汚職 em 30 segundos
- Refers specifically to corruption by public officials.
- Combines 'dirty' (汚) and 'job/office' (職).
- Commonly associated with bribery and scandals.
- A formal term used in news and legal contexts.
The term 汚職 (Oshoku) is a heavy-hitting noun in the Japanese language that specifically denotes corruption or graft within the public sector. Etymologically, it is composed of two kanji: 汚 (o/kegasu), meaning 'dirty,' 'polluted,' or 'stained,' and 職 (shoku), meaning 'office,' 'duty,' or 'employment.' Literally, it translates to the 'pollution of one's official duties.' This word is not used for a common thief or a private-sector scammer; it is reserved for those who hold a position of public trust—politicians, bureaucrats, and government officials—who abuse their authority for personal gain, typically through bribery or embezzlement.
- Primary Usage
- Used to describe systemic or individual illegal acts by government figures.
- Nuance
- Carries a strong moral condemnation, implying a betrayal of the citizenry.
- Scope
- Includes bribery (賄賂), bid-rigging (談合), and misuse of public funds.
In the context of Japanese society, where the distinction between 公 (kou - public) and 私 (shi - private) is strictly maintained, 汚職 represents the ultimate violation of social order. It suggests that an individual has allowed their private desires to 'stain' the public office they represent. When a scandal breaks out in the Japanese Diet or a local municipal office, the media immediately labels it an 汚職事件 (oshoku jiken), or corruption scandal.
"その政治家は汚職の疑いで逮捕された。" (That politician was arrested on suspicion of corruption.)
Historically, Japan has seen several high-profile 汚職 cases that have reshaped its political landscape, such as the Lockheed scandal or the Recruit scandal. These events are often described using this term to emphasize the illegal exchange of money for political favors. The word evokes images of 'dark money' (裏金 - uragane) and 'backroom deals' (密室の合意 - misshitsu no goui).
"汚職のない政治を求める。" (We demand politics without corruption.)
- Social Impact
- Leads to a loss of public trust (不信感) and economic inefficiency.
- Legal Context
- Often associated with the Penal Code (刑法) regarding bribery.
"警察は汚職ネットワークを摘発した。" (The police exposed a corruption network.)
Furthermore, 汚職 is a formal term. You will see it in newspapers (新聞), hear it on the news (報道), and read it in legal documents. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing serious social issues. If you are describing a friend who cheated in a game, 汚職 would be far too heavy and inappropriate; you would use 'zuru' (cheating) instead.
"彼は汚職に手を染めてしまった。" (He ended up getting his hands dirty with corruption.)
"汚職は民主主義の敵だ。" (Corruption is the enemy of democracy.)
- Synonym Alert
- 賄賂 (Wairo) is the 'bribe' itself; 汚職 is the 'act' or 'state' of corruption.
Using 汚職 (Oshoku) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its specific collocation patterns. Because it refers to a serious crime, it is almost always used in formal, journalistic, or academic contexts. Here is a breakdown of how to integrate it into your Japanese vocabulary effectively.
1. Common Verb Pairings
汚職 is frequently paired with specific verbs that describe the involvement in or the discovery of corruption:
- 汚職に手を染める (Oshoku ni te o someru): To become involved in corruption. This is a common idiomatic expression.
- 汚職を働く (Oshoku o hataraku): To commit an act of corruption. Similar to 'to commit a crime.'
- 汚職を摘発する (Oshoku o tekihatsu suru): To expose or uncover corruption (usually by police or media).
- 汚職を追及する (Oshoku o tuikyuu suru): To investigate or grill someone about corruption.
2. Compound Nouns
In Japanese, 汚職 often combines with other nouns to create specific terms:
- 汚職事件 (Oshoku jiken): A corruption scandal/case.
- 汚職警官 (Oshoku keikan): A corrupt police officer.
- 汚職撲滅 (Oshoku bokumetsu): The eradication of corruption.
- 汚職疑惑 (Oshoku giwaku): Allegations/suspicion of corruption.
3. Sentence Structure Examples
When constructing sentences, remember that the subject is usually the person in power or the act itself. For example:
"その市長は汚職の罪で起訴された。" (The mayor was indicted on charges of corruption.)
Here, '汚職の罪' (the crime of corruption) acts as the specific charge. Notice the use of the particle 'de' to indicate the reason for the indictment.
