平和
heiwa[he̞ːβ̞a̠]
The English word "peace" is translated into Japanese as 平和 (heiwa).
平和 refers to a state of being free from war. The term 平和主義 is used to express the political or philosophical stance of pacifism. While 平和 refers to the absence of war or social conflict, 安らぎ refers to a personal sense of peace, calm or tranquility.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a na-adjective to describe a noun, 平和 takes the particle な.
How do you pronounce it?
heiwa
Did you know?
- The word 平和 was not common in ancient Japanese and only became widely used during the Meiji era to translate Western concepts of 'peace'.
- The character 和 in 平和 is the same character used to represent 'Japan' as a whole in various diplomatic and cultural contexts.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'peace' is often visually associated with the 'peace sign' gesture, which became a symbol of anti-war sentiment during the 1960s and 70s.
Examples in context
- 鳩は平和の象徴です。The dove is a symbol of peace.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the word as a symbol.Tatoeba #10667558 by small_snow, translation #35131 by CK
- 平和会談は今週始まる。The peace talks begin this week.This sentence shows how to use the word in the context of political or diplomatic talks.Tatoeba #83532 by tommy__san, translation #320184 by xtofu80
- 平和はとても大切です。Peace is of great importance.This sentence demonstrates how to express the importance of peace.Tatoeba #83539 by small_snow, translation #320177 by CM
- 戦争なしに平和な世界を築きたい。I want to build a peaceful world without war.
- 平穏な心で問題に取り組むことは大切です。It is important to approach problems with a peaceful mind.
- いっしょに写真を撮るとき、みんなが「ピース！」と言っています。When taking a photo together, everyone says "peace!"
- おだやかな音楽は心に平和をもたらします。Calm music brings peace to the heart.
- 73 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about current world news in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui最近のニュースは暗い話題ばかりですね。Saikin no nyuusu wa kurai wadai bakari desu ne.The news lately is nothing but dark topics.
- 蓮 Ren本当に。世界に平和が必要だね。Hontou ni. Sekai ni heiwa ga hitsuyou da ne.Truly. The world needs peace.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんは平和のために何ができると思いますか？Ren-san wa heiwa no tame ni nani ga dekiru to omoimasu ka?Ren, what do you think can be done for peace?
- 蓮 Renまずは身近な対話を大切にすることだよ。Mazu wa mijika na taiwa o taisetsu ni suru koto da yo.First, it is about valuing the conversations around us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peace” translations and entries 平和, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 平和, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
