政治的 in 30 Seconds
- Political: relating to government and public affairs.
- Used for discussions, decisions, and issues concerning the state.
- Key adjective for understanding governance and societal organization.
- Common in news, academic contexts, and everyday discussions about public matters.
The Japanese word 政治的 (seijiteki) is an adjective that directly translates to 'political' in English. It's used to describe anything that relates to the government, public affairs, or the administration of a country or state. Think about the decisions made by leaders, the laws passed, or the different opinions people have about how a society should be run – these are all areas where the term 政治的 is relevant.
- Core Meaning
- Relating to government, public affairs, or the state.
- Usage Context
- Used when discussing policies, elections, international relations, social issues with government involvement, and the general management of a country.
- Example Scenario
- When a new law is proposed, discussions about its impact and the reasons behind it are 政治的.
これは非常に政治的な問題です。
It's important to understand that 政治的 can apply to both the actions of governments and the broader spectrum of public opinion and debate surrounding those actions. For instance, a debate about environmental policy is 政治的 because it involves government regulation and public discussion about the future of the country. Similarly, international trade agreements are inherently 政治的 as they involve negotiations between nations and affect their economies and relationships.
The word is commonly used in news reports, academic discussions, and everyday conversations when topics related to governance or public affairs arise. It's a versatile term that helps categorize discussions and issues as being within the realm of politics.
Using 政治的 (seijiteki) correctly in sentences involves understanding its role as an adjective modifying nouns related to issues, discussions, decisions, or systems. It's often paired with nouns that describe abstract concepts or activities that are influenced by or involve the government or public affairs.
- Basic Structure
- Noun + is/is not + 政治的 (e.g., 〜は政治的です。〜は政治的ではありません。)
- Modifying a Noun
- Often used before a noun like 政治的な問題 (political problem), 政治的な議論 (political discussion), 政治的な意図 (political intention).
その法案は政治的な駆け引きの結果、可決された。
When describing something as 'not political', you can use 政治的ではない (seijiteki de wa nai) or 非政治的 (hi-seijiteki). For example, a scientific discovery might be considered 非政治的.
これは政治的な発言ではなく、個人的な意見です。
The adjective 政治的 often appears in contexts discussing government policies, international relations, elections, and social movements. It helps to frame discussions within the context of public affairs and governance.
Understanding these patterns will help you construct natural-sounding Japanese sentences involving the concept of 'political'.
You'll encounter the word 政治的 (seijiteki) frequently in various media and conversations, especially when discussing matters of public interest and governance. Its prevalence reflects its importance in describing a wide range of societal interactions.
- News and Current Events
- News anchors, reporters, and analysts often use 政治的 to describe government actions, policy debates, election campaigns, and international relations. For example, 'This is a 政治的な争点' (This is a political issue).
- Academic and Social Discussions
- In university lectures, seminars, or even casual discussions about society, 政治的 is used to categorize topics related to power structures, governance, and societal organization. 'His latest book explores the 政治的な背景' (His latest book explores the political background).
- Business and Economics
- When discussing how government policies or international relations affect the economy, the term 政治的 is often used. For instance, 'The company's decision was influenced by 政治的な要因' (The company's decision was influenced by political factors).
- Everyday Conversations
- People might use 政治的 to describe a friend's strong opinions about government or to comment on a situation that has become complicated due to political disagreements. 'That topic is too 政治的 for me to discuss' (That topic is too political for me to discuss).
この映画は政治的なメッセージを強く含んでいる。
Listening to Japanese news or watching documentaries about Japanese society will provide ample opportunities to hear this word used in authentic contexts.
While 政治的 (seijiteki) is a straightforward adjective, learners can sometimes make mistakes, often due to oversimplification or confusion with similar concepts. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can significantly improve your accuracy.
- Mistake 1: Overuse or Misapplication
- Using 政治的 for matters that are purely personal or unrelated to government or public affairs. For example, calling a disagreement between friends about a movie choice '政治的' would be incorrect unless there's a deeper, public-affairs related reason.
- Correct Usage
- Ensure the topic directly relates to government, public policy, elections, or the administration of a state. For example, a debate about healthcare reform is 政治的.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Politics' (Noun)
- While related,
政治(seiji) is the noun for 'politics'. Using 政治的 where the noun政治is needed, or vice-versa, can lead to grammatical errors. For example, saying 'This is 政治' when you mean 'This is political' (政治的なことだ). - Correct Usage
- Remember 政治的 describes something *as* political (adjective), while
政治refers to the field or practice of politics (noun). - Mistake 3: Incorrect Negation
- Using incorrect phrasing for negation. While
政治的ではない(seijiteki de wa nai) is correct, learners might mistakenly use other negative forms or forget the particle 'な' when directly modifying a noun (e.g., 政治的な問題ではない). - Correct Usage
- The standard negation is 政治的ではない or
非政治的(hi-seijiteki) for 'non-political'. When modifying a noun, use 政治的な.
