At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'kōgi' means 'to say no' or 'to protest' in a formal way. You might hear it in very simple news or see it in a basic textbook when talking about school or simple rules. It is often introduced as 'kōgi suru' (to protest). Even if you don't use it yourself yet, recognizing it as a way to express strong disagreement is helpful. Think of it as a formal version of 'dame' (no good) or 'iya' (I don't like it) when applied to rules or decisions. You might see it in a sentence like 'I protested to the teacher' (Sensei ni kōgi shimashita).
At the A2 level, you should start to understand that 'kōgi' is used when someone thinks something is unfair. You can use it in simple sentences with the particle 'ni' to show what you are protesting against. For example, 'I protested the unfair game' (fukouhei na geemu ni kōgi shimashita). You also start to distinguish 'kōgi' from 'monku' (complaining). 'Monku' is what you do when you are grumpy; 'kōgi' is what you do when you want to change a rule. You might also see 'kōgi' in sports news when a manager is angry at a referee.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'kōgi' in both written and spoken contexts. You can use it to describe social issues or workplace problems. You should know common combinations like 'kōgi no koe' (voice of protest) and 'kōgi no tegami' (letter of protest). You understand that 'kōgi' is a formal word and you wouldn't use it with friends about small things. You can also handle the homophone 'kōgi' (lecture) by looking at the context or the kanji. You might write a short paragraph about a protest you saw on the news using this word.
At the B2 level, you can use 'kōgi' with more complex grammar like 'ni taishite' or 'ni mukete.' You understand the nuances of 'lodging a formal protest' (kōgi o moushi-ireru). You can participate in discussions about social movements and use 'kōgi' to describe the actions of various groups. You also understand the difference between 'kōgi' and more specific terms like 'igi' (legal objection) or 'hanpatsu' (backlash). Your vocabulary includes compound words like 'kōgi katsudō' (protest activity) and 'kōgi seimei' (protest statement).
At the C1 level, you use 'kōgi' with native-like precision. You can discuss the historical and political implications of 'kōgi' in Japanese society. You understand how the word is used in high-level journalism to frame international relations. You can use varied expressions like 'kōgi o fukumeru' (to include a protest) or 'kōgi no i o hyousuru' (to express a feeling of protest). You are aware of the subtle rhetorical power the word holds and can use it to argue a point effectively in a formal essay or debate. You can also analyze the difference between grassroots 'kōgi' and institutional 'kōgi'.
At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of 'kōgi' including its philosophical and abstract applications. You can interpret the word in literature and academic discourse, recognizing when it's used metaphorically (e.g., a protest against existence itself). You can navigate the most complex legal and diplomatic texts where 'kōgi' appears, understanding the specific procedural weight it carries. You can also critique the use of the word in media, noting how different outlets might use 'kōgi' to bias the reader. You are a master of the word's many synonyms and can choose the exact right term for any conceivable context of disagreement.

抗議 em 30 segundos

  • Kōgi is the Japanese word for 'protest' or 'objection.'
  • It is a formal term used for serious issues like politics or sports rulings.
  • It functions as a noun and a 'suru' verb (抗議する).
  • It is different from casual complaints (monku) or simple opposition (hantai).

The Japanese word 抗議 (こうぎ - kōgi) is a powerful and formal noun that translates most directly to 'protest' or 'objection.' It represents the act of expressing a firm disapproval or a formal challenge against an action, a decision, or a state of affairs that is perceived as unjust, incorrect, or harmful. Unlike a simple complaint or a casual expression of dissatisfaction, kōgi carries a weight of formality and often implies a demand for rectification or change. It is rooted in the kanji (resist/defy) and (deliberation/discussion), suggesting a deliberate and structured form of resistance.

Formal Protest
Used in diplomatic, legal, or institutional contexts when one party officially objects to another's actions.
Social Movement
Commonly used to describe public demonstrations or 'protest marches' (抗議デモ) where citizens express their collective voice against policy changes.
Sports Context
When a coach or player disputes a referee's decision, they are said to be making a kōgi.

市民たちは新しい法律に抗議するために集まりました。 (Citizens gathered to protest against the new law.)