4. Formal vs. Informal
Avoid using 汚職 for minor personal betrayals. If a student cheats on a test, you would say 'カンニング' (kanningu). If a businessman cheats on his taxes, you might use '脱税' (datsuzei). 汚職 is strictly for the 'staining' of a public office. Using it incorrectly can make you sound overly dramatic or legally confused.
5. Expressing Prevention
When discussing solutions to corruption, you will often see the word '防止' (boushi - prevention) or '対策' (taisaku - measures):
"政府は新しい汚職防止法を制定した。" (The government enacted a new anti-corruption law.)
You are most likely to encounter 汚職 (Oshoku) in media environments that deal with serious societal issues. It is a staple of the Japanese news cycle and political discourse. Here are the primary locations and contexts where this word frequently appears.
1. News Broadcasts (NHK, News Zero, etc.)
The most common place to hear 汚職 is during the evening news. News anchors use it when reporting on police investigations into politicians or government agencies. You will often hear the phrase "Oshoku no utagai de..." (On suspicion of corruption...).
2. Newspapers and Political Columns
In publications like the Asahi Shimbun or Nikkei, 汚職 is used in headlines to grab attention. Because kanji saves space, it is a very efficient way to signal a major scandal involving public funds or power.
3. Crime and Political Dramas
Japanese TV dramas (dorama) often feature 汚職 as a central plot point. Shows like Hanzawa Naoki or police procedurals like Aibou frequently deal with the tension between honest officials and those who have succumbed to 汚職. In these contexts, the word is used to build dramatic tension and highlight the hero's integrity.
4. Social Studies and Civics Education
In Japanese schools, students learn about 汚職 during 'Koumin' (Civics) class. It is taught as a failure of the democratic system and a violation of the 'Public Office Election Law' (公職選挙法).
5. International Relations and NGOs
When discussing global issues, such as the Transparency International rankings, the term Sekai no Oshoku (World Corruption) is used. Organizations working to improve governance in developing nations will use this term in their reports and seminars.
While 汚職 (Oshoku) is a specific term, learners often confuse it with other words related to 'bad behavior' or 'crime.' Understanding these distinctions is crucial for sounding natural and accurate.
1. Confusing 汚職 with 賄賂 (Wairo)
This is the most common mistake. 賄賂 (Wairo) means 'bribe'—the actual money or gift given. 汚職 (Oshoku) is the broader act of corruption. You give a bribe (賄賂を贈る), but you commit corruption (汚職を働く). 汚職 can include things other than bribes, like nepotism or misuse of information.
2. Using it for Private Sector Issues
If a manager at a private company steals money, it is usually called 横領 (Ouryou - embezzlement) or 背任 (Hainin - breach of trust). 汚職 is specifically for public officials. Using 汚職 for a corporate scandal is technically incorrect unless the corporation is government-linked.
3. Confusing with 腐敗 (Fuhai)
腐敗 (Fuhai) means 'decay' or 'decomposition.' It is used metaphorically for 'corruption' in a general sense (e.g., 'the corruption of society'). 汚職 is the specific legal and professional crime. Think of 腐敗 as the atmosphere and 汚職 as the specific act.
4. Pronunciation Errors
Learners sometimes confuse the 'O' in 汚職 (short) with 'Ou' (long). It is O-shoku, not Ou-shoku. Also, ensure the 'shoku' doesn't sound like 'shoku' (food/meal) by paying attention to the context, though they are homophones in some cases (like 職 vs 食).
5. Overusing the Term
Because it is a very strong word, using it for minor mistakes makes you sound like a sensationalist. Use it only when there is a serious breach of official duty.
To truly master 汚職 (Oshoku), you should understand the family of words related to misconduct and illegality. Here are the most important synonyms and related terms.
- 賄賂 (Wairo)
- Bribe. The physical money or favor exchanged. Often the 'tool' of 汚職.
- 収賄 (Shuubai)
- Accepting a bribe. This is the specific legal term for the official who takes the money.
- 贈賄 (Zoubai)
- Offering a bribe. This is the act of the person giving the money to the official.
- 背任 (Hainin)
- Breach of trust. Acting against the interests of one's employer for personal gain. Used in both public and private sectors.
- 横領 (Ouryou)
- Embezzlement. Stealing money that was entrusted to your care.
- 腐敗 (Fuhai)
- Corruption/Decay. A broader term for the moral decline of an institution or society.