この件は政治的な意図がある。
Practice constructing sentences and have them reviewed to catch any subtle errors in usage or grammar.
While 政治的 (seijiteki) is the most direct translation for 'political', there are other words and phrases that can convey similar or related meanings, depending on the nuance you want to express. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise communication.
- Noun: 政治 (Seiji)
- This is the noun for 'politics', 'government', or 'political affairs'. 政治的 is derived from this noun.
Example: 日本の政治は複雑だ。(Nihon noseijiwa fukuzatsu da. - Japanese politics is complex.) - Adjective: 非政治的 (Hi-seijiteki)
- This means 'non-political' or 'apolitical'. It's the direct antonym of 政治的.
Example: その話題は非政治的なものだった。(Sono wadai wahi-seijitekina mono datta. - That topic was non-political.) - Phrase: 公共の事柄 (Kōkyō no kotogara)
- Meaning 'public affairs' or 'matters of public concern'. While not a direct adjective, it describes the domain that 政治的 relates to.
Example:公共の事柄に関心がある。(Kōkyō no kotogara ni kanshin ga aru. - I am interested in public affairs.) - Phrase: 政府関係 (Seifu kankei)
- Meaning 'government-related'. This is more specific than 政治的 and focuses purely on governmental connections.
Example:政府関係の部署に問い合わせた。(Seifu kankei no busho ni toiawaseta. - I inquired with a government-related department.) - Phrase: 政策的 (Seisakuteki)
- Meaning 'policy-related'. This is a subset of 政治的, focusing specifically on policies.
Example:政策的な議論が白熱した。(Seisakuteki na giron ga hakunetsu shita. - Policy-related discussions became heated.)
この問題は政治的な側面と
政策的な側面の両方を持っている。
Using these alternatives appropriately will make your Japanese more nuanced and sophisticated.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The very concept of 'politics' as we understand it today has its roots in the small, self-governing city-states (poleis) of ancient Greece. The word 'politics' itself comes from the Greek word 'politikos', meaning 'concerning citizens' or 'pertaining to the state'. The philosopher Aristotle famously wrote 'The
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 't' as a hard 't' instead of a flap in American English.
- Incorrect vowel sounds, particularly in the unstressed syllables.
- Misplacing the stress on the wrong syllable.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'political' is common in English and its Japanese equivalent <mark>政治的</mark> is understandable at an A2 level. However, the nuances of its usage in complex political contexts might pose challenges for beginners. Recognizing its connection to government and public affairs is key.
Constructing sentences with <mark>政治的</mark> is generally straightforward, especially when used with common nouns like 'issue' or 'discussion'. The main challenge lies in ensuring the context is truly political and not just a general disagreement.
Using <mark>政治的</mark> in spoken Japanese is manageable at an A2 level. Learners should focus on natural phrasing and ensuring the context is appropriate for the term.
Understanding <mark>政治的</mark> when heard in typical contexts like news reports or discussions about society is achievable at an A2 level. Its meaning is quite direct.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using な (na) with adjectives derived from nouns (na-adjectives).
政治的 is a na-adjective. When it modifies a noun, it takes な: 政治的な問題 (seijiteki na mondai - political issue).
The polite negative form of na-adjectives.
政治的 + ではありません (seijiteki + de wa arimasen). Example: この話は政治的ではありません。(Kono hanashi wa seijiteki de wa arimasen. - This talk is not political.)
Using adverbs derived from na-adjectives.
政治的 + に (seijiteki + ni). Example: 彼は物事を政治的に考える。(Kare wa monogoto o seijiteki ni kangaeru. - He thinks about things politically.)
Using ～（の）は政治的だ/ではない。
選挙の結果は政治的だ。(Senkyo no kekka wa seijiteki da. - The election results are political.)
Using ～を政治的に利用する。
彼はその状況を政治的に利用した。(Kare wa sono jōkyō o seijiteki ni riyō shita. - He used that situation politically.)
Examples by Level
それは政治的な話です。
That is a political talk/story.
政治的 (seijiteki) is an adjective modifying 話 (hanashi).
この問題は政治的ではありません。
This problem is not political.
政治的ではありません (seijiteki de wa arimasen) is the polite negative form of the adjective.
彼は政治的なことに興味がない。
He is not interested in political things.
政治的なこと (seijiteki na koto) means 'political things/matters'.
私たちは政治的な議論をしました。
We had a political discussion.
政治的な議論 (seijiteki na giron) is a common collocation.