In daily life, you might not use kōgi to complain about a cold cup of coffee at a cafe—for that, you would use 苦情 (kujō). However, if that cafe had a discriminatory policy, you might indeed stage a kōgi. The word implies a level of principle and seriousness. It is frequently seen in news headlines involving international relations, such as when one country lodges a 'formal protest' (正式な抗議) against another's territorial incursions or economic sanctions.

選手は審判の判定に強く抗議した。 (The player strongly protested the referee's decision.)

Understanding the nuance between kōgi and its synonyms is crucial for advanced Japanese. While 反対 (hantai) means general opposition, kōgi is the active expression of that opposition. It is the 'voice' or 'action' taken. In historical contexts, Japan has a long history of kōgi, from peasant uprisings in the Edo period to the massive student protests of the 1960s. Each of these is characterized by a specific demand for justice.

Scale of Objection
Low: 文句 (monku - grumbling) | Medium: 苦情 (kujō - complaint) | High: 抗議 (kōgi - formal protest).

政府に対して抗議の声を上げる。 (To raise a voice of protest against the government.)

Using 抗議 (kōgi) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a 'suru' verb. The structure typically involves identifying who is protesting, what they are protesting against, and the method of protest. The most common particle used with the target of the protest is に (ni) or に対して (ni taishite).

Basic Verb Usage
[Subject] は [Target] に 抗議する。 (Subject protests to/against Target.)
Noun + Particle
抗議の [Noun] (e.g., 抗議の手紙 - a letter of protest).

彼は不当な解雇に対して抗議した。 (He protested against the unfair dismissal.)

When you want to describe the intensity of the protest, you can use adverbs like 強く (tsuyoku - strongly) or 激しく (hashiku - fiercely). In formal writing, such as journalism, you will see kōgi combined with specific verbs of action like 受ける (ukeru - to receive/face) or 申し入れる (moushi-ireru - to lodge/file). This creates a more professional tone suitable for business or political contexts.

その国は他国の軍事演習に正式に抗議した。 (That country officially protested the other country's military exercises.)

Another important pattern is the use of 抗議の声 (kōgi no koe), literally 'the voice of protest.' This is used to describe the general sentiment of a group of people. For example, '国民から抗議の声が上がっている' (Voices of protest are rising from the citizens). This phrasing is very common in news broadcasts to summarize public outcry without focusing on a single individual.

Compound Nouns
抗議活動 (kōgi katsudō - protest activities), 抗議声明 (kōgi seimei - protest statement).

野党は予算案に抗議して、審議を拒否した。 (The opposition party protested the budget bill and refused the deliberations.)

Lastly, consider the 'protest' as an object of a verb. You can 'withdraw' a protest (抗議を取り下げる - kōgi o torisageru) or 'ignore' a protest (抗議を無視する - kōgi o mushi suru). These variations allow you to describe the lifecycle of a dispute from its inception to its resolution or dismissal.

You will encounter 抗議 (kōgi) most frequently in formal settings and media. It is a staple of NHK News and major newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun or Yomiuri Shimbun. When there is a diplomatic rift, a controversial government decision, or a large-scale strike, the word kōgi will be used repeatedly to frame the conflict. It provides a serious, objective tone to the reporting of disagreements.

TV News
Reporting on international disputes: '外務省は大使を呼び出し、厳重に抗議しました' (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassador and protested strictly).
Sports Commentary
During a baseball or soccer game: '監督がベンチを飛び出して抗議しています' (The manager has rushed out of the bench and is protesting).

SNS上でも、その発言に対する抗議が殺到している。 (Protests against that statement are flooding in on social media as well.)

In the modern era, kōgi is also used to describe online activism. When a hashtag goes viral to oppose a corporate decision or a celebrity's scandal, Japanese media often describe this as 'online protest' or 'SNSでの抗議.' This shows how the word has evolved from physical marches to digital spaces. However, the core meaning of 'principled objection' remains the same.

環境保護団体が本社の前で抗議デモを行った。 (Environmental protection groups held a protest demo in front of the headquarters.)

