政策
政策保有株
新政策の導入
政策の影響評価

University Lectures

政策学
社会政策の歴史
政策決定過程
政策分析の手法

Environmental Activism

環境政策を求める
政策の不備
持続可能な政策
政策提言を行う

Conversation Starters

"最近の政府の経済政策についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the government's recent economic policy?)"

"あなたの国で最も成功した政策は何ですか？ (What is the most successful policy in your country?)"

"環境を守るために、どのような政策が必要だと思いますか？ (What kind of policies do you think are necessary to protect the environment?)"

"新しい教育政策が始まると聞きましたが、知っていますか？ (I heard a new education policy is starting; do you know about it?)"

"政策決定に市民の声は届いていると思いますか？ (Do you think the voices of citizens reach policy-making?)"

Journal Prompts

もしあなたが日本の首相だったら、どのような新しい政策を打ち出しますか？具体的に書いてください。 (If you were the Prime Minister of Japan, what new policies would you propose? Please write specifically.)

最近ニュースで聞いた『政策』について、その内容と自分の意見をまとめてください。 (Summarize a 'policy' you heard about in the news recently, along with your own opinion.)

自分の住んでいる町の政策で、気に入っているものや改善してほしいものはありますか？ (Are there any policies in your town that you like or want to see improved?)

『政策』と『対策』の違いについて、自分の言葉で説明してください。 (Explain the difference between 'policy' and 'countermeasure' in your own words.)

将来、どのような社会政策があれば、人々はもっと幸せになれると思いますか？ (What kind of social policies do you think would make people happier in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only for high-level strategic policies, like a 'Management Policy' (経営政策). For everyday rules like 'no smoking,' use 規則 (kisoku) or ルール (rūru).

While most commonly political, it is also used in economics and big business. It always implies a 'strategic' level of planning.

Look at the first kanji. 政 (Sei) is for politics. 制 (Sei) is for control/creation (art). 製 (Sei) is for manufacturing (made of cloth/materials). If it's a government plan, it's always 政.

It is common to hear it on the news every day, but you wouldn't use it to talk about your personal life or small hobbies.

政策 is a broad, proactive plan (e.g., environmental policy). 対策 is a specific, reactive fix for a problem (e.g., flood countermeasures).

No, it is a noun. You must add a verb like する (to do) or 打ち出す (to set forth) to make it an action.

It means 'Policy Studies,' an academic field that analyzes how policies are made and their effects.

It is a formal word. In casual conversation, people might use 'ポリシー' (porishī) for personal things or '方針' (hōshin) for general directions.

It is often called a 政策集 (seisakushū) or simply マニフェスト (manifesuto).

Yes, 外交政策 (gaikō seisaku) is the standard term for 'foreign policy.'