それは政治的な決定でした。
That was a political decision.
政治的な決定 (seijiteki na ketsutei) means 'political decision'.
この会社は政治的な影響を受けやすい。
This company is susceptible to political influence.
政治的な影響 (seijiteki na eikyō) means 'political influence'.
彼は政治的な発言を避けた。
He avoided political statements.
政治的な発言 (seijiteki na hatsugen) means 'political statement'.
それは政治的な駆け引きだった。
That was political maneuvering.
政治的な駆け引き (seijiteki na kakehiki) means 'political maneuvering/strategy'.
その政策は多くの政治的な議論を呼び起こした。
That policy evoked much political debate.
The adjective 政治的 modifies the noun 議論 (giron - debate).
国際関係はしばしば政治的な要素に左右される。
International relations are often swayed by political factors.
政治的な要素 (seijiteki na yōso) means 'political factors'.
彼の発言は政治的な意図があるのではないかと疑われた。
His statement was suspected of having political intentions.
政治的な意図 (seijiteki na ito) means 'political intention'.
この美術館の展示は政治的なメッセージを伝えている。
This museum's exhibition conveys a political message.
政治的なメッセージ (seijiteki na messēji) means 'political message'.
私たちは政治的な中立を保つべきだ。
We should maintain political neutrality.
政治的な中立 (seijiteki na chūritsu) means 'political neutrality'.
その事件は政治的な背景を持っていた。
That incident had a political background.
政治的な背景 (seijiteki na haikei) means 'political background'.
彼は政治的な権力闘争に巻き込まれた。
He was caught up in a political power struggle.
政治的な権力闘争 (seijiteki na kenryoku tōsō) means 'political power struggle'.
この法案は政治的な妥協の産物である。
This bill is a product of political compromise.
政治的な妥協 (seijiteki na dakyō) means 'political compromise'.
その運動は、表面上は政治的ではないと主張したが、その影響は無視できなかった。
The movement claimed to be apolitical on the surface, but its influence could not be ignored.
Here, 政治的ではない (seijiteki de wa nai) is used to describe the movement's stated nature.
現代社会における政治的無関心は、民主主義の健全性に疑問を投げかける。
Political apathy in modern society raises questions about the health of democracy.
政治的無関心 (seijiteki mukanshin) is a compound noun meaning 'political apathy'.
彼の政治的な野心は、キャリアを通じて一貫していた。
His political ambitions were consistent throughout his career.
政治的な野心 (seijiteki na yashin) means 'political ambition'.
グローバル化は、国境を越えた政治的な課題を数多く生み出している。
Globalization has created numerous cross-border political challenges.
政治的な課題 (seijiteki na kadai) means 'political challenges'.
その決定は、政治的な圧力によってではなく、純粋な倫理的観点から下されたと信じたい。
We want to believe that the decision was made from a purely ethical standpoint, not due to political pressure.
政治的な圧力 (seijiteki na atsuryoku) means 'political pressure'.
一部の批評家は、その芸術作品に過度に政治的な解釈を適用していると主張した。
Some critics argued that overly political interpretations were being applied to the artwork.
過度に政治的な解釈 (kado ni seijiteki na kaishaku) means 'overly political interpretation'.
彼は政治的な駆け引きの末、党の指導部から追放された。
He was ousted from the party leadership after political maneuvering.
政治的な駆け引き (seijiteki na kakehiki) emphasizes the strategic and often subtle nature of political games.
その改革は、政治的な利害関係者間の複雑な交渉を経て実現した。
The reform was realized through complex negotiations among political stakeholders.
政治的な利害関係者 (seijiteki na rigai kankeisha) means 'political stakeholders'.
その国における政治的言説は、しばしば国民の感情を煽るために利用される。
Political discourse in that country is often used to inflame public sentiment.
政治的言説 (seijiteki gensetsu) refers to the language and rhetoric used in politics.
経済政策の決定は、純粋な経済的合理性だけでなく、政治的な考慮事項にも大きく依存する。
The determination of economic policy relies heavily not only on pure economic rationality but also on political considerations.
政治的な考慮事項 (seijiteki na kōryo jikō) means 'political considerations'.
彼は、政治的な影響力を行使して、自身の企業に有利な法律の改正を試みた。
He attempted to amend laws favorably for his own company by exercising political influence.
政治的な影響力 (seijiteki na eikyōryoku) means 'political influence/power'.
その芸術家は、作品を通じて政治的なタブーに挑戦し、社会に警鐘を鳴らした。
The artist challenged political taboos through their work, sounding an alarm to society.
政治的なタブー (seijiteki na tabū) refers to subjects considered off-limits in political discussion.