Even in fiction, such as anime or manga, kōgi appears when characters stand up to authority. A student council president might kōgi against a school principal's unfair rules, or a hero might kōgi against a villain's cruel philosophy. It is a word that signals a turning point where someone decides they can no longer remain silent.

Workplace
Labor unions (労働組合) often use '抗議' when negotiating for better conditions or protesting layoffs.

組合は賃金カットに反対して抗議集会を開いた。 (The union held a protest meeting to oppose the wage cuts.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 抗議 (kōgi) is using it for low-stakes personal complaints. In English, we might say 'I'm going to protest this long line at the DMV,' but in Japanese, kōgi is too heavy for that. If you use kōgi for small annoyances, you will sound overly dramatic or aggressive. For personal dissatisfaction, use 文句 (monku) or 苦情 (kujō).

Mistake: Over-formality
Saying '店員に抗議した' (I protested the clerk) because your order was wrong. Correct: '店員に文句を言った'.
Mistake: Particle Choice
Using 'を' (wo) for the target. It should be 'に' (ni) or 'に対して' (ni taishite).

Incorrect: 彼は雨に抗議した。 (He protested the rain.)

Correct: 彼は雨に文句を言った。 (He grumbled about the rain.)

Another mistake is confusing kōgi with 講義 (kōgi). Notice the difference? They are homophones! 講義 (lecture) and 抗議 (protest) are pronounced exactly the same way. Context is the only way to distinguish them in speech. If you are in a university, kōgi is likely a lecture. If you are at a political rally, kōgi is likely a protest. Be careful when writing the kanji, as they are completely different.

大学の講義 (University Lecture) vs. 不当な扱いに抗議 (Protesting unfair treatment).

Learners also sometimes forget that kōgi is an intransitive verb structure when used as kōgi-suru. You don't 'protest a thing' directly in the same way you 'eat an apple.' You 'do a protest *toward* a thing.' This is why the particle ni is so important. Using wo is a grammatical error that marks you as a non-native speaker immediately.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Hantai'
'反対' (hantai) is the state of being against something. '抗議' (kōgi) is the action taken to show it. You can be 'hantai' in your heart, but you must 'kōgi' with your voice.

Japanese has several words for disagreement and objection, each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the formality, the target, and the intensity of the feeling. Here is a comparison of 抗議 (kōgi) with its closest relatives.

抗議 (Kōgi) vs. 苦情 (Kujō)
Kōgi is for justice and principles; Kujō is for personal dissatisfaction or customer complaints (e.g., noisy neighbors).
抗議 (Kōgi) vs. 異議 (Igi)
Igi is specifically for 'objection' in a legal or procedural sense (e.g., 'Objection, your honor!' is '異議あり!'). Kōgi is broader and more public.
抗議 (Kōgi) vs. 反対 (Hantai)
Hantai means 'opposite' or 'against.' It's a stance. Kōgi is the active manifestation of that stance.

判定に異議を唱える。 (To raise an objection to a ruling - very formal/legal.)

Other alternatives include 不服 (fufuku), which means 'dissatisfaction' or 'not accepting a decision.' This is often used when someone is unhappy with a grade or a legal sentence. Then there is 反発 (hanpatsu), which means 'backlash' or 'rebellion.' This is used when a group of people reacts negatively to a new policy or social trend.

若者の間で新しい規則への反発が強まっている。 (Backlash against the new rules is growing among young people.)

In summary, choose kōgi when the situation involves a formal dispute, a public issue, or a matter of principle. It is the 'heavyweight' word for saying 'I do not accept this and I want you to know why.'

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The kanji '抗' contains the 'hand' radical (扌), suggesting an active, physical resistance, while '議' contains the 'speech' radical (言), highlighting that it's a resistance made through words and deliberation.

