文 明(ぶんめい)

ぶんめい

noun

civilization

1. civilization

An advanced state of human society characterized by developed culture, science, technology, and government.

古代(こだい)文明(ぶんめい)について学(まな)んだ。

I learned about ancient civilizations.

西洋(せいよう)文明(ぶんめい)が日本(にほん)に影響(えいきょう)を与(あた)えた。

Western civilization influenced Japan.

文明(ぶんめい)の利器(りき)を享受(きょうじゅ)する。

To enjoy the benefits of modern civilization.

文明の利器 = the conveniences/benefits of civilization

Usage: 文明(ぶんめい) refers to large-scale human societies and their achievements. It often contrasts with nature or primitive states.

Common patterns

古代(こだい)文明(ぶんめい) (ancient civilization)
現代(げんだい)文明(ぶんめい) (modern civilization)
西洋(せいよう)/東洋(とうよう)文明(ぶんめい) (Western/Eastern civilization)
文明(ぶんめい)社会(しゃかい) (civilized society)
文明(ぶんめい)の利器(りき) (conveniences of civilization)

Similar words

文化(ぶんか) - culture (more specific to arts, customs)
文明(ぶんめい) - civilization (broader, technological/social development)

Related Words

Compare: 文化(ぶんか) (culture)

Compare: 野蛮(やばん) (barbaric)

general

Added 2026.1.13 0:35 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02

03500/03611_bunmei