- 談合 (Dangou)
- Bid-rigging. A specific type of corruption where companies conspire to fix prices for government contracts.
While these words all overlap, 汚職 serves as the 'umbrella' term for the criminal behavior of public servants. For example, a politician might be charged with Shuubai (taking a bribe), which is a form of Oshoku (corruption).
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Passive Voice (for being accused/arrested)
~に手を染める (Idiomatic usage)
~をめぐる (Concerning/surrounding a scandal)
~の疑いで (On suspicion of)
~によって (By means of/due to)
Exemplos por nível
汚職は悪いです。
Corruption is bad.
Simple noun + wa + adjective.
テレビで汚職のニュースを見ました。
I saw news about corruption on TV.
Oshoku no news (News of corruption).
汚職、だめ、ぜったい。
Corruption, no, absolutely.
Slogan-style Japanese.
あの人は汚職をしました。
That person committed corruption.
Oshoku o shimashita (Did corruption).
汚職は汚いことです。
Corruption is a dirty thing.
Uses the meaning of the kanji 'dirty'.
政治家と汚職。
Politicians and corruption.
Noun to noun connection.
汚職、こわいですね。
Corruption is scary, isn't it?
Adjective + desu ne.
汚職のない国がいいです。
A country without corruption is good.
Oshoku no nai (Without corruption).
汚職事件が起きました。
A corruption scandal occurred.
Oshoku jiken (Corruption case/scandal).
彼は汚職で警察に捕まりました。
He was caught by the police for corruption.
Oshoku de (Because of corruption).
汚職は大きな問題です。
Corruption is a big problem.
Oshoku wa ... mondai desu.
あの市長は汚職を疑われています。
That mayor is suspected of corruption.
Passive voice: utagawarete iru.
汚職をなくすのは難しいです。
It is difficult to eliminate corruption.
Oshoku o nakusu (Eliminate corruption).
政府の汚職に怒っています。
I am angry at the government's corruption.
Ni okotte iru (Angry at).
汚職について調べます。
I will research about corruption.
Ni tsuite (About).
汚職は国の信頼を壊します。
Corruption destroys the country's trust.
Shinrai o kowasu (Destroy trust).
汚職に手を染めるべきではありません。
One should not get involved in corruption.
Te o someru (Idiom: to get involved).
そのニュースは汚職の疑惑を報じている。
The news is reporting allegations of corruption.
Giwaku o houjiru (Report suspicions).
汚職を根絶するために新しい法律が必要です。
New laws are needed to eradicate corruption.
Konzetsu suru tame ni (In order to eradicate).
多くの国民が汚職に反対している。
Many citizens are against corruption.
Ni hantai shite iru (To be against).
汚職は社会の公平性を損なう。
Corruption damages the fairness of society.
Kouheisei o sokonau (Damage fairness).
彼は汚職の罪を認めました。
He admitted to the crime of corruption.
Tsumi o mitomeru (Admit guilt).
汚職が原因で、そのプロジェクトは中止された。
The project was cancelled due to corruption.
Oshoku ga gen'in de (Corruption as the cause).
汚職のない政治家を選びたい。
I want to choose a politician without corruption.
Oshoku no nai (Adjective phrase).
汚職の摘発により、政権が交代した。
The exposure of corruption led to a change in government.
Tekihatsu ni yori (Due to exposure).
企業と政治家の間の汚職が明るみに出た。
Corruption between corporations and politicians came to light.
Akarumi ni deru (To come to light).
汚職は経済成長を阻害する要因となる。
Corruption becomes a factor that hinders economic growth.
Sogai suru youin (Hindering factor).
その役人は汚職の疑いで家宅捜索を受けた。
The official's home was searched on suspicion of corruption.
Katakusousaku o ukeru (Undergo a home search).
汚職に対する罰則を強化すべきだ。
Penalties for corruption should be strengthened.
Bassoku o kyouka suru (Strengthen penalties).
汚職は民主主義の根幹を揺るがす。
Corruption shakes the very foundation of democracy.
Konkan o yurugasu (Shake the foundation).
国際的な汚職防止の取り組みが進んでいる。
International efforts to prevent corruption are progressing.
Torikumi (Efforts/Initiatives).
汚職によって公共事業の質が低下した。
The quality of public works declined due to corruption.
Shitsu ga teika suru (Quality drops).
汚職の構造的な問題を解決するのは容易ではない。
It is not easy to solve the structural problems of corruption.