Guia de pronúncia

UK koːɡi
US koʊɡi
Heiban (flat) accent. The pitch stays relatively level across both syllables.
Rima com
講義 (kōgi - lecture) 好機 (kōki - good opportunity) 正義 (seigi - justice) 会議 (kaigi - meeting) 定義 (teigi - definition) 奥義 (ougi - secret technique) 名義 (meigi - name/title) 礼儀 (reigi - manners)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing it as 'kogi' (short o) instead of 'kōgi' (long o).
  • Confusing it with 'kōki' (high rank/sparkle).
  • Using a hard English 'g' instead of the softer Japanese 'g'.
  • Misplacing the pitch accent (making it 'KO-gi' instead of 'ko-gi').
  • Mixing it up with 'kougeki' (attack).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The kanji are common in news but require some study for beginners.

Escrita 4/5

The kanji '議' has many strokes and is easy to mess up.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but pitch accent is important.

Audição 3/5

Must distinguish from 'lecture' (講義) via context.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

反対 意見 言う 正しい 間違っている

Aprenda a seguir

異議 苦情 不服 提訴 デモ

Avançado

糾弾 弾劾 異議申し立て 不服申立て

Gramática essencial

Suru-verbs

抗議する、勉強する、連絡する

Ni Taishite (Target)

政府に対して抗議する。

No wa ~ da (Nominalization)

抗議するのは勇気がいる。

Te-mo (Even if)

抗議しても無駄だった。

Passive Voice (Ukeru)

彼は抗議を受けた。

Exemplos por nível

1

先生に抗議しました。

I protested to the teacher.

Simple past tense of kōgi-suru.

2

彼は抗議しています。

He is protesting.

Present continuous form.

3

抗議はだめです。

Protesting is not allowed.

Noun + copula.

4

みんなで抗議しよう。

Let's all protest.

Volitional form 'shiyō'.

5

小さな抗議。

A small protest.

Adjective + noun.

6

抗議がありますか?

Do you have an objection?

Question form.

7

私は抗議しません。

I will not protest.

Negative form.

8

抗議は必要です。

Protest is necessary.

Noun + hitsuyou (necessary).

1

不公平なルールに抗議した。

I protested against the unfair rules.

Target 'ni' + kōgi-shita.

2

彼は怒って抗議しました。

He got angry and protested.

Te-form for cause/manner.

3

抗議の手紙を書きました。

I wrote a letter of protest.

Noun + 'no' + noun.

4

審判に抗議するのは難しい。

It is difficult to protest to the referee.

Nominalizing with 'no wa'.

5

抗議の声が聞こえます。

I can hear voices of protest.

Kōgi no koe (voices of protest).

6

彼は静かに抗議した。

He protested quietly.

Adverbial 'shizuka ni'.

7

抗議するために集まった。

They gathered in order to protest.

Tame ni (purpose).

8

その抗議は意味がない。

That protest is meaningless.

Imi ga nai (no meaning).

1

増税に対して強く抗議する。

I strongly protest against the tax increase.

Ni taishite (against).

2

市民たちは抗議デモを行った。

Citizens carried out a protest march.

Kōgi demo (protest demo).

3

会社に抗議文を送った。

I sent a written protest to the company.

Kōgibun (protest letter).

4

彼は自分の権利を守るために抗議した。

He protested to protect his rights.

Kenri (rights).

5

抗議が受け入れられた。

The protest was accepted.

Passive voice 'uke-irerareta'.

6

多くの人が抗議に参加した。

Many people participated in the protest.

Sanka suru (participate).

7

抗議の内容を説明してください。

Please explain the content of the protest.

Naiyou (content).

8

抗議しても何も変わらなかった。

Even though I protested, nothing changed.

Te-mo (even if/though).

1

政府の決定に正式に抗議を申し入れた。

We officially lodged a protest against the government's decision.

Moushi-ireru (to lodge/file).

2

不当な差別に抗議する活動が広がっている。

Activities protesting unfair discrimination are spreading.

Futou na sabetsu (unfair discrimination).

3

彼は抗議のしるしとして、会議を欠席した。

As a sign of protest, he was absent from the meeting.

Kōgi no shirushi (sign of protest).

4

その映画の内容に抗議が殺到した。

Protests flooded in regarding the content of that movie.

Sattou suru (to flood/rush in).

5

抗議を無視することはできない。

It is impossible to ignore the protest.

Mushi suru (to ignore).

6

労働組合はストライキで抗議した。

The labor union protested with a strike.

