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).
ここは写真撮影が禁です。
Photography is prohibited here.
禁を破ると罰せられる。
If you break the ban, you will be punished.
This temple prohibits the taking of life.
彼は禁を破って城に入った。
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
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; prohibition · contraindication
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