情報

じょうほう

information, (military) intelligence

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "情報" (じょうほう) means "information" or "intelligence." It is commonly used in everyday conversation, business, and media contexts to refer to data, news, or knowledge that someone obtains or shares.

Common Contexts

  • News and media: referring to news reports or updates.
  • Technology and internet: data or information found online.
  • Security and police: intelligence about suspects or situations.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 最新の情報 (さいしんのじょうほう): latest information
  • 情報を集める (じょうほうをあつめる): to gather information
  • 情報を提供する (じょうほうをていきょうする): to provide information
  • 秘密の情報 (ひみつのじょうほう): confidential information

Register and Nuance

"情報" is a neutral and formal noun, suitable for both casual and formal situations. It is often used in written and spoken Japanese without any special politeness suffixes.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "情報" with "知識" (ちしき, knowledge). "情報" refers to specific pieces of data or news, while "知識" is broader knowledge or understanding. Use "情報" when talking about concrete facts or news.

Example Sentences

いんたーねっとでさいしんのじょうほうをしらべました。

I looked up the latest information on the internet.

けいさつははんにんのじょうほうをあつめています。

The police are gathering information about the criminal.

このじょうほうはひみつにしてください。

Please keep this information confidential.