IA02 · Politics

Before you start

This level assumes the intermediate level and intermediate grammar. Words are in kanji with furigana, and the notes explain their register: which belong to the press and documents and which to conversation.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• IA01understanding economic news

What you learn

Political news uses many two-kanji compounds. Some come in pairs: 与党 and 野党, 賛成 and 反対.

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

• 政治せいじseijipolitics政治 is politics in general; 政策 (this lesson) is a specific government policy.
• 政策せいさくseisakupolicy
• 国会こっかいkokkaiparliament, the Diet
• 議員ぎいんgiinmember of parliament
• 首相しゅしょうshushouprime minister首相 is the press term; in conversation you also hear 総理 (そうり), from 総理大臣.
• 与党よとうyotouruling party与党 (ruling party) and 野党 (opposition) come as a pair.
• 野党やとうyatouopposition party
• 投票とうひょうtouhyouvote, voting投票 is the act of voting (投票する); 選挙 (IN01) is the election.
• 改革かいかくkaikakureform
• 支持しじshijisupport, backing支持 is support for a person or idea (支持率, approval rating). Don't confuse it with 指示 (しじ, instruction).

Practice

A short text with words and grammar you already know; kanji carry their reading above. Read it and answer.