民主主義国家においては、政治的な意思決定プロセスへの市民参加が不可欠である。
In democratic nations, citizen participation in the political decision-making process is essential.
政治的な意思決定プロセス (seijiteki na ishi kettei purosesu) means 'political decision-making process'.
外交政策は、しばしば国内の政治的な状況によって大きく左右される。
Foreign policy is often heavily influenced by the domestic political situation.
政治的な状況 (seijiteki na jōkyō) means 'political situation'.
この問題に対する政治的な解決策を見出すことは、極めて困難であることが証明された。
Finding a political solution to this problem has proven extremely difficult.
政治的な解決策 (seijiteki na kaiketsusaku) means 'political solution'.
彼は、政治的な理想主義と現実主義の間で揺れ動いていた。
He oscillated between political idealism and realism.
政治的な理想主義 (seijiteki na risōshugi) and 現実主義 (genjitsu shugi) are contrasted here.
その政権は、政治的な正当性を確立するために、国民の支持を不可欠な要素と見なしていた。
The administration viewed public support as an indispensable element for establishing political legitimacy.
政治的な正当性 (seijiteki na seitōsei) refers to political legitimacy.
現代のメディア環境において、政治的な言説の変容は、公衆の認識形成に多大な影響を与えている。
In the modern media environment, the transformation of political discourse has a significant impact on public perception formation.
政治的な言説の変容 (seijiteki na gensetsu no henyō) refers to the changing nature of political discourse.
彼は、政治的な計算に基づき、あえて物議を醸すような発言を行った。
He deliberately made controversial statements based on political calculations.
政治的な計算 (seijiteki na keisan) implies strategic, often self-serving, political planning.
その国の政治的安定は、経済発展の礎であるが、しばしば外部からの干渉によって脅かされる。
The country's political stability is the cornerstone of its economic development, but it is often threatened by external interference.
政治的安定 (seijiteki antei) means 'political stability'.
学術界における政治的な中立性の維持は、客観的な研究遂行のための前提条件である。
Maintaining political neutrality in academia is a prerequisite for objective research execution.
政治的な中立性 (seijiteki na chūritsusei) refers to political neutrality in an academic context.
彼は、政治的な駆け引きの巧みさで知られ、数々の困難な交渉を成功に導いた。
He was known for his skill in political maneuvering, leading numerous difficult negotiations to success.
政治的な駆け引きの巧みさ (seijiteki na kakehiki no takumi sa) emphasizes sophisticated political strategy.
その法案は、政治的な派閥間の激しい対立により、成立が危ぶまれた。
The bill's passage was jeopardized by fierce conflict between political factions.
政治的な派閥 (seijiteki na habatsu) refers to political factions or groups.
現代の政治的言説は、しばしば感情的な訴えに訴え、理性的な議論を犠牲にしている。
Modern political discourse often appeals to emotions, sacrificing rational discussion.
This sentence critiques the nature of contemporary 政治的言説.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A conversation or topic that is political in nature.
この話題は政治的な話だから、あまり触れない方がいいよ。(Kono wadai wa seijiteki na hanashi dakara, amari furenai hō ga ii yo. - This topic is political, so it's better not to touch on it too much.)
— Political matters or things that are political.
彼は政治的なことにあまり興味がないようだ。(Kare wa seijiteki na koto ni amari kyōmi ga nai yō da. - He doesn't seem very interested in political things.)
— A decision made based on political considerations rather than purely technical or objective ones.
その決定は、純粋な科学的根拠ではなく、政治的な判断に基づいていた。(Sono ketsutei wa, junsui na kagakuteki konkyo de wa naku, seijiteki na handan ni motozuite ita. - That decision was based on political judgment, not purely scientific grounds.)
— The political context or circumstances surrounding an event or situation.
この事件には複雑な政治的背景がある。(Kono jiken ni wa fukuzatsu na seijiteki haikei ga aru. - This incident has a complex political background.)
— One's political stance, opinion, or affiliation.
彼の政治的な立場は明確だ。(Kare no seijiteki na tachiba wa meikaku da. - His political stance is clear.)
— Political maneuvering, strategizing, or negotiation, often implying subtlety or cunning.
これは単なる政治的な駆け引きに過ぎない。(Kore wa tan naru seijiteki na kakehiki ni suginai. - This is nothing more than political maneuvering.)
— The power or ability to influence political decisions or outcomes.
彼はその組織に大きな政治的影響力を持っている。(Kare wa sono soshiki ni ōkina seijiteki eikyōryoku o motte iru. - He has significant political influence in that organization.)
— Ambition to gain political power or influence.
彼女の政治的な野心は隠しようがない。(Kanojo no seijiteki na yashin wa kakushiyō ga nai. - Her political ambitions are undeniable.)