Sutoraiki (strike).

7

大使館の前で抗議集会が開かれた。

A protest rally was held in front of the embassy.

Kōgi shūkai (protest rally).

8

抗議を撤回させるのは難しい。

It is difficult to make them withdraw their protest.

Tekkai saseru (cause to withdraw).

1

外務省は隣国の領空侵犯に対して厳重に抗議した。

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strictly protested against the neighbor country's airspace violation.

Genjuu ni (strictly/severely).

2

彼は沈黙をもって抗議の意を表した。

He expressed his protest through silence.

Chinmoku (silence) + i o hyousuru (express intent).

3

抗議の渦が国中に広がっている。

A whirlpool of protest is spreading throughout the country.

Kōgi no uzu (whirlpool of protest - metaphorical).

4

その政策は国民の激しい抗議を招いた。

That policy invited fierce protests from the citizens.

Maneiku (to invite/cause).

5

抗議の正当性を主張する。

To assert the legitimacy of the protest.

Seitousei (legitimacy).

6

彼は抗議文の中で、具体的な改善案を提示した。

In the protest letter, he presented specific improvement plans.

Teiji suru (to present/propose).

7

抗議行動が暴徒化するのを防ぐ必要がある。

It is necessary to prevent protest actions from turning into a riot.

Boutoka suru (to turn into a riot).

8

組織的な抗議が、ついに実を結んだ。

The organized protest finally bore fruit.

Mi o musubu (bear fruit/succeed).

1

抗議のパラドックス:沈黙が最も雄弁な抗議となることもある。

The paradox of protest: silence can sometimes be the most eloquent protest.

Yuuben (eloquent).

2

国家権力に対する根源的な抗議の精神。

A fundamental spirit of protest against state power.

Kongenteki (fundamental).

3

彼は存在そのものが社会への抗議であるかのように生きた。

He lived as if his very existence was a protest against society.

Sonzai sonomono (existence itself).

4

抗議のレトリックが政治的な分断を深めている。

The rhetoric of protest is deepening political divisions.

Retorikku (rhetoric).

5

形骸化した抗議は、もはや現状を変える力を持たない。

Protests that have become mere shells no longer have the power to change the status quo.

Keigaika (becoming a mere shell/formalized).

6

抗議の矛先がどこに向かっているのかを見極める。

To discern where the brunt of the protest is being directed.

Hokusaki (brunt/tip of the spear).

7

彼は不条理な運命に対して、詩を通じて抗議し続けた。

He continued to protest against his absurd fate through poetry.

Fujouri (absurdity).

8

抗議という行為が持つ、道徳的な重層性を考察する。

To consider the moral multi-layeredness inherent in the act of protest.

Juusousei (multi-layeredness).

Colocações comuns

抗議の声
強く抗議する
抗議デモ
抗議を申し入れる
抗議文
抗議集会
正式な抗議
抗議のしるし
抗議を受ける
抗議を撤回する

Frases Comuns

抗議の電話

— A phone call made to express a protest or complaint.

役所に抗議の電話が殺到した。

抗議活動

— General protest activities or movements.

彼は長年、環境保護の抗議活動をしている。

抗議声明

— An official statement of protest issued by a group.

団体は抗議声明を発表した。

抗議の的

— A target of protest.

そのビルは再開発反対派の抗議の的となった。

抗議の意

— The intention or feeling of protest.

沈黙を守ることで抗議の意を示した。

抗議自殺

— A suicide committed as a form of extreme protest.

歴史上、抗議自殺が起きたこともある。

抗議のプラカード

— Protest placards or signs.

人々は抗議のプラカードを掲げた。

抗議を退ける

— To reject or dismiss a protest.

委員会は彼の抗議を退けた。

抗議行動

— The act of protesting.

抗議行動は平和的に行われた。

猛抗議

— A very fierce or intense protest.

野党は猛抗議を展開した。

Frequentemente confundido com

抗議 vs 講義 (kōgi)

Homophone meaning 'lecture'. Distinguish by kanji or context.

