保険
Meanings
Financial protection against loss, illness, accidents, etc. Used in compounds like 生命保険 (life insurance) and 自動車保険 (car insurance).
I took out insurance before going on an overseas trip.
This hospital accepts insurance.
guarantee; warranty; safeguard
A promise or measure that ensures something will happen or be protected; often used figuratively. Common in phrases like 保険をかける (to take precautions) or 保険の意味で (as a safeguard).
Applying to one more university is a safeguard in case I don't pass.
Backing up data is a kind of insurance.
Usage patterns
- 保険に入るto take out / sign up for insurance
I took out life insurance after getting married.
- 〈事〉の保険としてas a safeguard/precaution against something
I prepared another plan as a safeguard in case things failed.
- 保険を使うto use one's insurance (e.g. to cover a claim)
When the accident happened, I used my insurance to cover the repair costs.
- 保険が効くfor insurance to apply/cover (a cost)
This treatment isn't covered by insurance.
- 保険金を受け取るto receive an insurance payout
After the fire, I received the insurance payout.
- 保険を解約するto cancel an insurance policy
I canceled the insurance policy since I no longer needed it.
Expressions
- 保険をかけるinsure (something) · hedge one's bets; play it safe; have a backup plan