— Political challenges or issues that need to be addressed.
この国には多くの政治的な課題がある。(Kono kuni ni wa ōku no seijiteki na kadai ga aru. - This country has many political challenges.)
— Conflict or disagreement between political groups or individuals.
両国の間には根深い政治的な対立がある。(Ryōkoku no aida ni wa nebukai seijiteki na tairitsu ga aru. - There is a deep-rooted political conflict between the two countries.)
Often Confused With
While related, 政治的 (political) is broader than 政策的 (policy-related). A policy is a specific plan or action taken by a government, whereas 'political' can refer to the entire system of governance, power dynamics, and public opinion.
政治的 refers to public affairs and governance, whereas 個人的 refers to matters concerning an individual. A decision can have both personal and political implications, but the terms are distinct.
Many social issues have political dimensions, but not all social issues are inherently political. 政治的 specifically implies a connection to government or public affairs, while 社会問題 is a broader term for societal problems.
Idioms & Expressions
— To distance oneself from political matters or statements; to remain neutral or uninvolved.
私はその議論に政治的距離を置くことにした。(Watashi wa sono giron ni seijiteki kyori o oku koto ni shita. - I decided to keep a political distance from that discussion.)
Neutral— To understand the prevailing political climate or sentiment; to gauge the political mood.
彼は常に政治的空気を読んでいる。(Kare wa tsuneni seijiteki kūki o yonde iru. - He is always reading the political atmosphere.)
Neutral— To be used as a pawn or tool in political maneuvering or power games.
一般市民が政治的駆け引きの駒となるべきではない。(Ippan shimin ga seijiteki kakehiki no koma to naru beki de wa nai. - Ordinary citizens should not become pawns in political maneuvering.)
Slightly Negative— To have a keen sense for political opportunities or dangers; to be politically astute.
彼女は政治的嗅覚が鋭く、常に先手を打つ。(Kanojo wa seijiteki kyūkaku ga sursuku, tsuneni sente o utsu. - She has a sharp political sense and always takes the initiative.)
Neutral— To clearly state or demonstrate one's political position or stance.
彼は演説で自身の政治的立場を鮮明にした。(Kare wa enzetsu de jishin no seijiteki tachiba o senmei ni shita. - He clarified his political position in his speech.)
Neutral— To suffer a political defeat or setback.
その政策は議会で政治的敗北を喫した。(Sono seisaku wa gikai de seijiteki haiboku o kissa. - That policy suffered a political defeat in parliament.)
Neutral— To refrain from making political statements or comments.
公務員は政治的発言を控えるべきだ。(Kōmuin wa seijiteki hatsugen o hikaeru beki da. - Public servants should refrain from political statements.)
Neutral— To use one's political influence or power.
彼はその決定に政治的影響力を利用した。(Kare wa sono ketsutei ni seijiteki eikyōryoku o riyō shita. - He used his political influence for that decision.)
Neutral— Political calculations, considerations, or speculations, often driven by self-interest or strategy.
この決定は純粋なものではなく、政治的思惑が絡んでいる。(Kono ketsutei wa junsui na mono de wa naku, seijiteki omowaku ga karande iru. - This decision is not purely objective; political calculations are involved.)
Neutral— To understand the direction of political trends or public opinion; to sense shifts in political favor.
政治家は常に政治的風向きを読む必要がある。(Seijika wa tsuneni seijiteki fūmuki o yomu hitsuyō ga aru. - Politicians always need to read the political winds.)
NeutralEasily Confused
Both <mark>政治的</mark> and <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政治</code> are related to the concept of politics.
<mark>政治的</mark> is an adjective meaning 'political', used to describe things related to politics. <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政治</code> is a noun meaning 'politics' or 'government'. Example: 彼は<mark>政治的</mark>な発言をした。(He made a political statement.) vs. 彼の専門は<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政治</code>だ。(His specialty is politics.)
The election results were political (<mark>政治的</mark>な結果だった), and the field of study is politics (<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政治</code>学).
It's the direct antonym of <mark>政治的</mark>.
<mark>政治的</mark> means 'political', relating to government and public affairs. <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>非政治的</code> means 'non-political' or 'apolitical', indicating a lack of connection to politics. Example: これは<mark>政治的</mark>な問題です。(This is a political problem.) vs. これは<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>非政治的</code>な話題です。(This is a non-political topic.)
The discussion was political (<mark>政治的</mark>な議論だった), but the artwork itself was apolitical (<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>非政治的</code>なものだった).
Both terms relate to public matters.