Kouzouteki na mondai (Structural problem).
汚職は官僚機構の透明性を著しく欠いている証拠だ。
Corruption is evidence of a significant lack of transparency in the bureaucracy.
Toumeisei o kaku (Lack transparency).
汚職が蔓延すると、社会全体の倫理観が麻痺する。
When corruption spreads, the ethical sense of the entire society becomes paralyzed.
Man'en suru (To spread/infest).
汚職事件の背後には、複雑な利権が絡み合っている。
Behind the corruption scandal, complex vested interests are intertwined.
Riken ga karamiatte iru (Intertwined interests).
汚職を容認する文化が、組織の腐敗を加速させる。
A culture that tolerates corruption accelerates organizational decay.
Younin suru (To tolerate/allow).
汚職の告発者は、しばしば不当な扱いを受ける。
Whistleblowers of corruption often receive unfair treatment.
Kokuhatsu-sha (Whistleblower).
汚職防止策として、情報の公開が不可欠である。
As a measure to prevent corruption, the disclosure of information is indispensable.
Fukatsu (Indispensable).
汚職は、法治国家としての信頼を根本から損なう。
Corruption fundamentally undermines trust in a nation governed by the rule of law.
Konpon kara sokonau (Undermine from the root).
汚職の温床となっている規制を撤廃すべきだという議論がある。
There is an argument that regulations serving as a hotbed for corruption should be abolished.
Onshou (Hotbed/Breeding ground).
汚職は、資源の不当な配分を招き、社会的不平等を助長する。
Corruption leads to the unjust allocation of resources and encourages social inequality.
Fujou na haibun (Unjust allocation).
汚職の根絶には、政治資金の透明化が至上命令である。
For the eradication of corruption, making political funds transparent is a supreme imperative.
Shijou meirei (Supreme command/Imperative).
汚職の摘発が、往々にして政争の具として利用されることもある。
The exposure of corruption is often utilized as a tool for political strife.
Seisou no gu (Tool for political struggle).
汚職に対する国民の無関心が、さらなる不正を許容する土壌を作る。
Public indifference toward corruption creates a soil that permits further injustice.
Kyoyou suru dojou (Soil that permits).
汚職は、国際的な投資意欲を減退させる重大なリスク要因である。
Corruption is a significant risk factor that diminishes international investment appetite.
Gentai saseru (To diminish/cause to decline).
汚職の連鎖を断ち切るためには、教育による倫理観の醸成が欠かせない。
To break the chain of corruption, the cultivation of ethical values through education is essential.
Jousei (Cultivation/Fostering).
汚職は、国家の正当性を内部から蝕む「癌」のような存在だ。
Corruption is like a 'cancer' that eats away at the legitimacy of the state from within.
Mushibamu (To eat away/gnaw).
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Wairo is the bribe (money); Oshoku is the act of corruption.
Fuhai is general decay/corruption; Oshoku is the specific legal crime.
Ouryou is embezzlement (stealing money); Oshoku is broader misuse of office.
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Como usar
High register word.
Strictly for public officials.
Strongly negative connotation.
- Using it for a friend who cheats at cards.
- Saying 'Oshoku suru' instead of 'Oshoku o hataraku'.
- Confusing it with 'Oushoku' (European food).
- Using it for a private company's internal theft.
- Thinking it only means 'bribery' (it's broader).
Dicas
Focus on the 'Job'
Remember that the second kanji is 職 (job). Corruption is a 'dirty job'.
News Keywords
When you hear 'Oshoku', expect to hear 'Taiho' (arrest) soon after.
Use with Giwaku
Say 'Oshoku no giwaku' (suspicion of corruption) to sound like a reporter.
Headline Shortening
In headlines, it might just be '汚職' followed by a colon and the person's name.
Particle Choice
Use 'de' to indicate the reason for an arrest: 汚職で逮捕.
Pair with Wairo
Learn 賄賂 (Wairo) at the same time, as they are almost always related.
Public vs Private
Understand that 汚職 is a betrayal of the 'Public' (Kou).
Formal Essays
Use this word when writing about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding peace and justice.
The Dirty Office
Visualize a politician spilling black ink all over their office desk.
Bureaucracy
Associate this word with 'Kanryou' (bureaucrats) for better recall.
Memorize
Mnemônico
O! SHOKU! (Oh, what a shock!) The politician was caught in a corruption scandal.