抗議 vs 会議 (kaigi)

Means 'meeting'. Both end in 'gi' but 'kaigi' is for discussion, 'kōgi' is for protest.

抗議 vs 攻撃 (kougeki)

Means 'attack'. Sounds similar but 'kōgi' is verbal/symbolic protest, 'kougeki' is an assault.

Expressões idiomáticas

"抗議の声を上げる"

— To speak out in protest.

不当な差別に抗議の声を上げる。

Formal
"抗議の矢面に立つ"

— To be at the forefront of receiving protests.

大臣は批判と抗議の矢面に立った。

Formal
"抗議の色を隠さない"

— To not hide one's feeling of protest or disapproval.

彼は判定に抗議の色を隠さなかった。

Literary
"抗議の嵐"

— A storm (outpouring) of protests.

SNSで抗議の嵐が巻き起こった。

Metaphorical
"抗議のしるしに"

— As a sign of protest.

抗議のしるしに腕章を巻く。

Neutral
"抗議の火を灯す"

— To start a protest movement (metaphorical).

彼の勇気が抗議の火を灯した。

Literary
"抗議の波"

— A wave of protest.

抗議の波が全土に広がった。

Metaphorical
"抗議の矛先を向ける"

— To direct the brunt of a protest toward someone.

市民は市長に抗議の矛先を向けた。

Formal
"抗議を辞さない"

— To not hesitate to protest.

我々はさらなる抗議を辞さない構えだ。

Very Formal
"抗議を封じ込める"

— To suppress or contain a protest.

警察は抗議を封じ込めようとした。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

抗議 vs 苦情 (kujō)

Both involve complaining.

Kujō is for personal dissatisfaction (bad service); Kōgi is for principles or justice.

騒音に苦情を言う (Complain about noise) vs. 不当な法律に抗議する (Protest an unfair law).

抗議 vs 異議 (igi)

Both mean objection.

Igi is more technical/legal; Kōgi is more general/public.

判定に異議を唱える (Object to a ruling) vs. 差別に抗議する (Protest discrimination).

抗議 vs 反対 (hantai)

Both show disagreement.

Hantai is the state of being against; Kōgi is the action of protesting.

私は反対です (I am against it) vs. 私は抗議しました (I protested).

抗議 vs 文句 (monku)

Both involve saying something negative.

Monku is casual grumbling or whining; Kōgi is formal and serious.

ご飯に文句を言う (Grumble about food) vs. 会社のやり方に抗議する (Protest company methods).

抗議 vs 不服 (fufuku)

Both mean not accepting a decision.

Fufuku is an internal state or formal appeal; Kōgi is an external action.

不服を申し立てる (File an appeal) vs. 抗議デモをする (Hold a protest march).

Padrões de frases

A1

[Subject] は [Target] に 抗議しました。

私は先生に抗議しました。

A2

[Reason] ので、抗議します。

不公平なので、抗議します。

B1

[Target] に対する抗議の [Noun]。

政府に対する抗議のデモ。

B2

[Target] に正式に抗議を申し入れる。

会社に正式に抗議を申し入れた。

C1

抗議の声を上げる。

不当な差別に抗議の声を上げる。

C1

[Method] をもって抗議の意を表す。

沈黙をもって抗議の意を表す。

C2

抗議の矛先が [Target] に向く。

抗議の矛先が市長に向いた。

C2

抗議を辞さない構えだ。

組合はストライキによる抗議を辞さない構えだ。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

抗議 (protest)
抗議者 (protester)
抗議文 (letter of protest)
抗議デモ (protest demo)

Verbos

抗議する (to protest)

Adjetivos

抗議的な (protest-like/defiant)

Relacionado

反抗 (rebellion)
対抗 (opposition/rivalry)
抵抗 (resistance)
議論 (discussion)
決議 (resolution)

Como usar

frequency

Common in news, sports, and formal writing. Rare in casual daily chats unless discussing serious topics.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'kōgi' for minor complaints. Using 'monku' or 'kujō'.

    Kōgi is too heavy for things like cold food or slow internet.

  • Mispronouncing it as 'kogi'. Pronouncing it as 'kōgi'.