<mark>政治的</mark> specifically refers to matters of government, power, and public affairs. <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>公的</code> means 'public' in a broader sense, referring to things that are officially recognized, state-run, or for public use, but not necessarily involving political debate or power struggles. Example: <mark>政治的</mark>な決定はしばしば議論を呼ぶ。(Political decisions often invite debate.) vs. <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>公的</code>な資金で運営されている。(It is operated with public funds.)
The hospital receives public (<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>公的</code>) funding, but the debate over healthcare reform is political (<mark>政治的</mark>).
Both relate to the affairs of a nation.
<mark>政治的</mark> describes things related to the process of governing and power dynamics. <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>国事</code> refers to matters of state or national affairs, often in a more formal or ceremonial context. It's about the 'affairs' themselves rather than the 'political' nature of them. Example: 彼は<mark>政治的</mark>な駆け引きが得意だ。(He is good at political maneuvering.) vs. 国事行為は天皇が行う。(Kokuji kōi wa Tennō ga okonau. - Acts of state are performed by the Emperor.)
The diplomat engaged in political (<mark>政治的</mark>) negotiations concerning matters of state (<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>国事</code>).
Both are adjectives describing aspects of governance.
<mark>政治的</mark> means 'political' in a broad sense, covering government, power, and public affairs. <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政策的</code> means 'policy-related', specifically referring to plans and actions taken by governments. Example: その法案は<mark>政治的</mark>な意味合いが強い。(That bill has strong political implications.) vs. その法案は<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政策的</code>な側面が重要だ。(The policy-related aspects of that bill are important.)
The debate was political (<mark>政治的</mark>) and focused on the policy-related (<code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政策的</code>) details of the proposal.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は + 政治的 + です。
この問題は政治的です。(Kono mondai wa seijiteki desu. - This problem is political.)
政治的 + な + Noun
政治的な話は避けましょう。(Seijiteki na hanashi wa sakemashō. - Let's avoid political talk.)
Noun + は + 政治的 + ではありません。
これは政治的ではありません。(Kore wa seijiteki de wa arimasen. - This is not political.)
Noun + は + 政治的な + 理由/影響/etc.
その決定は政治的な理由によるものです。(Sono ketsutei wa seijiteki na riyū ni yoru mono desu. - That decision is due to political reasons.)
～を政治的に見る。
この状況を政治的に見る必要がある。(Kono jōkyō o seijiteki ni miru hitsuyō ga aru. - It is necessary to view this situation politically.)
～に政治的影響を与える。
その法案は経済に政治的影響を与えるだろう。(Sono hōan wa keizai ni seijiteki eikyō o ataeru darō. - That bill will have a political impact on the economy.)
～から政治的距離を置く。
彼はその論争から政治的距離を置いた。(Kare wa sono ronsō kara seijiteki kyori o oita. - He kept a political distance from that controversy.)
～は政治的言説の対象となる。
この問題は政治的言説の対象となっている。(Kono mondai wa seijiteki gensetsu no taishō to natte iru. - This issue has become the subject of political discourse.)
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common, especially in media and discussions about public affairs.
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Using 政治的 for general disagreements.
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This is a disagreement about movies.
Saying 'This is a political disagreement about movies' is incorrect unless the disagreement about movies has larger implications for public policy or governance. For simple personal disputes, use terms like '意見の相違' (iken no sōi - difference of opinion) or '口論' (kōron - argument).
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Confusing 政治的 (adjective) with 政治 (noun).
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His specialty is politics.
Using <mark>政治的</mark> when you mean the noun 'politics' is a common error. Remember: <mark>政治的</mark> describes something *as* political (e.g., <mark>政治的</mark>な問題 - political issue), while <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政治</code> refers to the field itself (e.g., <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>政治</code>学 - political science).
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Incorrect negation: 政治的じゃない.
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This topic is not political.
While '政治的じゃない' (seijiteki ja nai) is understandable in informal contexts, the standard polite negative form is <mark>政治的ではありません</mark> (seijiteki de wa arimasen). Using <code class='font-mono bg-surface-200 dark:bg-surface-800 px-1 rounded'>非政治的</code> (hi-seijiteki) is also a good alternative for 'non-political'.
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Forgetting the な (na) when modifying a noun.
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It was a political decision.
As a na-adjective, <mark>政治的</mark> requires な (na) when it directly precedes a noun. Saying '政治問題' (seiji mondai) might be understood, but '政治的な問題' (seijiteki na mondai) is grammatically correct and standard usage for 'political issue'.
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Overusing 政治的 for complex social issues.
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This is a serious social issue.
While many social issues have political dimensions, not all are inherently political. If an issue primarily concerns societal problems like poverty or education without direct government intervention or policy debate, it might be better described as a 'social issue' (社会問題 - shakai mondai) rather than purely 'political'.