Origem da palavra
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Contexto cultural
The Japanese media (the 'Fourth Estate') is very aggressive in pursuing 汚職 stories.
The line between traditional gift-giving (Ochugen/Oseibo) and 賄賂 (bribery) is a sensitive legal boundary.
Corruption is seen not just as a legal failure but as a profound source of shame (haji).
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"最近の汚職ニュースについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the recent corruption news?)"
"あなたの国では汚職は大きな問題ですか？ (Is corruption a big problem in your country?)"
"汚職をなくすにはどうすればいいと思いますか？ (What do you think should be done to eliminate corruption?)"
"汚職事件が起きると、政治への信頼がなくなりますね。 (When corruption scandals happen, trust in politics vanishes, doesn't it?)"
"ドラマでよく汚職警官が出てきますが、実際はどうなんでしょう。 (Corrupt cops often appear in dramas, but I wonder what it's like in reality.)"
Temas para diário
汚職が社会に与える影響について書いてください。 (Write about the impact of corruption on society.)
もしあなたが汚職を発見したら、どうしますか？ (If you discovered corruption, what would you do?)
なぜ人は汚職に手を染めてしまうのでしょうか。 (Why do people end up getting involved in corruption?)
汚職のない社会を作るために必要な教育とは。 (What kind of education is necessary to create a society without corruption?)
ニュースで見た印象的な汚職事件について。 (About an impressive corruption case you saw in the news.)
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasUsually no. Use '背任' (breach of trust) or '横領' (embezzlement) for corporate figures unless they are working with government officials.
It is very common in news and newspapers, but rare in everyday casual talk about hobbies or daily life.
収賄 (Shuubai) is the specific legal charge of 'accepting a bribe.' 汚職 is the general term for the corruption.
You can say '汚職防止' (Oshoku Boushi) or '反汚職' (Han-Oshoku).
Yes, 汚 (kitanai) is the same kanji used in 汚職 (oshoku).
No. You say '汚職を行う' or '汚職を働く' instead of '汚職する'.
No, it is strictly for financial or power-based corruption. Use '不倫' (adultery) or '性不祥事' for sexual scandals.
It means 'Corruption Scandal' or 'Corruption Case'.
Yes, it is frequently used to describe the downfall of dynasties or political regimes.
It is a formal, neutral word for a very impolite and illegal act.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
汚職 is the specific Japanese term for public sector corruption. It highlights the 'staining' of a public office through illegal acts like bribery, distinguishing it from general crime or private-sector fraud.
- Refers specifically to corruption by public officials.
- Combines 'dirty' (汚) and 'job/office' (職).
- Commonly associated with bribery and scandals.
- A formal term used in news and legal contexts.
Focus on the 'Job'
Remember that the second kanji is 職 (job). Corruption is a 'dirty job'.
News Keywords
When you hear 'Oshoku', expect to hear 'Taiho' (arrest) soon after.
Use with Giwaku
Say 'Oshoku no giwaku' (suspicion of corruption) to sound like a reporter.
Headline Shortening
In headlines, it might just be '汚職' followed by a colon and the person's name.
Exemplo
政治汚職です。
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de Law
告訴
A1Uma queixa-crime formal apresentada por uma vítima. Exige a punição do infrator.
協定
A1Um acordo ou arranjo formal alcançado entre duas ou mais partes, geralmente em contextos legais ou empresariais.
恩赦
A1Um ato formal de perdão concedido pelo governo ou chefe de estado.
上訴
A1O ato de recorrer de uma decisão judicial para um tribunal superior. É um termo geral que abrange diferentes tipos de recursos no sistema jurídico.
可決
A1A aprovação oficial de uma proposta ou projeto de lei por um órgão votante. Exemplo: 'O projeto foi aprovado por unanimidade.'
逮捕
A1O ato legal de levar alguém sob custódia pela polícia devido a um crime suspeito.
放火
A1O ato de incendiar intencionalmente um edifício ou propriedade. Na lei japonesa, é considerado um crime muito grave.
暴行
A1Ato de violência física ou agressão contra uma pessoa. Usado em contextos legais e jornalísticos.
保釈
A1A fiança é a liberação temporária de um acusado que aguarda julgamento. Em japonês, o termo usado é '保釈'.
背任
A1Abuso de confiança. Agir contra os deveres para ganho pessoal.