    The long 'o' is essential; otherwise, it sounds like 'rowing'.

  • Using 'wo' for the target of protest. Using 'ni' or 'ni taishite'.

    Kōgi-suru is an intransitive verb structure in this context.

  • Writing the kanji for 'lecture' (講義) by mistake. Using 抗議.

    The radicals (hand vs. speech) change the meaning entirely.

  • Using 'kōgi' when you just mean 'opposite' (hantai). Using 'hantai'.

    Kōgi is an active protest, not just a passive disagreement.

Dicas

Context is King

Always check if the situation is serious enough for 'kōgi'. If it's just a personal annoyance, stick to 'kujō'.

The 'Resist' Kanji

The first kanji 抗 is also in 'teikou' (resistance). Thinking of it as 'standing up against' helps.

Watch the Pitch

Practice saying 'ko-o-gi' with a flat tone to avoid sounding like you're saying 'lecture'.

Stroke Order

The kanji 議 has 20 strokes. Take your time with the 'speech' radical on the left.

News Keywords

When you hear 'kōgi', listen for 'seifu' (government) or 'fubun' (unfairness) to confirm the meaning.

The 'Ni' Particle

Remember: Target + NI + Kōgi. Never use 'wo' for the target of the protest.

Diplomatic Code

In Japanese news, 'kōgi' is a specific level of diplomatic complaint. It's stronger than 'iken' (opinion).

Hantai vs. Kōgi

Hantai = 'I don't like it.' Kōgi = 'I'm telling you I don't like it and why it's wrong.'

Compound Power

Learn 'kōgi demo' as one set. It's the most common way to talk about public protests.

Kōgi the Coach

Imagine a coach (Kōgi) protesting a bad call. It fits the sports context perfectly.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine you are at a **K**araoke **O**pen **G**ig (**KOGI**) and the DJ refuses to play your song. You stand up and **protest**! 'Kōgi!'

Associação visual

A person holding a megaphone with the kanji 抗議 written on it, standing in front of a large, gray government building.

Word Web

Protest Objection Ref Government Signs Justice Formal Voice

Desafio

Try to find one news article today on NHK News Web Easy that uses the word '抗議' and summarize what they are protesting.

Origem da palavra

Borrowed from Classical Chinese. The first character '抗' (kòu) means to resist or stand up against. The second character '議' (yì) means to discuss, deliberate, or a formal opinion.

Significado original: To offer a resisting opinion or a formal deliberation against something.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Be aware that 'kōgi' can be a politically charged word. Using it in a workplace might be seen as very confrontational compared to 'soudan' (consultation).

In English, 'protest' can be very casual ('I protest this homework!'), but in Japanese, 'kōgi' usually sounds more official or serious.

Anpo Protests (1960/1970) Friday Night Protests at the Prime Minister's Official Residence Black Lives Matter Tokyo Marches

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Politics

  • 政府に抗議する
  • 抗議デモに参加する
  • 抗議声明を出す
  • 法案に抗議する

Sports

  • 審判に抗議する
  • 判定に抗議する
  • 猛抗議を行う
  • 抗議で退場になる

Workplace

  • 不当解雇に抗議する
  • 残業代未払いに抗議する
  • 抗議文を提出する
  • 組合で抗議する

International Relations

  • 正式に抗議する
  • 厳重に抗議する
  • 抗議を申し入れる
  • 抗議の意を表す

Social Media

  • SNSで抗議する
  • 抗議のハッシュタグ
  • 抗議が殺到する
  • ネットで抗議の声を上げる

Iniciadores de conversa

"最近、ニュースでどんな抗議デモを見ましたか? (What kind of protest demos have you seen on the news lately?)"

"不公平なルールに抗議したことがありますか? (Have you ever protested against an unfair rule?)"

"スポーツの試合で、審判に抗議するのは正しいと思いますか? (Do you think it's right to protest to the referee in a sports match?)"

"抗議の手紙を書くとしたら、何について書きますか? (If you were to write a letter of protest, what would it be about?)"

"SNSでの抗議活動は、社会を変える力があると思いますか? (Do you think protest activities on SNS have the power to change society?)"