Tips
Adjective Form
Remember that 政治的 is a na-adjective. When it modifies a noun directly, you need to add な (na) after it, like in 政治的な問題 (seijiteki na mondai - political issue).
Connect to 'Politics'
The easiest way to remember 政治的 is to associate it directly with the English word 'political' and its root, 'politics'. Think of it as describing anything that falls under the umbrella of politics.
Antonym Power
Learning the antonym 非政治的 (hi-seijiteki - non-political) can help solidify your understanding of 政治的. Knowing what something *isn't* can clarify what it *is*.
Listen Actively
Pay attention to how native speakers use 政治的 in news broadcasts, documentaries, or discussions. Notice the nouns it modifies and the situations in which it's used.
Cultural Nuances
While the core meaning is 'political', the specific implications can vary culturally. In Japan, understanding concepts like consensus-building might add depth to how political actions are perceived.
Distinguish from Similar Terms
Be mindful of words like 政策的 (policy-related) and 公的 (public). 政治的 is broader and encompasses the dynamics of power and governance, not just specific policies or public services.
Adverbial Use
You can also use 政治的 in its adverbial form, 政治的に (seijiteki ni), to describe an action done in a political manner. For example, 'He approached the issue politically' (彼はその問題を政治的に扱った - Kare wa sono mondai o seijiteki ni atsukatta).
Think 'Public Affairs'
A good mental shortcut for 政治的 is to think of 'public affairs' or 'matters of the state'. If something concerns how a country is run or the decisions made by its leaders, it's likely political.
Write Your Own Examples
Create sentences using 政治的 in different contexts. Try describing a news headline, a debate topic, or a historical event. This active recall will reinforce your understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a king on a throne, wearing a crown and holding a scepter. He is making a decision about his kingdom. This image represents 'political' – the actions and decisions of rulers and governments. The 'pol' sounds like 'pole' (like a king's pole or staff), and 'it-i-cal' sounds like 'it is cool' to be in charge.
Visual Association
Picture a stylized globe with a crown on top, and a speech bubble above it containing symbols like a gavel or scales of justice. This visually links the idea of global affairs and governance with the term 'political'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three different news headlines using the word 'political' (or its Japanese equivalent if you're practicing Japanese). For example, 'The election results were a political victory for the incumbent party.'
Word Origin
The word 'political' originates from the ancient Greek word 'politikos', which means 'of, for, or relating to citizens'. This, in turn, comes from 'polites', meaning 'citizen', and 'polis', meaning 'city'. The concept of politics was deeply intertwined with the governance and affairs of the city-state in ancient Greece.
Original meaning: Relating to citizens, or the governance of a city or state.
Indo-European > Hellenic > Ancient GreekCultural Context
Discussions about political matters can be sensitive and evoke strong emotions. It's important to approach such topics with respect for differing viewpoints, especially in cross-cultural contexts where political systems and values may differ significantly.
In English-speaking countries, 'political' is a ubiquitous term used in discussions about government, elections, policy-making, and international relations. Debates about political ideologies, the role of government in society, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens are common. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding and discourse around political issues.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
News Reporting
- 政治的なニュース (seijiteki na nyūsu - political news)
- 政治的な出来事 (seijiteki na dekigoto - political event)
- 政治的な展開 (seijiteki na tenkai - political development)
Academic Discussions
- 政治的な観点 (seijiteki na kanten - political perspective)
- 政治的な分析 (seijiteki na bunseki - political analysis)
- 政治的な理論 (seijiteki na riron - political theory)
Everyday Conversations about Society
- 政治的な話は苦手 (seijiteki na hanashi wa nigate - I'm not good with political talk)
- 政治的な意見 (seijiteki na iken - political opinion)
- 政治的な状況 (seijiteki na jōkyō - political situation)
International Relations
- 政治的な関係 (seijiteki na kankei - political relations)
- 政治的な対立 (seijiteki na tairitsu - political conflict)
- 政治的な同盟 (seijiteki na dōmei - political alliance)
Business and Economics
- 政治的な影響 (seijiteki na eikyō - political influence)
- 政治的なリスク (seijiteki na risuku - political risk)
- 政治的な要因 (seijiteki na yōin - political factors)
Conversation Starters
"What kind of political news have you seen recently?"
"Do you think it's important for young people to be interested in political issues?"
"How do political decisions affect our daily lives?"
"Is there a big political event happening in your country right now?"
"What's your opinion on the political situation in [specific region/country]?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you encountered a situation that felt very political. What made it political?
Describe a political issue that you feel strongly about, and explain why it is important to you.
Reflect on the role of politics in your own country. How do political decisions impact the lives of ordinary citizens?
Imagine you could change one political policy. What would it be and why?
