Used for official or explicit bans, often in signs, rules, or formal contexts. Frequently appears in compounds like 禁煙 (no smoking) or 禁止 (prohibition).
Photography is prohibited here.
This temple prohibits the taking of life.
If you break the ban, you will be punished.
He broke the prohibition and entered the castle.
禁物 names a specific forbidden thing or act (a taboo), whereas 禁 is the abstract concept of prohibition itself.
prohibition; ban
lifting a ban; raising an embargo; opening a season · releasing information; publishing previously withheld content
abstaining from smoking; quitting smoking · prohibition of smoking; smoking ban · No Smoking; Smoking Prohibited
forbid; ban; prohibit · suppress (a feeling, laughter); hold back (tears)
confinement; imprisonment; incarceration
prohibition; interdiction · forbidden; prohibited
abstinence from alcohol; temperance · prohibition of drinking
strict prohibition; ban
taboo; prohibition · contraindication
Standard kanji form; commonly used in compounds and as a standalone noun.
The kanji 禁 has long been used to express prohibition or restriction. The reading きん is the standard on'yomi.
taboo; no-no; thing to avoid
incontinence; involuntary urination/defecation
banned book; banning of books
prohibition; ban; embargo
forbid; ban; prohibit · suppress (a feeling, laughter); hold back (tears)
detention; custody; confinement
abstinence; self-denial; asceticism
house arrest; confinement to one's residence
ban on sale; prohibition of sale
imprisonment without forced labour; incarceration; confinement
taboo word; forbidden topic · forbidden words (in classical poetry)
embargo; trade ban
Imperial Palace; court
prohibition; ban; forbidden rule
fishing ban; prohibition of fishing
no parking
imprisonment (as a penalty)
protecting the emperor; imperial guard
prohibition; ban; embargo
ban on entering; barred from entry
state prohibition; national ban