Temas para diário

あなたが今までで一番『これは抗議すべきだ』と思った出来事について書いてください。 (Write about an event where you thought, 'I should definitely protest this.')

抗議と文句の違いは何だと思いますか?あなたの考えを日本語で説明してください。 (What do you think is the difference between a protest and a complaint? Explain your thoughts in Japanese.)

もし自分がリーダーだったら、部下からの抗議にどう対応しますか? (If you were a leader, how would you respond to a protest from your subordinates?)

平和的な抗議活動の重要性について、自分の意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on the importance of peaceful protest activities.)

歴史上の有名な抗議について調べ、その影響をまとめてください。 (Research a famous historical protest and summarize its impact.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Usually no. That would be 'kureemu' (claim) or 'kujō' (complaint). Use 'kōgi' only if the restaurant is doing something morally wrong or discriminatory.

It is a formal word, but it is not 'polite' in terms of being soft. It is a direct and serious way to show disagreement. In a business setting, it can be quite strong.

'Igi' is often used in legal contexts like 'Objection!' in court. 'Kōgi' is what you see in the streets or in international news. 'Igi' is about procedure; 'kōgi' is about justice.

You can say '抗議デモ' (kōgi demo) or '抗議行進' (kōgi koushin).

Yes, often when a character stands up to a corrupt teacher or a villain. It signals a moment of moral standing.

Yes, that means 'to stop the protest.' You can also say 'kōgi o torisageru' which means 'to withdraw the protest'.

Usually 'ni' (に) or 'ni taishite' (に対して) for the thing you are protesting. Use 'de' (で) for the method, like 'demo de kōgi suru' (protest by demo).

Yes, it is 'kougi' (こうぎ). If you say it short like 'kogi', it sounds like 'rowing a boat' (漕ぎ).

It is a 'written protest' or a 'letter of protest.' People send these to companies or government offices.

Yes, add 'suru' to make '抗議する' (to protest).

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence: 'I protested to the company.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'They held a protest demo.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I strongly protest against discrimination.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '抗議の声'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a formal protest sentence to the government.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The player protested the referee's decision.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He wrote a letter of protest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The protest was ignored.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'We must raise our voices in protest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The protest rally was peaceful.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Explain the difference between kōgi and monku in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'She protested the unfair grade.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Protests flooded into the TV station.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'As a sign of protest, I will not eat.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The labor union is protesting.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I received a protest from a customer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The protest spread across the country.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I want to withdraw my protest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The manager's protest was long.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: 'There is no reason for protest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronounce '抗議' (Kōgi) correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I protest the referee.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'Let's raise our voices in protest.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I strongly protest against this policy.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I will lodge a formal protest.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The protest demo is on Saturday.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I received a protest from him.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'There were many protests on SNS.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'He protested with silence.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The protest rally was huge.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Explain why you are protesting (in Japanese).

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I want to send a protest letter.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The protest was successful.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I will not withdraw my protest.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The voices of protest are growing.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'This is a formal protest.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'I protest against the discrimination.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'He is a brave protester.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Please listen to our protest.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'The protest activities started today.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

What is being protested? (Audio: 選手が審判に抗議している。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

What did they do? (Audio: 抗議デモに参加しました。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

What was sent? (Audio: 会社に抗議文を送った。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

How did he protest? (Audio: 彼は沈黙をもって抗議した。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Is the protest official? (Audio: 正式に抗議を申し入れた。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Where is the protest? (Audio: 大使館の前で抗議集会がある。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

What is the intensity? (Audio: 激しい抗議を受けた。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

What happened to the protest? (Audio: 抗議を撤回した。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Who is protesting? (Audio: 労働組合が抗議している。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

What is the target? (Audio: 増税に抗議する。)

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listening

What was raised? (Audio: 抗議の声が上がった。)

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listening

Was the protest ignored? (Audio: 抗議は無視された。)

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Is there a protest tomorrow? (Audio: 明日、抗議デモがあります。)

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listening

How many people? (Audio: 千人が抗議に参加した。)

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listening

What is the tone? (Audio: 厳重に抗議します。)

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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