1.
peace, tranquility, serenity
A state of calm and safety, free from disturbance or anxiety. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
平安を祈る。
To pray for peace.
家族の平安を願って手を合わせた。
I put my hands together in prayer, wishing for my family's safety.
戦争が終わり、ようやく平安な日々が戻ってきた。
The war ended and peaceful days finally returned.
2.
Heian (period/era)
The Heian period (794–1185), a classical era of Japanese history known for the flourishing of court culture, literature, and the arts. Also used as a prefix meaning 'of the Heian period.'
平安時代は約400年続いた。
The Heian period lasted about 400 years.
平安時代の貴族は和歌を詠むことを大切にしていた。
Heian-period aristocrats valued composing waka poetry.
平安京は現在の京都にあたり、日本の政治と文化の中心だった。
Heian-kyō corresponds to present-day Kyoto and was the center of Japanese politics and culture.
USAGE:
In sense 1, 平安 is more literary and formal than 平和. It often implies inner peace or personal safety rather than the absence of war. Frequently used in religious and spiritual contexts.
In sense 2, 平安 is short for 平安時代 (794–1185). Key cultural associations include 源氏物語 (The Tale of Genji), 枕草子 (The Pillow Book), and the development of hiragana.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 平安を祈る: to pray for peace
- 平安時代: the Heian period
- 平安京: Heian-kyō (ancient Kyoto)
- 平安貴族: Heian aristocracy
- 平安文学: Heian literature