Discuss the difference between a political issue and a social issue. Can an issue be both?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in their grammatical function. 政治 (seiji) is a noun meaning 'politics' or 'government'. 政治的 (seijiteki) is an adjective meaning 'political', used to describe things that relate to politics or government. For example, 'Politics is complex' would be '政治は複雑です' (Seiji wa fukuzatsu desu), while 'This is a political issue' would be 'これは政治的な問題です' (Kore wa seijiteki na mondai desu).
Use 政治的 (seijiteki) when something is related to government, public affairs, or the exercise of power. Use 非政治的 (hi-seijiteki) when something has no connection to politics or government. For instance, a scientific discovery might be considered 非政治的, while a debate about its funding or regulation would be 政治的.
It can be used if the personal opinion directly relates to government or public affairs. For example, 'My political opinion is that taxes should be lower' (私の政治的な意見は、税金はもっと低くすべきだということです - Watashi no seijiteki na iken wa, zeikin wa motto hikuku beki da to iu koto desu). However, if it's a purely personal preference unrelated to governance, like liking a certain color, then 政治的 would not be appropriate.
Yes, there are related terms like 政策的 (seisakuteki - policy-related) and 政府関係 (seifu kankei - government-related). 政治的 is the most general term for 'political', while 政策的 focuses on specific plans and actions, and 政府関係 specifically points to a connection with the government apparatus.
It is quite common, especially when discussing news, current events, or social issues that involve government actions or public debate. While you might not use it every day, it's a frequently encountered word in media and in conversations about societal matters.
政治的 itself is a neutral adjective. Its formality depends on the context and the accompanying words. For example, using it in a formal speech about diplomacy would be formal, while saying 'That's too political for me' in a casual conversation would be informal. It's generally safe to use in most contexts.
The most direct opposite is 非政治的 (hi-seijiteki), meaning 'non-political' or 'apolitical'. Other antonyms in meaning, depending on context, could include 個人的 (kojinteki - personal) or 私的 (shiteki - private).
As a na-adjective, 政治的 takes な (na) when it directly modifies a noun. For example: 政治的な問題 (seijiteki na mondai - political issue), 政治的な議論 (seijiteki na giron - political discussion), 政治的な意図 (seijiteki na ito - political intention).
Not inherently. The word itself is neutral. However, it can be used in contexts that carry negative connotations, such as 'political maneuvering' (政治的な駆け引き) or 'political pressure' (政治的な圧力), which often imply manipulation or undue influence. The context determines the connotation.
Yes, absolutely. Art and culture can carry political messages or be influenced by political contexts. For example, one might discuss a film's 政治的なメッセージ (seijiteki na messēji - political message) or how a historical event had 政治的な影響 (seijiteki na eikyō - political influence) on artistic movements.
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Summary
The adjective <mark>政治的</mark> (seijiteki) signifies anything related to government, public affairs, and the administration of a country, commonly used in discussions about policy, power, and societal organization.
- Political: relating to government and public affairs.
- Used for discussions, decisions, and issues concerning the state.
- Key adjective for understanding governance and societal organization.
- Common in news, academic contexts, and everyday discussions about public matters.
Context is Key
The word 政治的 (seijiteki) is versatile. Always consider the context to understand if it refers to government actions, public opinion, power struggles, or policy debates. Its meaning is tied to the realm of governance and public affairs.
Adjective Form
Remember that 政治的 is a na-adjective. When it modifies a noun directly, you need to add な (na) after it, like in 政治的な問題 (seijiteki na mondai - political issue).
Connect to 'Politics'
The easiest way to remember 政治的 is to associate it directly with the English word 'political' and its root, 'politics'. Think of it as describing anything that falls under the umbrella of politics.
Antonym Power
Learning the antonym 非政治的 (hi-seijiteki - non-political) can help solidify your understanding of 政治的. Knowing what something *isn't* can clarify what it *is*.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More politics words
撤廃
B2The total abolition or removal of an established system, law, or restriction.
援助する
A2To assist; to help; to support.
訴える
A2To appeal; to sue; to complain.
容認
B2To approve, permit, or tolerate something, even if it is not ideal. It often implies a passive or reluctant acceptance of a situation.
逮捕する
A2To arrest. To seize someone by legal authority.
諮問
B2To refer a matter to an advisory body or an expert for their opinion or deliberation.
是正
B2To correct or rectify a wrong situation, inequality, or error. It is often used in official contexts like correcting social injustices or market imbalances.
腐敗
B2The decomposition of organic matter (biological) or the dishonest/fraudulent conduct by those in power (social). A common topic in IELTS essays about governance.
批判する
A2To criticize. To express disapproval of someone or something.
民主主義
A2Democracy. A system of government by the whole population.
